Volunteer management volunteer volunteer roles

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Communications Volunteer you’ll play a key role in promoting your group to people in your area affected by MS, and helping them feel connected. You could be editing newsletters, responding to information requests, or developing engaging content for social media — depending on what the group needs. 

In this role you’ll develop your writing skills, and gain experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Creating content for, promoting and moderating group social media channels 
• Writing and editing newsletters and promotional materials in line with brand guidelines 
• Updating group information resources 
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network 
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability   
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives 
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work 
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack 
• You’ll have an induction to your role 
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager 
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities 
• You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses while carrying out your role 

As Volunteer Company Secretary, you will be the "conscience of the charity," ensuring that our Trustee and Executive Team operates within its legal and regulatory framework to ensure our beneficiaries receive the highest standard of care and support. 

This is a vital role at the heart of the charity’s operations and offers the opportunity to help shape the governance of a high-impact charity. 

You will provide the bridge between the Board and the executive team, contributing directly to the Trust’s mission by underpinning strong governance and accountability at Board level. By ensuring compliance, transparency, and well-run meetings, you will support the Trustee and executive team to make informed strategic decisions that enhance opportunities, independence, and wellbeing for adults with neuro-disabilities. 

You will:  

• Manage our core administration, ensuring governance and compliance documents, records and processes are kept up to date; including managing filings with Companies House and the Charity Commission, and managing the conflicts of interest register.
• Support the Board and CEO with meeting management; helping to prepare agendas, minutes, board packs and maintain a robust rolling action log.
• Ensure good governance, keeping us aligned with legal and regulatory requirements; always advising best practice and updating the board on the Charity Governance Code.
• Support the Trustee onboarding process, helping us to stay structured and efficient. 
• Be the organisational backbone, helping Minstead Trust to stay steady, safe and well run.

What are we looking for?  

• Commitment to our Mission: an understanding of, or interest in, the challenges faced by those living with neuro-disabilities and a willingness to lead according to our values.  
• Detail-Oriented: a "right first time" approach to legal documentation.  
• Discretion: the ability to handle sensitive clinical or financial information with absolute confidentiality.  
• Ability to think creatively and strategically and exercise good, independent judgement. 

About you: 

• You’re someone who loves order, clarity and good organisation. 
• You’re reliable, detail focused and calm under pressure. 
• You have prior experience as a Company Secretary, Governance Officer, or Senior Administrator, ideally within the UK charity or public sector. (Essential) 
• You have a high level of digital literacy (e.g., Board portals, MS Teams/Zoom, SharePoint).  
• You have exceptional minute-taking skills and the ability to synthesize complex discussions into concise, professional records.  
• You care deeply about people and want to use your skills to make a real difference. 
• You’re an effective team player. 
• You’re simply brilliant at keeping things running smoothly!

This role is voluntary, but you will be supported by a professional team across Finance, People & Culture and Administration to ensure you are able to operate effectively.  Reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. 

About us: 

Our Vision at Minstead Trust is to live in a society where people with neuro-disabilities enjoy fulfilling lives of their own choosing.

Our Mission is to support them to fully develop their individual potential by providing opportunities, enhancing life skills, ensuring informed choice, and influencing society 

We encourage all our volunteers to uphold our values and to embrace who we are:  

We appreciate each person. Everyone is different – we respect and celebrate this.

We’re always learning. We all have something to offer and more to learn.

We’re always improving. Striving to give our best and to have more impact.

We push for change. We will challenge society to be fully inclusive.

We find the joy in everyday life. We have the freedom to be ourselves and enjoy what we do. 

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. The beneficary enjoys playing video games, watching westerns, remote control cars and having a cuppa a chat.  They are not as agile as they once were but can go for a short walk to the cafe around the corner.   Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.

The role is varied, and will enable you to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.

We are open to role sharing offers.

When you join us as a volunteer, you’ll be part of a community of passionate people coming together to improve people’s lives and work towards our vision for a world free from the effects of MS. 

As one of our wonderful volunteers, you can get involved in:
• providing support and services to the MS community 
• increasing awareness of, and delivering resources to, people affected by MS   
• raising vital funds to help stop MS 
• boosting our community voice by advocating for MS research and policy 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Health and Safety Volunteer you’ll make sure all local group volunteers are aware of their health and safety responsibilities. You’ll help them understand and follow guidelines and procedures to coordinate safe activities.

What you’ll be doing:

• Ensuring that everyone in the group is aware of health and safety responsibilities 
• Accurately following and implementing our risk management procedures for activities and services provided by the group 
• Ensuring that the group meets and reports on our health and safety requirements, assisting with audits and reviews as required 
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network 
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses while carrying out your role 

Why we want you

Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.

Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

What you will be doing

• Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
• Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
• Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
• Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
• Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Non-judgemental
• Reliable
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Access a range of training and learning opportunities

 Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do. 

As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together. 

What your role will involve

• Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
• Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
• Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.

A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role. 

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

• Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
• Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
• Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
• Reliable and punctual.
• Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
• We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
• Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
• The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
• To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
• To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
• If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information. 

About us

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. 

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 
• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community by helping their local Oxfam shop to stay open for as long possible. We need people to open and close the shop, and ensure volunteers know what tasks to undertake so the shop can run smoothly.

No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Opening or closing the shop.
• Ensuring that the shop is ready to trade or cashing up at the end of trade
• Allocating tasks to members of the volunteer team.
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
• Confident communicator

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.

The role is varied, and will enable you to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.

Supporting a values-led organisation through inclusive and effective people practices

Equality in Tourism is a not-for-profit organisation working to advance gender equality and social justice across the global tourism industry. Through research, partnerships and advocacy, we support a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable tourism sector.

Our work relies on a dedicated network of volunteers, who contribute their time and expertise in different ways. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Senior HR & Volunteer Lead to help strengthen how we recruit, support and engage this community.

This is a key volunteer leadership role, suited to someone who can bring both strategic oversight and practical guidance to our people practices.

The Role

You will work closely with the leadership team to ensure that our internal practices reflect our commitment to equity, inclusion and fair work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and refining our volunteer recruitment approach, ensuring it is inclusive, transparent, and genuinely reflects our values

• Developing and maintaining appropriate HR processes and policies for a small, mission-driven organisation

• Supporting effective and welcoming onboarding practices for new volunteers

• Advising on volunteer engagement, wellbeing and retention

• Providing guidance to volunteer managers to support a respectful, collaborative and inclusive working environment

• Establishing clear approaches to feedback and development for the volunteers

• Contributing to a culture that reflects Equality in Tourism’s commitment to gender equality, diversity and ethical practice

About You

We are looking for someone with senior-level experience in HR, people management or organisational development, ideally with an understanding of the not-for-profit or voluntary sector.

You will bring:

• Experience in developing or advising on inclusive HR and recruitment practices

• The ability to balance structure with flexibility in a small organisation

• Strong interpersonal and advisory skills, with a collaborative and supportive approach

• An interest in, and commitment to, gender equality, human rights and sustainable tourism

• The confidence to work both strategically and at a practical level

Why This Role Matters

Our volunteers play a central role in delivering our work. Ensuring they are supported, respected and effectively engaged is essential to our impact.

In this role, you will help to ensure that:

• Our internal practices are aligned with our external mission

• Volunteers have a positive and meaningful experience and encourage volunteer retention 

• We continue to grow in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and values-driven

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to contribute to an organisation working to influence positive change in global tourism policy and practice

• A meaningful leadership role within a respected, purpose-driven organisation

• The chance to apply your professional expertise in support of social impact

• Experience working with a committed, international network

Remote Volunteer Technical Support Role 

Job description 

This is a volunteer role (approx. 4 hours per week) based remotely. The Volunteer Technical Support is responsible for the oversight of the NGO’s digital infrastructure, maintaining security protocols, and responding to critical technical emergencies. They will report directly to the CEO and work to formalize IT procedures to ensure long-term organizational continuity. This role is a fixed one-year term and includes a one-month handover period for their successor. 

Role specification 

Infrastructure and Security Management: 

• Act as the primary administrator for the Microsoft 365 environment

• Perform regular security audits to manage permissions, remove dormant accounts, and ensure the principle of "least privilege" across the team. 

• Help with offboarding protocol to ensure all digital keys and account ownership are transferred back to the NGO when staff or volunteers depart. 

• Consult with the team to ensure all technical systems adhere to organizational safeguarding policies, specifically regarding data privacy and the protection of member information. 

• Maintain a secure digital environment for staff and members by identifying operational risks and reporting potential vulnerabilities or breaches immediately to the CEO. 

Critical Support and Strategy: 

• Act as the on-call point of contact for critical system failures (e.g., total email loss, or security breaches). 

• Utilize a structured ticketing or request system to streamline technical support

• Advise the CEO on technical "vetting" and trust markers for future IT volunteers to safeguard the organization’s power and data. 

Knowledge Transfer and Communication: 

• Act as a technical mentor to the staff, explaining the logic behind security policies (the "why") rather than just issuing instructions. 

• Help foster an empathetic security culture where technical guardrails are seen as tools for mission success rather than roadblocks. 

• Lead a 1-month handover period at the end of the term to train the incoming volunteer, ensuring a seamless transition of power and knowledge. 

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

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

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

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

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

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

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

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

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

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

About You

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

About Mind Retail

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

 Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

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

Our Commitment

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

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

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

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

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

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

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

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