1,282 Support work volunteer roles

Volunteer Role: Gardening Volunteer

Hours: Flexible as agreed

Do you enjoy being outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and helping things grow? Join Seeability as a Gardening Volunteer and support people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss to enjoy gardening, nature, and time outdoors.

Whether you’re green-fingered or simply enjoy a bit of fresh air and teamwork, this is a fun and rewarding way to make a real difference.

What You Will Be Doing

As a Gardening Volunteer, you will support people we support to enjoy gardening activities and outdoor spaces. This could include:

• Planting flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables
• Watering plants and helping keep gardens tidy
• Supporting people to enjoy sensory gardening activities
• Sharing conversation, laughter, and time outdoors
• Encouraging creativity, confidence, and independence
• Helping create welcoming and enjoyable garden spaces

You do not need to be a gardening expert — just enthusiastic, patient, and happy to get involved.

The Difference You Will Make

Gardening can improve wellbeing, reduce stress, build confidence, and create opportunities for social connection.

Your support could help someone:

• Feel calm and relaxed outdoors
• Build confidence and learn new skills
• Enjoy sensory experiences and nature
• Feel included and connected
• Take pride in growing and caring for plants

Sometimes, planting a seed together can grow much more than flowers — it can grow confidence, friendship, and joy.

Skills Required

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Friendly, patient, and reliable
• Empathic, understanding, and encouraging
• Enthusiastic about gardening or being outdoors
• Positive and supportive
• Comfortable supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and sight loss

No previous experience is needed — just kindness, patience, and a willingness to have fun and get stuck in.

Requirements

• Complete a DBS check
• Provide references
• Complete online training provided by SeeAbility

We will support you throughout the process.

The Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering with SeeAbility is rewarding, flexible, and enjoyable. Benefits include:

• Gaining valuable experience and new skills
• Meeting new people and becoming part of a supportive team
• Spending time outdoors and staying active
• Making a genuine difference in someone’s life
• Building confidence and communication skills
• Receiving training and ongoing support

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

We are seeking Volunteer Drivers, to provide transport in their own vehicle, bringing Friends (people who use our services) to and returning them home from an Archway supportive social group. Occasionally we organise Archway Fundraising activities or events where may be asked to provide transport to an Archway Fundraising activity or event.  Some Archway Friends (people who use our services) are unable to attend a supportive social group independently, mainly due to physical barriers to public transport. Transport delivered by volunteers enables Friends to access the supportive social group, in turn alleviating loneliness. The groups may be the only opportunity for Friends to meet with others. Each Friend is invited to one group per month either in Oxford or Abingdon so transport volunteers usually offer one trip per month or more if they like.

We ask volunteers to think of this as a longer term volunteer role due to the training and time we take in order to give our volunteers, and Friends, the very best service. You will also need to consider occasional time spent in training for your role and for continuous development. 

For all our roles:

Due to our Safeguarding regulations, unfortunately we are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

Role Overview

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our new drop in group in Sherborne, Dorset that take place on 10 am to 12 pm pm on the last Wednesday of the month starting 24th Sept. This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable but not essential (training will be given)
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

Do you want to help shape services that really work for the people who need them most?

Information about the role

As our Lived Experience Coordination Volunteer, you will help run our lived experience groups, support the everyday admin that keeps our programmes going, and help communicate with participants in a genuine, informed way. This is a flexible, varied role shaped around your strengths and availability.

Location: Hub/community/home based location, London.

Suggested contribution: Approximately 7 - 14 hours per month, flexible and to be agreed together

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

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now or read on more for details. 

Main activities may include:

• Helping to establish and schedule regular group meetings across our lived experience groups. You are welcome to be involved in whichever group or groups feel right for you.

• Helping with room bookings, invoicing, and session logistics, including shopping for supplies and collecting and disseminating vouchers for participants.

• Keeping the attendance and payment spreadsheet up to date after sessions.

• Helping to write and design reports and newsletters that reflect the groups’ work and impact.

• Identifying and sharing free learning and development opportunities for participants.

• Accompanying the Lived Experience Coordinator to external meetings, such as with the council, when helpful.

This role fights the housing emergency by putting lived experience at the heart of how services are designed and delivered. Your involvement ensures that people most affected by housing insecurity have a real voice in our work, helping us build programmes that are more effective, more inclusive, and more human.

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 

This opportunity is open to anyone, but we particularly welcome applicants who have lived experience of the housing emergency. It would also be great if you are comfortable with basic tools like email or spreadsheets, or open to giving them a go. As well as an interest in event planning, support and coordination. The most important thing is that you are enthusiastic about tackling the housing emergency and want to help make a difference.

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 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.

• Regular reflective conversations and support if any aspect of the role becomes challenging.

• We will work together to identify areas where you would like to take a lead role and areas where you would prefer to support.

Next steps

You can apply online for this role now or 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.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply.

Volunteering in the shop

We've recently reopened our Islington Shop with a gorgeous new look inspired by the neighbouring film studios. In amongst the retro cinema seats and beautiful backstage velvet curtains you'll find unique vintage treasures and lovingly curated donated stock, hand picked by our brilliant volunteer team.

Our Islington Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply.

Swansea Carers Centre are seeking an experienced and inspirational Chair to lead our Board of Trustees and help shape the next phase of our development.

About Swansea Carers Centre

Swansea Carers Centre is a vibrant, welcoming Tier 2 charity supporting unpaid carers across the City & County of Swansea. Every year, over 1,800 carers access our services, and more than 10,500 carers have registered with us since our founding. We provide welfare benefits advice, counselling, respite opportunities, dementia support, young adult carer projects, volunteer‑led initiatives, training, social groups and more. The services are all designed to ensure carers feel valued, connected and empowered. We also look to identify hidden carers and make certain that people looking after others can find the support they need.

An unpaid carer is anyone who provides support to a family member, friend or neighbour due to a variety of reasons which could include illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction, or age‑related frailty. Many people do not recognise themselves as carers yet they take on vital responsibilities that can have a profound impact on their wellbeing, finances and daily life. Our vision is a society where carers are recognised, respected and supported as equal partners in care. Our mission is to make a positive difference to carers’ lives by working in partnership with carers, statutory bodies and voluntary organisations.

The Role

The Chair will lead a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring Swansea Carers Centre is well-governed, financially sustainable and forward‑looking.

You will work closely with our CEO and Senior Management Team to embed strong governance practices, support strategic decision‑making, and champion a culture of empowerment across the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role at a time when carers’ needs are growing, and the charity is strengthening its strategic direction.

We are particularly seeking a Chair who can:

• Embed modern, effective governance approaches
• Support the Board to focus on strategic leadership rather than operational detail
• Empower staff and volunteers to deliver high‑quality, carer‑led services
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, health bodies, funders and community organisations
• Represent Swansea Carers Centre with confidence and credibility

Monthly Board meetings are held in person in Swansea, and we welcome applications from candidates based elsewhere who are willing to travel to attend.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board to ensure balanced, inclusive and focused discussion
• Promote high standards of governance and regulatory compliance
• Provide strategic leadership and support effective decision‑making
• Build a strong, supportive working relationship with the CEO
• Ensure trustees receive timely, relevant information
• Champion carers’ interests and represent the charity externally
• Support succession planning and Board development
• Attend approximately 12 Board meetings per year, plus occasional sub‑committees and events

Term: Three years, renewable

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Experience

• Experience chairing Boards, committees or senior governance meetings
• Strong understanding of charity governance and trusteeship
• Proven leadership and excellent communication skills
• Strategic thinker with sound judgement
• Ability to build consensus and foster positive relationships
• Commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers
• Financial awareness and comfort with digital tools
• Integrity, emotional intelligence and a collaborative approach

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair
• Experience in voluntary, community, health or social care sectors
• Knowledge of charity finance, fundraising or organisational development
• Experience working with diverse communities

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of carers across Swansea. You’ll be joining a passionate team, a committed Board, and an organisation with a clear mission, strong values and a desire to evolve its governance and strategic leadership.

If you want to help shape a charity that empowers carers, strengthens communities and delivers high‑quality support, we would love to hear from you.

Fundraising Trustee

Can you help shape CoppaFeel!’s next chapter?

CoppaFeel! has never stood still. From a bold idea around a kitchen table to one of the UK's most recognised health charities, we have continued to challenge convention, reach young people with a life saving message and build a community that believes breast cancer does not need to be diagnosed late.

We are now entering an exciting new chapter. After a period of exceptional growth, fundraising has become increasingly central to what is possible next - creating opportunities to broaden our reach, deepen our impact and invest in the future and so we are looking for a Fundraising Trustee to join our Board.

This is not simply about reviewing fundraising reports or providing technical expertise. It is an opportunity to bring strategic insight, constructive challenge and fresh thinking to help shape how CoppaFeel! builds sustainable income and achieves its ambitions over the next decade.

What we're looking for

We're particularly interested in people with experience of:

● Leading or significantly growing philanthropy, major giving or other high value fundraising

● Developing strategic corporate partnerships and long term supporter relationships

● Unlocking commercial or transformational income opportunities

● Building sustainable, diversified fundraising portfolios

● Leading fundraising through periods of organisational growth and change

● Advising Boards or Executive Teams on fundraising strategy, investment and risk

You don't need to have worked exclusively in philanthropy or corporate partnerships. What matters is evidence of strategic relationship building, senior influencing, commercial judgement and the ability to balance ambition with sustainable growth.

You'll be someone who:

● Thinks strategically rather than operationally

● Is comfortable interrogating data, evidence and return on investment

● Spots opportunities others might miss

● Enjoys healthy debate and constructive challenge

● Challenges with respect, humility and good judgement

● Is excited by ambitious organisations and wants to help shape what comes next

Experience working with or reaching young people is a bonus.

What it's like around the Board table

Our Board is lively, collaborative, respectful, energetic, curious and challenging. There is healthy debate, everyone has a voice and Trustees are encouraged to bring their expertise and challenge thinking when something could be better. The Board has a strong and open relationship with the Executive Team. Trustees provide strategic support and constructive challenge, while giving the team the space to lead and deliver.As CoppaFeel! grows, we're determined to protect what makes us special — our personality, authenticity, entrepreneurial spirit and the legacy of our founder Kris.

Time commitment

Trustees meet quarterly, usually for around 2.5 hours, with additional time for preparation and occasional advice or support between meetings.

Trustees are unremunerated, although reasonable travel expenses can be claimed. 

The initial term is three years, with the possibility of reappointment.

This is a genuinely pivotal moment for CoppaFeel!. We're looking for someone who wants to do more than sit around a Board table, someone who wants to help shape the next

chapter of one of the UK's most distinctive and innovative health charities.

If you want to be part of what CoppaFeel! is building next, we'd love to hear from you.

Role closes Friday 2nd October at 2pm

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

Volunteering in the shop

Our Edinburgh Marchmont Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18

We are looking for a volunteer to befriend and read to someone we support at our services. You will provide companionship to someone we support by spending time with them, visiting them and reading to them. 

Skills required

• To love to read

• To have a good sense of humour, love to chat and be a good listener

• To be punctual and reliable

• To be kind, empathetic and patient

• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

• To be able to assist when necessary with sighted guide/orientation.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 

SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

Through this volunteer role, you can gain experience and develop your skill set. On top of this, SeeAbility provides training which could be added to your CV.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About US 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Royal Trinity Hospice's Patient and Family Support team offer psychological support and counselling to individual patients, as well as family members who have been affected by a patient’s illness. 

We are looking for qualified volunteer supervisors to join our Bereavement Service. As a volunteer supervisor, you will provide group supervision to our trainee and qualified volunteer counsellors.

Key responsibilities of the role:

· Facilitating fortnightly/monthly group supervision sessions for trainee and qualified volunteer counsellors

· Creating a safe, supportive and reflective working environment

· Facilitating discussions around client work, ethical dilemmas, and professional development

· Encouraging self-awareness, critical thinking, and the integration of theory and practice

· Providing constructive feedback and guidance to trainees

· Monitoring trainee progress and identify areas for development

· Providing reports to support clinical placements as required

Essential criteria:

· A qualified counselling supervisor, with a recognised counselling and supervision qualification (We may be able to consider someone working towards a supervision qualification)

· A member of a relevant professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP) and able to adhere to their ethical framework

· Significant experience in providing counselling supervision, particularly in a group setting

· Demonstrable experience of counselling theory, practice and ethical guidelines, especially around bereavement and loss

· Excellent communication, interpersonal and facilitation skills

· The ability to create a safe and supportive learning environment

· A commitment to ongoing professional development

· IT literacy and the ability to maintain clear and accurate records

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply.

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Pinner Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18 to apply.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun
2. It's flexible
3. You'll learn and share skills
4. You'll be making a difference
5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Teddington Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond

Voluntary Position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Time commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month, including four Board meetings per year, regular support to the CEO, occasional committee meetings and attendance at key events.

Closing date: 11 September 2026 (applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may take place before the closing date).

Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is a national charity supporting more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Through peer support, advocacy and practical assistance, we help families affected by service-related physical and psychological injury feel seen, heard and supported.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to Chair our Board of Trustees and help guide the charity through its next phase of growth and development.

Working closely with our CEO and Board, you will provide strategic leadership, support strong governance and help ensure the charity continues to deliver meaningful impact for military families and carers.

What You'll Do

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and support the Board of Trustees.
• Act as a trusted partner and critical friend to the CEO.
• Oversee strategy, governance, risk and organisational performance.
• Champion safeguarding, inclusion and good governance.
• Support trustee recruitment and board development.
• Represent The Ripple Pond externally and help build strategic relationships.
• Help shape the future direction and sustainability of the charity.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a collaborative and values-driven leader with:

• Senior leadership, executive or board-level experience.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Experience of governance, finance and risk oversight.
• The ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills.
• A genuine commitment to supporting Armed Forces families and carers.

Experience in the military, veterans, healthcare, public, charity or social care sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of military families across the UK.

You will work with a committed Board, an experienced CEO and a passionate community of Members to help strengthen support for families affected by service-related injury, influence wider understanding of their needs and guide a growing charity through its next stage of development.

The role in a nutshell:

As a Befriending Volunteer on the Enabling Connections project, you will help Age UK reduce loneliness and isolation by building a short-term but meaningful relationship with an older person.

What will you be doing?

Depending on the needs of the older person you're matched with, you may:

• Visit them at home

• Meet in a local community space, such as a library or cafe

• Help them access local groups and services

• Encourage them to build positive and sustainable connections

How would you be supported in this role?

In addition to your induction, you will be supported by our Enabling Connections project coordinator.