Reception volunteer roles

It’s vital for an older person’s wellbeing to have access to affordable leisure and recreational facilities. As a volunteer Receptionist, you will be a welcoming face within our Isabel Blackman Centre (IBC) Reception team. You will get a chance to meet new people and work with an excellent team of volunteers. It’s important to us that we provide a warm, affordable, and enjoyable place for our clients and visitors to learn something new, socialise, and keep fit.

The Isabel Blackman Centre (IBC) provides a restaurant, leisure facilities, activities and events space, treatment rooms, and a community shop within the heart of the Old Town, Hastings.

You will have a sociable attitude, be reliable and honest, empathic, a good listener, and have a love of meeting and greeting new people. You will be presenting a smart and professional image, whilst, ensuring all clients and visitors feel welcome and valued when they visit or contact the Isabel Blackman Centre (IBC).

You will also be multi-tasking by assisting with supporting telephone enquiries and getting involved with general administration. You will need to be willing to maintain a good working knowledge of services and facilities provided by the centre, and be comfortable with taking bookings and handling cash and credit card transactions. You will need to be educated to GCSE level or equivalent in English and Mathematics, and competent in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Outlook, and Excel.

The time commitment required is usually a minimum of three hours per week, but we’re also happy to have more flexible times. We will provide all the training and support that you need and reimburse the cost of any reasonably incurred out-of-pocket expenses.

We currently need someone to cover reception on Wednesday Mornings.

Bilingual/Multilingual Welcome & Reception Volunteer - Merseyside

Do you want to help people experiencing the housing emergency?

Information about the role

You’ll be an essential part of the team, welcoming clients and visitors to the hub. You’ll be providing information and key admin support that enables people to get the help they need with their housing.

Location: Holy Trinity Church, Richmond Park, Liverpool, Merseyside

Suggested contribution: One day per week (can be flexible around your commitments)

Availability: Volunteering will take place at a time that suits you, within Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details. 

Main activities may include:

• • Meeting and greeting clients and visitors

  • Interpreting for clients that come to the drop –in 

  • Translating resources for the drop-in

  • Covering reception duties and being the first point of contact for the hub.

  • Booking in clients for appointments with our advisors.

  • Responding to general enquiries both in person and over the phone.

  • Signposting people to other appropriate services.

  • General administrative tasks (such as photocopying, scanning, data entry, filing)

This role fights the housing emergency by enabling people who are struggling with housing or homelessness to get the advice and support they need. 

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience

We welcome applicants that are fluent in English and one other language. We particularly welcome applicants that speak, Arabic. Kurdish (multiple dialects) and Tigrinya.

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences. 

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance. 

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us to see what options are available.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a basic level Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

Volunteer Receptionist / Administration Support

Organisation: Rotherham & Barnsley Mind
Location: Osborne House, Rotherham
(May be required to work at other RB Mind locations occasionally)
Responsible to: Director of Services
Role Type: Voluntary (unpaid)
Time Commitment: Flexible
Expenses: Reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses reimbursed in line with policy

About the Role

Rotherham & Barnsley Mind are seeking a Receptionist / Administration Support Volunteer to provide a friendly, professional front‑of‑house service at our Rotherham office.

This is a key volunteer role within the organisation. As the first point of contact, you will help create a welcoming, calm and supportive environment for people accessing our mental health services, as well as staff, volunteers and visitors.

The role also includes a range of general administrative tasks to support the smooth running of the organisation. We are looking for a reliable and flexible volunteer who enjoys working with people and supporting a busy office environment.

Key Responsibilities

Reception & Front‑of‑House

• Provide a warm, respectful and professional welcome to all visitors
• Answer incoming telephone calls, take messages and direct enquiries appropriately
• Ensure visitors sign in and out of the building in line with Health & Safety procedures
• Maintain a tidy, welcoming reception and waiting area
• Make refreshments for visitors where required
• Act as a first point of contact for suppliers and contractors
• Support cashless payments for services where applicable (with training and supervision)

Administration & Office Support

• Support with general administrative tasks such as photocopying, scanning and printing
• Assist with managing the room booking diary
• Deal with incoming and outgoing post
• Support stock checks and ordering of office supplies (e.g. stationery and kitchen items)
• Input basic information and update records on internal systems, following GDPR guidance
• Provide ad‑hoc administrative support to staff and services as required

Health, Safety & Safeguarding

• Support the Office Manager in maintaining a safe and secure building
• Assist with opening and closing the building, where appropriate and agreed
• Undertake health and safety responsibilities appropriate to a volunteer role
  (e.g. fire marshal or first aid support – training provided if required)
• Recognise and promptly raise any safeguarding concerns with a named staff member

Boundaries of the Role

This is a non‑therapeutic volunteer role. You will not be expected to provide counselling or mental health advice. Clear boundaries will be in place, and support will always be available from staff.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

Essential

• Friendly, approachable and non‑judgemental manner
• Good communication skills, both face‑to‑face and on the telephone
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Reliability and commitment to agreed volunteer hours
• Willingness to follow policies, procedures and guidance

Desirable

• Previous reception, administration or customer service experience
• Basic IT skills (email, Word, simple record systems)
• Interest in mental health, wellbeing and community services
• Experience working with the public or in a support environment

What We Offer

• Full volunteer induction and role‑specific training
• Ongoing support and supervision
• Training in safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and boundaries
• Opportunity to develop transferable administration and communication skills
• Experience within a leading mental health charity
• A chance to make a meaningful difference to your local community

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Rotherham & Barnsley Mind is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and with lived experience of mental health, and we make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.

Safeguarding & Checks

An Enhanced DBS check may be required for this role depending on duties and access to vulnerable adults. This will be arranged and paid for by the organisation.

Confident and Capable volunteers are required to help us with our charity admin.

Are you retired or looking to get back into work and are confident on the phone and using IT? 

If so you may be the person we are looking for !

We need people to help us:

• Answer calls and prpvode advice and information
• Support the running of our reception desk 
• Help with data inputting and maintenance 
• Assist with general office admin tasks 

If you are passionate abourt supporing vulnerable people in the community and have a few spare hours each week then please get in touch !

We offer:

• Full induction
• Flexible hours
• Onsite parking
• Access to free training and develeopment 
• References after three months 
• Expenses covered
• Volunteer social events 
• Volunteer Community awards 

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Cromer charity shop by providing a warm welcome to our customers and processing sales through the till and card machine. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Greeting customers and serving them in a friendly, helpful and courteous manner
• Answering questions from customers, donors and supporters
• Processing sales through the till and card machine
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and instore sales campaigns

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Good communication and numeracy skills
• Previous customer service or retail experience would be beneficial but not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience
• Your time will help us to make a difference to the welfare of the animals in your area

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Summary

To be the first point of contact for families at our centres, providing administrative support and helping ensure the smooth running of the service.

Detailed description

We are looking for Volunteer Administrators for the following locations:

Broadwater Family Centre, Stevenage

Windmill Family Centre, Hemel Hempstead

Sopwell Family Centre, St Albans

Westfield & Littlebury Family Centre, Watford

The BECC Family Centre, Borehamwood

Main responsibilities

·Welcome families, visitors, and professionals to the Family Centre in a friendly and professional manner.

·Answer telephone calls and take messages accurately.

·Assist staff with administrative tasks such as photocopying, filing, and preparing resources.

·Input data into systems, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

·Help maintain an organised and tidy reception and office space.

·Support the preparation of publicity materials, newsletters, and information displays.

·Signpost visitors to the appropriate staff member for further support.

·Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

·Friendly, welcoming, and professional manner.

·Good organisational and communication skills.

·Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet)

·Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.

·Respectful of confidentiality and sensitive information.

·Understanding of diversity and inclusive practice.

·Previous office or reception experience is helpful but not essential.

Training / Support

·A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

·Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

·To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

·Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

·Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

·Undergo enhanced DBS check

·X2 References required

·Undertake additional training as and when required

·We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Dereham charity shop by providing a warm welcome to our customers and processing sales through the till and card machine. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Greeting customers and serving them in a friendly, helpful and courteous manner
• Answering questions from customers, donors and supporters
• Processing sales through the till and card machine
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and instore sales campaigns

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Good communication and numeracy skills
• Previous customer service or retail experience would be beneficial but not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience
• Your time will help us to make a difference to the welfare of the animals in your area

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Magdalen Street charity shop by providing a warm welcome to our customers and processing sales through the till and card machine. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Greeting customers and serving them in a friendly, helpful and courteous manner
• Answering questions from customers, donors and supporters
• Processing sales through the till and card machine
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and instore sales campaigns

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Good communication and numeracy skills
• Previous customer service or retail experience would be beneficial but not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience
• Your time will help us to make a difference to the welfare of the animals in your area

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Attleborough charity shop by providing a warm welcome to our customers and processing sales through the till and card machine. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Greeting customers and serving them in a friendly, helpful and courteous manner
• Answering questions from customers, donors and supporters
• Processing sales through the till and card machine
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and instore sales campaigns

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Good communication and numeracy skills
• Previous customer service or retail experience would be beneficial but not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience
• Your time will help us to make a difference to the welfare of the animals in your area

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We are unable to accept volunteers who are under 16.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to support our Queens Road charity shop by providing a warm welcome to our customers and processing sales through the till and card machine. The time you dedicate will help us to make the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops and raise more funds for our vital animal welfare work.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Greeting customers and serving them in a friendly, helpful and courteous manner
• Answering questions from customers, donors and supporters
• Processing sales through the till and card machine
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and instore sales campaigns

Relevant training and support will be provided.

What we are looking for:

• Friendly, helpful and confident when working with the public
• Good communication and numeracy skills
• Previous customer service or retail experience would be beneficial but not necessary as full training will be given

Flexible days and hours to be agreed.

What we can offer you:

• Join a friendly team and meet new people
• Gain new skills and experience
• Your time will help us to make a difference to the welfare of the animals in your area

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and taster sessions. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Our charity funds around £100 million of research each year into all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them. Heart diseases. Stroke. Vascular dementia. Diabetes. They're all connected, and they're all under our microscope.  Our volunteers help us fund lifesaving science to improve the lives of families and loved ones living with heart and circulatory disease. Volunteering with us is easy, flexible, and inclusive. If you can spare a few hours a week, or a couple of hours occasionally, we’d love you to join our volunteer team. 

Could you be the friendly face of your local British Heart Foundation shop? With support around you and full training provided, you will be processing sales through the till as a volunteer cashier, talking to customers and thanking every donor - helping us continue to fund life saving research. This is a customer focussed role where you will meet and interact with a wide range of people.  

Just so you know, we are unable to accept volunteers aged under 17 or with unspent criminal convictions. Please note this is an unpaid voluntary position in a friendly charity shop.  

Typical tasks include:

• Engaging with customers and serving them in a helpful and friendly way
• Answering questions from customer, donors and supporters
• Communicating with fellow volunteers about what has sold and needs re-stocking
• Honing your retail and cashier skills behind the till and taking payments
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and sales campaigns

Volunteering with British Heart Foundation comes with plenty of benefits too… 

• A 25% discount on donated goods and 10% discount on New Goods in our shops
• Unlimited, free, and confidential support by Retail Trust
• Access to training and development 
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed 
• Refreshments available  
• Volunteer certificates, references and long service awards provided
• Access to discounts with other retailers 

Although words are important what so often speaks to our guests is our love and service. They see Jesus through our acts of service and willingness to put others before ourselves. We seek to build a sense of community where people feel they are coming into our family and our home. Our resident community are an essential part of that welcome, that sense of family.

What sort of person are we looking for?

Someone who above all else wants to grow in their own faith and help others to do the same. You need to have a sense of calling to be here – ie a sense that this is where God wants you at this time. You are joining a community and need to be committed to meeting and seeking God as a community and wider team. You will need to be willing to serve and help out wherever needed although we do seek to place people on the teams they are most suited to, not just where there is a need.

What do we ask of you?

We ask for 30 hours service each week. Often this involves housekeeping, washing up, laying tables, serving at meal times, spending time with guests, helping welcome guests or covering reception. It may also involve helping in the gardens or painting. You will expected to join in with times of prayer and worship together as a community and spend time on your own regularly praying and reading the Bible. Depending on your age, confidence and experience you may be asked to lock up a couple of evenings a week and be on-call.

What do we offer you?

We offer a supportive and prayerful environment and if you feel it would be helpful, coaching or mentoring. We offer times of worship and prayer as a team and resident community. Accommodation and meals are provided and a small allowance to cover essentials. You will have two days off a week and additional time off for holidays. This is an ideal ‘time out’ to give you time to reflect on where God may be leading you next and how he may want you to grow.

How long can I come for:

We ask that people come for a minimum of 6 months as it takes time to settle in. We would normally suggest a maximum of one year initially with the possibility of extending this where appropriate.

How do I apply?

Visit our website for more information or give us a call. 

Our small friendly Charity Shop in South Westminster

As well as being an important source of revenue for the Centre, the shop on Horseferry Road is the public face of the Cardinal Hume Centre to the residents and workers of Westminster. It can be a very busy environment with lots of regular customers. You will be part of a friendly, international team!  You will receive excellent support and opportunities to learn team skills and customer service.  You can obtain a reference for future employers.

How does this role make a difference?

You will be part of the fundraising team, raising funds to support the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre and promoting the work of the Centre to the public. Typically, the Charity Shop raises in the region of £50,000 per year.

What will you be doing?

Flexibility will be given where possible, but in general, volunteers will undertake the following tasks as part of this role:

· Customer service on the till

· Cashing up at the end of the day and walking the takings round to the reception and handing in to Finance Team

· Greeting and helping customers

· Replenishing the stock on the shop floor

· Sorting donations

· Helping present top items in window display and around the shop

· Promoting the work of the Centre to the public

Want to increase your skills in retail?

If you want to develop in this role, we are keen to support you.  There are more responsibilities you can take on in the shop, for example; opening and closing the shop, cashing up at the end of the day and helping with the induction of new volunteers.  Let us know if this interests you.  We also have employment advisors who can provide employment support.  Furthermore, if you want to expand your experience in the voluntary sector, you can combine your role in the shop with a volunteer role elsewhere in the organisation.

What are we looking for?

No special qualifications are needed to work in our shop, as relevant training will be given, however, we will be asking for the following qualities:

· Over 16+

· Good spoken English needed – at least Entry Level 3

· The ability to contribute to a positive team culture and atmosphere

· Be able to provide a friendly, high-quality service to customers

· A commitment to equal opportunities and to treating all individuals who visit or work in the shop with dignity and respect

· Physically fit - able to lift light bags and boxes and to comfortably use the stairs between the shop floor and the stock room.  Manual handling training will be given.

What is the time commitment?

The shop opening hours are 10am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.  A full or half day (10 – 1pm or 1 – 4.30pm) is ideal, but we are flexible and are grateful for even a couple of hours help each week. Ideally, volunteers will commit to a period of at least 4 months.

How will you be supported?

· You will be supported and trained in all areas of retail and customer service by the Charity Shop Manager and the Assistant Shop Manager.

· You will receive a Centre induction from a Volunteer Coordinator

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel and also lunch if working a full day.

· For volunteers who stay for more than three months, we are happy to provide a reference.

Together Drug and Alcohol Service is the commissioned community drug and alcohol provision for Devon. It provides a range of support, interventions and treatments for those wanting to make positive changes to their drug and/or alcohol use, as well raising awareness and supporting family members.

We have a dedicated Criminal Justice Team that helps people who have become involved in the criminal justice system and who wish to make changes to their drug and/or alcohol use. This involves writing reports to the Court in line with community sentencing, liaising with Probation in order to facilitate Court Orders relating to drug and/or alcohol use and supporting those released from prison as they transition back to community living.

Role overview:

We are looking for a volunteer to meet people on the day they are released from prison, who can support these individuals to attend initial appointments across organisations in the community.

This role would be well suited to someone looking to gain experience working within the criminal justice system and who is willing to develop understanding of the challenges the early days of living back in the community can bring.
Individuals with lived experience are also strongly encouraged.

Volunteers would need to be available from 8am on the day(s) they volunteer, to meet clients in the reception lounge of HMP Exeter // HMP Channing’s Wood.

Tasks may include:

• • Supporting people to attend appointments with probation, allocated police officers or Together Drug and Alcohol Services.
  • Providing a supportive, non-judgemental and listening ear.
  • Co-facilitating group support sessions, including SMART Recovery meetings (training provided)
  • Signposting to other activities / support the service user to work alongside other organisations e.g. GP or additional mental health support services.

All volunteers are asked to adhere to organisational policies including safeguarding, information governance and health and safety.

We would love you to bring to this role:

• • A confident and friendly approach
  • A willingness to learn
  • Ability to problem solve
  • Awareness of the challenges / barriers faced by people entering / at risk of entering the criminal justice system

Skills we would like you to bring to the role:

• • Confident IT skills – aside from any IT skills required for the role, some of our mandatory training is done online through eLearning modules
  • Professional, honest and committed
  • Non-judgmental towards people with lived experience of criminal justice, drugs/alcohol addiction and recovery, mental health or other associated issues
  • Good time keeping
  • Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
  • A driving licence and own transport would be an advantage but is not essential
  • An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website, and you can call a specific project to make enquiries.
  • A genuine interest in being part of the mission, vision and promise of Waythrough

Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training