Recruitment support volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.

What is a Branch Fundraiser?

As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - fundraising workshops.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Local Fundraising Coordinator
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people
• Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events.
•  

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 16

Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

This role would be in the SHPS Refugee Integration and Housing Team in Brent. The volunteer would support Refugee Housing Coaches to ensure clients are achieving their integration goals by meeting with them in person at the Crisis Skylight Brent (CSB) to review their Integration Support Plan (developed with their Coach), and connecting them with relevant community organizations and opportunities. 

What will I be doing?

After clients are supported by Coaches to secure move-on accommodation from the asylum hotels in Wembley, they will be supported by the SHPS Refugee Service for an additional 8 months to sustain their accommodation and focus on their integration goals. The volunteer would help clients to achieve their goals by developing a comprehensive understanding of local services and opportunities i.e finding local ESOL classes, employment support, befriending opportunities, health and leisure activities and much more. The role will involve both mapping local integration opportunities and working 1:1 with clients at CSB to develop their integration plan and signpost/refer accordingly. The volunteer will then liaise with Coaches to update on the integration work completed with clients, and to share key learnings re local services/opportunities. 

Who are we looking for?

 To be successful in this role we are looking for someone who:

• Is empathetic and compassionate to the needs of those experiencing homelessness
• Is able to communicate well with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds including those who have a range of needs (for example mental health and substance misuse) and who may have English as a second language 
• Is a good listener and patient 
• Has an awareness of their local community
• Has a good level of IT literacy as you will need to update member records and support members with understanding websites, email Lead Workers and carry out research
• Can manage difficult conversations, respond in a safe and appropriate way and take the right actions
• Understands the importance of keeping an individual’s personal information secure and private and working within the boundaries of the role to keep everyone safe 
• Is passionate about standing with Crisis and our members to end homelessness

What do I need to do this role?

As part of your recruitment, you will need to provide details for one referee, and we will complete an enhanced disclosure check. Your referee will need to be a professional or academic reference (this could include a referee from a volunteering role). 

This role will be based at Crisis Skylight Brent : 1-2 Bank Buildings, High Street, Harlesden, London, NW10 4LT

Any reasonable expenses incurred in relation to the role will be reimbursed.

We hope this will be a fulfilling opportunity to work with our refugee clients to support their integration ambitions.   

Looe Island Nature Reserve, Looe, Cornwall
Full-time, residential volunteer role
May – October 2026

Do you dream of living and working on your own island, surrounded by wildlife and stunning coastal scenery? This is a rare opportunity to become part of something truly special.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is working to create a Cornwall where nature thrives on land and at sea. For over 60 years, we’ve been inspiring people to connect with and protect the natural world — and Looe Island is one of our most unique and cherished nature reserves.

The Role:

Looe Island is a flagship Destination Nature Reserve, carefully managed by residential wardens who permanently live on the island throughout the season. During the summer months, visitors can explore the island on organised boat trips or stay overnight in our eco-friendly Smuggler’s Cottage or island bell tent.

In 2026, we’re expanding our offer to include new, exclusive tours and immersive experiences — making this an especially exciting time to be involved.

We are seeking volunteer wardens for a joint application from:

• A couple
• Friends or family members
• Or an individual willing to share accommodation

Wardens will live in our simply renovated Island House, with separate bedrooms, and play a key role in caring for the island, supporting visitors, and helping protect its wildlife.

For full details about the role, responsibilities, accommodation, and how to apply, please download the attached Recruitment Pack.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.

What is a Branch Fundraiser?

As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - fundraising workshops.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Local Fundraising Coordinator
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people
• Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 16

Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Are you committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of survivors and marginalised communities through culturally informed therapeutic practice?

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a Volunteer Clinical Therapy Lead to join our founding volunteer team. This role helps ensure that all emotional wellbeing and therapeutic support offered through the organisation is safe, ethical, culturally responsive, and aligned with our survivor-led mission.

As Clinical Therapy Lead, you will provide guidance and oversight for therapy and emotional support activities within the organisation. You will work closely with programme teams, facilitators and safeguarding leads to ensure support is trauma-informed, culturally aware, and responsive to the needs of survivors and community members.

This role combines professional clinical insight with practical collaboration to help build safe and supportive therapy systems for the community.

Experience, Qualifications and Requirements

Essential Experience

• Professional qualification and registration in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling, or a related discipline (HCPC, BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent).

• Experience providing trauma-informed therapeutic support.

• Understanding of how culture, identity and systemic factors affect emotional wellbeing.

• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and ethical clinical practice.

• Ability to assess risk and provide clear clinical guidance in sensitive situations.

• Experience supporting or supervising practitioners, facilitators, or volunteers.

• Strong communication skills, including explaining clinical concepts to non-clinical colleagues.

• Experience working with survivors, vulnerable individuals, or marginalised communities.

Desirable

• Experience working within community, grassroots or voluntary sector organisations.

• Interest in developing culturally responsive therapeutic approaches.
   

Qualifications

Current professional qualification and registration with a recognised regulatory body (HCPC, BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent).

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide clinical guidance to ensure therapy and emotional support services are safe, ethical and trauma-informed.

• Support the planning and delivery of culturally responsive wellbeing programmes.

• Advise staff and volunteers on safeguarding, emotional safety and appropriate support approaches.

• Offer guidance or supervision to facilitators delivering emotional support sessions.

• Review therapy guidelines, safeguarding processes and risk procedures.

• Act as a clinical point of contact for complex situations or safeguarding concerns.

• Support recruitment and training of therapy facilitators or volunteers.

• Monitor feedback and outcomes to help improve wellbeing programmes.

What This Role Offers You

• Leadership experience shaping culturally informed therapeutic support.

• Opportunity to support the wellbeing and recovery of survivors and vulnerable communities.

• Personal and professional growth within a values-led, trauma-informed CIC.

• The chance to help build safe, accessible emotional support systems.

What This Role Is Not For

• Individuals seeking purely traditional or hierarchical clinical roles.

• Those unwilling to work within a survivor-centred, culturally responsive framework.

• People expecting rigid systems without collaboration or community engagement.

A Final Word

Care is always about people, never just processes.

Trust grows through compassion, professionalism and accountability.
Confidentiality is part of safeguarding, not an afterthought.
Respect and cultural awareness sustain meaningful therapeutic relationships.

We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of our work. We are also seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

We are looking for dedicated, creative people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience to join the Age UK Stockport Board of Trustees.

Being a trustee or Chair of any charity, including ours, is to be an active volunteer in your community. Like any volunteer involved in our work, our aim is for you to enjoy what you do with us, know how you contribute towards our work and see the positive impact that you have on people’s lives. 

But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but rewarding, and a big responsibility. Trustees have collective legal responsibilities – you work together for the best interests of Age UK Stockport and for the people in later life we work with across the borough. We will tell you more about these responsibilities elsewhere in the pack. 

If you’re passionate about supporting everyone to make the most of their later life, and you have the skills and experience to help shape and guide our organisation to achieve our vision, we’d like to hear from you.

You will welcome clients and visitors, and support the smooth running of our local office at our drop in sessions on Mondays or Thursdays (or both)

Commitment: 6 hours/week (flexible)

Receptionists are the first point of contact for clients, welcoming visitors. You’ll record client details on our computer system, explain waiting times, and help ensure the service runs smoothly. The role builds communication, IT, and teamwork skills while making a real difference in the community. Full training and expense reimbursement are provided.

What you gain: Communication skills, admin experience, confidence using IT, and full training.

You'll gain valuable transferable skills in communication, problem solving, teamwork.

Whether you are starting out, changing career, retired, or returning to work, volunteering strengthens your CV and provides practical experience.

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEER

First Aid Services Operations deploy hundreds of volunteers and employees every week on community and
commercial events, to make sure first aid is available in our local communities, as and when it is needed.
Operational Support is a flexible role which will work with, and proactively provide support to, various teams
to ensure volunteers always have a positive experience. This could range from carrying out practical tasks
which positively impact our people’s welfare on events, to be a friendly face welcoming new volunteers to
selection events, or existing volunteers to their Clinical Competency Assessments, or even helping Units to
increase their presence in the community.

Expected time commitment: Task specific
Line managed by: Unit Manager or Fellowship Branch Coordinator
Work with and support: Event Manager or District New Volunteer Lead or District Training Lead or
Unit Manager or Fellowship

WHAT YOU WOULD BE INVOLVED IN (DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES)

• On first aid events, work with Event Managers, Treatment Centre Managers, Event Communications teams and Logistics teams, to support the welfare of adult volunteers and employees by taking proactive action. This can include making sure people are taking sufficient breaks, drinking plenty of water, eating appropriately and supporting one another. Other tasks could include helping make and serve refreshments, regularly checking to see if everyone is ok and signposting to support available through MyWellbeing, where necessary.
• Support Training and Recruitment teams on selection events, welcome events, training events and Clinical Competency Assessments, to ensure they run smoothly and are a positive experience. Thiscan include welcoming and signing in attendees, collating and processing relevant paperwork, inputting outcomes on computer programmes, providing refreshments and invigilating written assessments.
• Assist Unit Managers to increase their Unit’s presence in the local community by promoting recruitment opportunities, supporting the fundraising lead and building relationships with local organisations to raise awareness of first aid.
• Perform any other administrative and support duties commensurate with these responsibilities to keep the organisation running smoothly.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR (PERSON SPECIFICATION)

•  Approachable, friendly and able to communicate effectively with a variety of people Required
• Proactive approach to providing practical support to various teams Required
• Passionate about ensuring volunteers always have a positive experience Required
• Basic computer literacy Required
• Willingness to be adaptable, flexible and to travel as needed Desirable
• Basic awareness of first aid if attending events Desirable

WHAT YOU WILL GET FROM THIS ROLE

•  Pride from playing a key part in enabling us to care for the community.
• Personal satisfaction from seeing the positive impact your efforts make.
• Opportunities to meet and build relationships with new people/
• Ongoing support and guidance.

To complete an induction role the role. attend all relevant training courses and complete any relevant on-line training.

The closing date for this advert is 08/05/2026

Interview date, time and location to be advised

To complete an induction role the role. attend all relevant training courses and complete any relevant on-line training.

Training date, time and location to be advised

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential.

What is a Fundraising Coordinator?

As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections, and events.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on a regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent needs. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community. We’d love to hear from you if you could help by coordinating this vital aspect of your local SSAFA branch.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. You would also be out and about at events and meetings. This role would suit someone looking to give a regular time commitment to SSAFA although when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources.
• Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections.
• Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns.
• Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising.
• Planning and running local appeals, collections, and events
• Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations
• Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages.
• Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g., corporates.
• Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - Fundraising workshops. 
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills including written and spoken English.
• Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media.
• Experience of running events and or submitting funding applications would be welcome but not essential.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to make enquires about fundraising opportunities by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEER

First Aid Services Operations deploy hundreds of volunteers and employees every week on community and
commercial events, to make sure first aid is available in our local communities, as and when it is needed.
Operational Support is a flexible role which will work with, and proactively provide support to, various teams
to ensure volunteers always have a positive experience. This could range from carrying out practical tasks
which positively impact our people’s welfare on events, to be a friendly face welcoming new volunteers to
selection events, or existing volunteers to their Clinical Competency Assessments, or even helping Units to
increase their presence in the community.

Expected time commitment: Task specific
Line managed by: Unit Manager or Fellowship Branch Coordinator
Work with and support: Event Manager or District New Volunteer Lead or District Training Lead or
Unit Manager or Fellowship

WHAT YOU WOULD BE INVOLVED IN (DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES)

• On first aid events, work with Event Managers, Treatment Centre Managers, Event Communications teams and Logistics teams, to support the welfare of adult volunteers and employees by taking proactive action. This can include making sure people are taking sufficient breaks, drinking plenty of water, eating appropriately and supporting one another. Other tasks could include helping make and serve refreshments, regularly checking to see if everyone is ok and signposting to support available through My Wellbeing, where necessary.
• Support Training and Recruitment teams on selection events, welcome events, training events and Clinical Competency Assessments, to ensure they run smoothly and are a positive experience. This can include welcoming and signing in attendees, collating and processing relevant paperwork, inputting outcomes on computer programmes, providing refreshments and invigilating written assessments.
• Assist Unit Managers to increase their Unit’s presence in the local community by promoting recruitment opportunities, supporting the fundraising lead and building relationships with local organisations to raise awareness of first aid.
• Perform any other administrative and support duties commensurate with these responsibilities to keep the organisation running smoothly.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR (PERSON SPECIFICATION)

•  Approachable, friendly and able to communicate effectively with a variety of people Required
• Proactive approach to providing practical support to various teams Required
• Passionate about ensuring volunteers always have a positive experience Required
• Basic computer literacy Required
• Willingness to be adaptable, flexible and to travel as needed Desirable
• Basic awareness of first aid if attending events Desirable

WHAT YOU WILL GET FROM THIS ROLE

•  Pride from playing a key part in enabling us to care for the community.
• Personal satisfaction from seeing the positive impact your efforts make.
• Opportunities to meet and build relationships with new people/
• Ongoing support and guidance.

Advantageous to be a driver and willing to train as an SJA basic plus driver.

The closing date for this advert is 12/03/2026

Interview Date, time and location to be advised

Training Date, time and location to be advised

Do you enjoy outdoor spaces, flowers and nature? Can you appreciate the beauty of a well-maintained garden and enjoy taking care of it?

We’re looking for volunteer gardeners to help us maintain our gardens in our Walsall hospice.

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We have three hospices in the West Midlands, which provide a happy homely environment where children can experience all kinds of great activities, meet new friends or relax and enjoy some quiet time.

As a volunteer, you’ll get involved in a variety of hands-on tasks such as planting, weeding, path clearing, sweeping, and general garden maintenance. It's a rewarding way to contribute to our hospice community while enjoying nature and staying active.

Am i right for the role

We are currently seeking volunteers with relevant experience in gardening or outdoor maintenance, as their skills and knowledge will be invaluable in helping us care for and maintain our garden to a high standard.

Hours are flexible throughout the week, as some team members are unable to undertake heavier physical tasks, we are especially interested in applicants who are reasonably fit and enjoy hands-on outdoor work.

Why volunteer at Acorns?

• Achieve a sense of wellbeing that you are helping your local community
• To connect with like-minded people and make new friends
• To enhance your CV by learning new skills and gain valuable experience
• We’ll give you a reference for future work or volunteering
• You’ll get Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and awards
• You’ll receive free mandatory and role specific training

Full training will be provided.

Our recruitment process includes attending interview, obtaining two suitable references and a clear DBS check (instigated by Acorns)

Be a hero to a young person in care!

Are you looking for a meaningful, long-term volunteering role where you can make a positive difference in a young person’s life?

If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We’re seeking compassionate, reliable adults to become Independent Visitors - volunteer mentors and trusted friends to children and young people in care.

What is an Independent Visitor?

An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer befriender and mentor who visits a young person in care once a month, usually on weekends, to enjoy fun, supportive activities together. As an IV, you’ll be a consistent, caring adult outside their professional network - someone who chooses to be there, just for them.

This is a long-term role, and we ask volunteers to commit to at least two years to help build a strong, stable relationship.

We are currently prioritising and seeking applications from volunteers based in the Croydon or Kent area where we have a greater need for volunteers to support childen and young people. 

Why it matters

Young people in care often face instability and frequent change. Having a consistent adult who listens, encourages and simply spends time with them can be life changing.

“My IV is the one person who’s always there for me. They make me feel like I matter.” Young Person in Care.

Who can volunteer?

You don’t need previous experience - just the right values and commitment. We’re looking for caring people who are:

• Friendly and approachable
• Patient, empathetic and consistent
• A good listener
• Committed to visiting once a month for at least two years
• Willing to complete training and safeguarding checks

We particularly welcome applications from male volunteers and individuals from Black, Asian and other underrepresented communities.

What will you be doing?

As an Independent Visitor, you’ll:

• Meet your young person once a month for activities like going to the cinema, bowling, exploring parks or just having a chat
• Suggest age-appropriate outings based on their interests
• Keep in touch between visits with a weekly call or message (if they’d like)
• Occasionally join in on group events
• Create meaningful, lasting memories

Please note that all travel and activity expenses will be covered.

Training & ongoing support

Before you start, we’ll provide:

• Full initial training
• Ongoing support and one-to-one supervision
• Access to additional training through Southwark’s volunteer resources

Recruitment timeline

• Applications reviewed on an ongoing basis.
• Interviews: To be confirmed.

Ready to make a difference?

If you’re looking for a rewarding, long-term volunteering opportunity where you can support a young person one to one and help them thrive, we’d love to receive an application from you today!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, and our fundraising is vital to enable us to continue providing care and support to the children: it costs around £13 million a year to run our care services.

Join us as a Reception Volunteer at our Black Country Hospice in Walsall!

As an Reception Volunteer you'll be:

• Greeting all visitors, ensuring they sign in securely, feel welcomed and are passed over to the appropriate staff member
• Taking phone call messages to pass on to staff
• Signing post enquiries to the correct department
• Assisting general administration duties such as filing, scanning or checking stock deliveries
• With additional training taking donations and completing appropriate paperwork 

How much time will it take? 

We are looking for volunteers who are available to cover Thursdays at 2:30 pm till 5.00pm

We are also seeking volunteers who can work weekends only, with flexible hours. Please specify your preferred weekend shift on the application form.

Am I right for the role?

We are seeking people with warm and friendly personalities. Who - 

• Can be sensitive to the needs of our children, young people, and families.
• Will act as an ambassador for the charity
• Are good communicators, organized and reliable
• Are willing to learn about the importance of confidentiality, boundaries, diversity and safeguarding within Acorns.
• Enjoy putting into, practice your administration skills and have confidence meeting visitors 

Why volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Learn new skills to boost your CV
• Invited to social events and participate in our volunteer recognition scheme and award
• Full training provided

Our recruitment process includes attending interview, obtaining two suitable references and a clear DBS check (instigated by Acorns)