Management volunteer roles

ClientEarth is looking to add two to three new Trustees to our UK Board of Trustees.

Our Board of Trustees brings together experts from the private sector, B-Corps, non-profits and foundations, law, and the arts to guide and champion the ambition of ClientEarth in the wider environmental movement. They are driven by the urgency of the climate crisis and the relentless destruction of nature, and united in their belief in the law’s essential role in defending people and planet.

We are specifically seeking candidates with significant experience living and working in the EU or Asia-Pacific, given our depth of work in the former and rapid growth in the latter. We are also looking for candidates with the skills and willingness to take up roles on our Finance, Audit, & Investment Committee or our Governance & Risk Committee.

We are seeking outstanding people with diverse insights and experiences to help support this unique organisation in its next chapter. Will you join us?

An online Question and Answer session is scheduled for 10:30 BST / 11:30 CEST, Wednesday 5th August. Click through to the advert on our careers site to find the registration link.

Main duties

The ClientEarth UK Board of Trustees is responsible for agreeing ClientEarth’s overall programmatic and financial strategy; approving the annual budget; and ensuring sound governance, administration, and financial management.

Trustees also have oversight of arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer and the rest of the Executive Team. Day-to-day management of ClientEarth is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, who onward delegates certain functions to the Executive Team, as well as members of the Global Leadership Group.

See our Trustee recruitment brochure, below, for further details.

Key requirements

• Knowledge of or a strong interest in conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and/or social justice
• Strategic vision, sound and independent judgment, and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges of working in a global organisation
• Leadership experience, preferably in finance, business, strategic communications, tech, law, or other relevant sectors
• Significant, relevant experience working in the EU or Asia-Pacific

See our Trustee recruitment brochure, below, for a detailed requirements list.

Further Information

UK Trustees serve a three-year term, and will be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. In exceptional cases, or where necessary to fill a needed skill gap, a Trustee may be offered a third term.

We estimate that Trustees commit on average 8-10 days a year, not including travel.

There is no financial remuneration for Trustees, although Board-related travel expenses may be claimed.

Recruitment timeline

Please read the "Our Hiring Process" section at the bottom of our advert on our careers site for a full overview of our recruitment process. Please note we operate a two-stage application process as detailed below.

• Advertising period: July 13th through to 23:59 BST Tuesday September 15th 2026
• Additional questions submitted by: 18th September 2026
• First round interviews: Early to mid October TBC
• Second round interviews: Late October TBC
• Appointments confirmed by: Early December 2026

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our equity, diversity and inclusion journey page for more.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.

Lead Volunteer Role Description

• To update the Volunteers’ Rota from the Court diary and ensure that each Volunteer in the team and the CCSS office has a copy. Wherever possible, the Rota should be kept on a computer for updating and emailed to the rest of the team and the office. 

• Ensure sufficient numbers of Volunteers are on duty for effective and appropriate support for bereaved families and witnesses who attend the Inquests.

• To arrange and re-arrange the Rota between the Volunteers, noting any holiday or leave of absence dates.

• Ensure a finalised Rota is sent to the office at the end of each month in order for volunteer expenses to be checked and processed.

• To ensure that all the Volunteers have each other’s contact details and the Volunteer emergency contact details are included in the court file and updated when changes occur.

• To ensure monthly and yearly statistics are kept up to date and to send the Monthly Statistics to the Volunteer who collates the stats at the end of each month.

• To ensure there are sufficient Report Forms for the Volunteers’ use if collecting stats in paper format.  If alternative methods of collecting stats are used, to ensure that the team are all using the same method.

• To inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office of the need for more Volunteers or of any leavers.

• To assist with the recruitment interviews and induction of new Volunteers.

• Responsible for the support of new Volunteers and their final sign off.  Where the Lead Volunteer has concerns about the level of support required or the competency of a new Volunteer, they should refer those concerns to the Operations & Training Manager.

• To organise Volunteer team meetings (minimum of 3 meetings per year) and to inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office via email of the dates of these so they can attend if necessary/appropriate.

• To immediately refer any serious concerns raised by the Coroner or Coroner’s Officers to the CEO.

• To inform the CEO immediately of any issues or concerns that arises at the Court that might impact on the CCSS.

• To provide local information for the Helpline Court Information Sheet when requested.

• To ensure the team follow the practices of the court and work in partnership with the court staff.
• To forward any testimonials about the support provided by our volunteers to the CCSS office.

• Responsibility for maintaining the stock of CCSS leaflets.

• Organise cover for themselves when they are on holiday or need to take time off.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator you will: 

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator, you will play a key role in delivering our peer support groups. These groups run all around the county throughout the week. You will work alongside our team of peer support workers and other peer support volunteers.

There is some flexibility with volunteering opportunities ranging from a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly to monthly commitments.

There may also be the opportunity to attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Basic IT knowledge.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• To have empathy and remain non-judgemental.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Experience of leading a group.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have:

• Good knowledge of the local area and organisations.
• Experience with supporting someone with mental illness / ill mental health

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

This role is hybrid based in Birmingham Third Space (687 Stratford Road, B11 4DX)

Volunteers are an integral part of Human Appeal’s success. They are the ones that create real change for those most in need. This is your chance to meet new people, gain new skills and experience and have fun whilst being part of a great cause.​ We are looking for a engagement intern to assist the fundraising and engagement team in developing events, project management and admin support..

Main tasks:

• Administrative tasks such as collating data, contacting signups for pledges, various challenges, deployments and events. 
• Assist with administrational tasks relating to fundraising 
• Create content for social media
• Contact guests who have booked for events
• Research venues, catering and other fundraising related tasks for upcoming events 
• May be asked to go to occasional events dependent on location ​

Skills and Abilities​:

• A good understanding of humanitarian relief
• Effective written and oral communication skills 
• Good content creating and social media skills
• Problem solving skills 
• Ability to prioritise your workload 

Benefits of volunteering with us​:

• Experience of volunteering in an international charity
• Great experience for gaining employment
• Experience of operating within the outreach division of a large organisation
• Excellent training opportunities
• Opportunity to develop knowledge and skills within community engagement and outreach​
• Offer to provide references after 3 months of volunteering
• Support in developing your CV (should you want it)
• Opportunities to take part in Human Appeal events

Learning & Development​:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Human Appeal will provide:

1. This is an unpaid position but we will pay for your “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s volunteer expenses policy
2. A detailed induction and training, providing all the information and skills needed 
3. A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision
4. A volunteer handbook that outlines all of the policies and procedures you will need to be aware of whilst volunteering

Volunteer Role: Event Volunteer

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: A few hours across the year

Reporting to: Adoption Community Manager

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS 

Events organised by Adoption UK Cymru are facilitated face to face or virtual meetings/events run by community group coordinators (who are volunteers) or the Adoption Community Manager. The events are run to offer local networking, support, information, advice, guidance and a sense of community for adoption UK members.

Events are held at different points during the year, and the frequency is dependent on the availability of the Adoption Community Manager or our Community Group Volunteers.

What you will be doing 

There could be a range of tasks depending on the event and your preferences. You could be setting up equipment and displays or helping to check in families on arrival at an event or supporting activities with children or adults. You will be a welcoming face and point of contact for families during an event.   

The Skills and Experience you need 

·Enthusiasm 

·A friendly manner 

·Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

·Ability to work as part of a team 

·Ability to respect and understand the need for confidentiality 

·Flexible and adaptable approach to work 

·Positive and motivated attitude to work 

·Professional approach 

·Ability to respect other people’s differences and choices 

·Confidence to work independently and the ability to recognise when to ask for support or raise concerns if required 

What’s in it for you

·Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

·Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

·Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

·Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a distinctive and values-driven organisation. We are seeking a new Treasurer to join the Board of Trustees and play a crucial role in supporting the organisation’s sustainable future. While prior knowledge of brain injury is not required, the Treasurer is expected to demonstrate an interest in  brain injury, as well as in the Headway community, and to share the organisation’s mission and values.

The Treasurer will lead on the financial strategy, work closely with the Director of Finance, ensuring that financial insight informs the Board’s strategic thinking. This will include thorough pre-review of financial reports ahead of each Board meeting, chairing Finance & Audit Committee meetings, and presenting financial reports to the Board and at the AGM.

The role holder, will support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for the charity’s ambitious strategy and governance. They will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and provide guidance to the Director of Finance and Chief Executive on the strategic management of finances.

Other

Apply the Headway London values and behaviours to every aspect of the role at all times.

Protect and enhance the interests and reputation of Headway London internally and externally.

Commit to the organisational principles of: coproduction equity, diversity and inclusion sustainability.

Headway London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

Basis Yorkshire is seeking a committed and values-driven individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is an opportunity to support a long-standing, specialist organisation working alongside sex workers and people experiencing sexual exploitation across Yorkshire.

Basis has over three decades of experience delivering trauma-informed, non-judgemental support, advocacy, outreach and education. We work with people across all sectors of the sex industry, as well as young people and adults at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation. Our approach is rooted in dignity, agency, social justice and harm reduction, with the voices and experiences of the people we support at the centre of everything we do.

As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a key role in supporting the Board’s oversight of the charity’s financial health, sustainability and governance. While professional financial qualifications are not required, we are looking for someone who is confident in scrutinising financial information, asking constructive questions, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

We are particularly interested in individuals who share our commitment to challenging stigma and inequality, and who can bring thoughtful, independent judgment to Board discussions. Previous experience in the voluntary or community sector, safeguarding, or connections to strategic networks in Leeds would be welcomed.

Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings, contribute to working groups where possible, and engage with role-specific matters between meetings. An enhanced DBS check will be required and arranged by Basis.

We warmly encourage applications from people with diverse lived and professional experiences, particularly those currently underrepresented at the Board level.

The impact you will make:

By supporting local and national fundraising activity, you will help ensure that NCI stations can continue to operate effectively. Your contribution will directly support the volunteers on watch who provide a crucial extra set of eyes along the coast, helping to prevent incidents and assist emergency services when needed.

What you will be doing:

As a volunteer station supporter fundraiser, you will be involved in your stations fundraising activities, including:

• Attending local fundraising events and community activities organised by your station
• Manning stalls at events, shows, and public spaces
• Collecting, checking, and emptying donation boxes in agreed locations
• Assisting with simple fundraising initiatives organised by your local station
• Helping to promote NCI within the local community and encouraging public support

This role is ideal for someone looking to gain experience, confidence, and skills while supporting a coastal water safety charity. Would be beneficial to be located near to an NCI station, or reasonable travelling disctance from a station. Would need to hold a driving licence for travelling to and from events.

Ideally what skills would suit this role:

• Enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to get involved
• Organised individual with project management skills
• Friendly, confident and approachable manner
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Reliability and a flexible approach to tasks
• An interest in supporting coastal safety and local communities

No previous fundraising experience is required – training and support will be provided.

What’s in it for you:

• Be part of a respected national coastal safety charity
• Learn new skills in fundraising
• Meet new people and join a motivated volunteer team making a real difference
• Supporting your local coastal community
• Gain practical experience to enhance your CV
• The chance to develop your professional and personal skills
• The satisfaction of helping protect lives along the coast

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

We are looking for a marketing and communications specialist to help improve our communciations and marketing. This role is focused on:

Role Summary

A strategic marketing and communications role focused on:

• Brand awareness
• Social media and content
• Campaign planning
• Website and digital communications
• Supporting fundraising through storytelling and promotion

Ideal Candidate

Someone creative and organised who understands:

• Digital marketing
• Community engagement
• Content creation
• Campaign management
• Brand consistency

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver marketing campaigns
  Manage social media and website content
• Create flyers, graphics and promotional materials
  Support events and awareness campaigns
  Maintain content calendars and marketing assets
• Analyse engagement and campaign performance

Global South International

We strengthen institutions and create sustainable solutions across the Global South through integrated partnerships.

Research, Policy, and Strategic Insights, Director

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

1. Research Strategy & Organizational Leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead GSI's research agenda and ensure alignment with the organization's seven strategic pillars.
• Provide strategic research leadership to support organizational growth and decision-making.

Key Deliverables

• Develop and implement an annual organizational research agenda.
• Produce quarterly strategic intelligence reports for Executive Leadership.
• Lead departmental planning and performance reviews.

2. Policy Research & Strategic Insights

Responsibilities

• Lead research on economic development, governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, water, and international development.
• Translate research findings into practical policy recommendations.

Key Deliverables

• Publish 6–8 policy briefs or white papers annually.
• Produce monthly policy and global trend updates.
• Deliver evidence-based recommendations supporting GSI programs and advocacy.

3. Research for Resource Mobilization

Responsibilities

• Provide research and technical evidence that strengthens grant proposals, donor engagement, and partnership development.

Key Deliverables

• Support 100% of major grant proposals with research and supporting data.
• Produce country profiles, sector analyses, and needs assessments as required.
• Identify emerging funding and development opportunities.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Organizational Learning

Responsibilities

• Oversee research quality, impact measurement, and organizational learning systems.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making across all departments.

Key Deliverables

• Publish an Annual Impact Report.
• Conduct quarterly program learning reviews.
• Ensure organizational KPIs are supported by reliable data and analysis.

5. Knowledge Management & Strategic Partnerships

Responsibilities

• Strengthen GSI's reputation as a trusted research and policy institution through publications and partnerships.

Key Deliverables

• Publish at least four flagship research reports annually.
• Establish 3–5 new partnerships each year with universities, think tanks, or research institutions.
• Represent GSI at strategic conferences, policy forums, and research networks.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be measured by:

• Delivery of the annual research agenda.
• Number and quality of research publications and policy briefs.
• Research contributions to successful grant proposals and partnerships.
• Timeliness and quality of executive intelligence reports.
• Implementation of MEL and organizational learning systems.
• Number of active academic and research partnerships.
• Evidence of research informing GSI programs, policy engagement, and strategic decisions.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

A conservation NGO in Indonesia is seeking a volunteer accountant to strengthen donor reporting, financial systems and accounting processes.

The organisation works with fishing communities, women and young people to support community based natural resource management, sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation.

The finance team currently relies heavily on Excel and is planning to move to a more structured accounting platform.

The volunteer will work with the team to review budgeting and donor reporting templates, support the transition from Excel, improve reporting consistency, strengthen financial systems and controls, and provide practical mentoring.

This would suit a collaborative volunteer with experience in donor reporting, Excel, accounting systems and small NGO finance.

_________________________________

Accounting for International Development, AfID, matches experienced accountants with charities, NGOs and social enterprises around the world. Our volunteers provide practical finance support, helping partners strengthen systems, reporting, controls and confidence.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.