Volunteer roles

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.

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.

We have the opportunity for volunteers who have a passion for retail and animals to join the team at our brand new charity shop on George Street in the city centre. This is an exciting time for us and we are looking forward to growing a friendly team in this new retail hub for the charity. There are plenty of roles available to suit your interests and availability. 

The George Street shop is our retail hub as it is also home to our E-Commerce operation. The friendly team working at George Street are happy for potential volunteers to explore the areas that are of interest to them, so if you love researching books or obscure bands, possibly discovering that a donation could raise hundreds for us by being sold online, then perhaps you'd enjoy working within our E-Commerce team!

We are seeking more volunteers to join our bustling George Street team on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons and would love to hear from people who are happy to serve customers on the till.

About the Role

Our shop volunteers play an integral role in the day-to-day running of our charity shops and the maximising of sales to support Bath Cats & Dogs Home. Whether you prefer working behind the scenes or on the shop floor in a customer facing role there are plenty of tasks to get involved with.

Your activities could include:

• Assisting and serving customers on the till
• Providing excellent customer service on the shop floor
• Creating attractive displays and assisting with the visual merchandising of the shop
• Receiving donations from the public and promoting our Gift Aid scheme
• Assisting with the processing of donated stock, including sorting, steaming and hanging of items
• Other daily tasks including cleaning, tidying, dusting and hoovering 

About You

You will be a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a love for animals. Good communication and customer care skills are key to a successful charity shop so the ability to work as part of a team and with the general public is desirable. There is a manual handling element to the role so this should be considered on application. The hours are flexible although we ask for a regular commitment of a few hours each week.

Full in person training will be provided for donation sorting and retail guidelines, as well as our waste management and recycling processes.

Support our busy retail operations at events and through our online store — a great opportunity for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in retail and customer service.

Key Tasks:

• Assist with setup and sales at merchandising stalls during public events.

• Help process online orders and manage inventory.

• Engage with customers and provide product knowledge.

Skills Required:

• Friendly, approachable, and helpful attitude.

• Basic numeracy skills,

• Retail or customer service experience is helpful but not essential.

• Ability to use tills or card readers is helpful but not essential.

Ideal For:

· Anyone interested in gaining experience in retail, events or customer service.

· Students, job seekers, or career changers looking to build confidence and skills in a supportive, exciting environment.

Do you want to make a real difference to Scope, the disability equality charity, and our customers? Are you interested in data processing? Would you like to volunteer a couple of hours a week from home on a specific project you can really get stuck into?

If so, you might like our Data Input Volunteer Administrator role!

About this role

You will be supporting our Employer Engagement team to boost the number of roles we advertise for disabled people. This is an invaluable project for us as we grow our Job Board which offers employment opportunities for disabled people, which we can't do without some amazing volunteers! Please note, you must be 18 years old for this role.

Your role may include:

• Inputting data into our website content management system (Kontent.ai)
• Proof reading job adverts
• Working with the Employer Engagement team to ensure all data is accurate.

Where and when

• This is a fully remote opportunity so can be completed from anywhere in England or Wales
• We can also offer this role as a hybrid opportunity if preferred, if you are based in Manchester.
• We suggest a minimum of 8 hours a week but you're welcome to do more.
• Timing of volunteering is flexible and can be discussed on an individual basis.

What we’re looking for

• Willingness to learn
• Basic computer skills
• An awareness of personal data and data protection
• Some experience of emails
• Experience of content management systems, would be useful but not essential as full training provided.

Skills you can gain

• Data input
• Knowledge of Office 365, particularly Outlook and Teams
• Use of a Content Management System (Kontent.ai)
• Administration
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Experience in a large, national disability charity

Support you will get

• IT equipment and software to carry out the role
• A dedicated volunteer manager to answer any questions and support your development
• Volunteer induction into Scope
• Relevant training in your role
• Access to a wealth of online training
• Agreed out of pocket expenses (if you have any)
• Reasonable adjustments to make the role accessible to you
• A work-related reference

Key Dates

• Apply by midnight on Wednesday 30 July

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Scope is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and adults at risk, whether receiving services or being staff or volunteers. It expects all trustees, staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

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
• Access to Sense discount scheme, including cashback and discounts on high street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

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.

Welcoming people out of the cold for a hot drink, or out of the heat for an ice cream, you know exactly what our visitors need as part of their visit to us.

By getting involved, you could… 

• Join an enthusiastic team and make new friends 

• Support visitors to gain the best from their day 

• Learn about our access support equipment and how to welcome support animals in to the café 

• Get the low down on the latest Ickworth bake to share with others 

• Develop your hospitality skills and put them into practice 

• Use your smile and customer service skills, so people feel at home 

• Help us raise money so we continue our work looking after special places 

What’s involved?  

• Meet and greet visitors when they enter the café with a warm smile. 

• Help with queue management and direct visitors. 

• When visitors leave say goodbye and thank them for their visit. 

• Undertake tasks ranging from clearing and preparing tables for the next visitor, to supporting families with pushchairs and wheel chair users navigate the pathways between tables. 

• Use your smile and customer service skills to engage with visitors, share knowledge of the estate and generally enhance their visit

• Have a strong working knowledge of our menu and sharing this with visitors.

• Playing your part to continue our work looking after special places 

• Learning and developing a range of skills such as exceptional service, access support knowledge and sharing what’s on at Ickworth.

This role will suit you if you are:

• Are cheerful and like being around people – you’ll meet a lot at lunchtime! 

• Are looking for a varied role – you’ll be looking after a whole range of visitors 

• Are keen to be part of a team 

• Are good at keeping places looking tidy and welcoming  
  Have a keen eye to detail to notice when a visitor needs help 

• Love chatting about food, new recipes and where our ingredients come from

Committee Members support Age UK by using their skills and expertise in a particular subject area to provide strategic leadership in, and oversight of, relevant areas of Age UK’s work. Committee Members sit on one or more of Age UK’s committees which meet on a quarterly basis and report to the Board of Trustees on their discussions, recommendations and decisions.

Committee Members are volunteers who are not Trustees or Directors of the charity but make a vital contribution to the effective running of the organisation.

We currently have vacancies on three committees, and we welcome applications from people who have the skills, knowledge or experience that will enable them to contribute to one of these areas of our work. We aim to select the successful Committee Members individually over the coming months.

Given the Committees’ role and Committee Members’ responsibilities you will need to have significant senior level experience as well as the relevant functional knowledge and experience described below.

Trading Committee

Trading is an integral part of Age UK’s approach to transforming our income generation and generating sustainable income levels so we can support more older people more effectively. Age UK operates a retail estate across England, including 275 shops. It also provides oversight of all trading activities delivered by retail and exercises Age UK’s oversight of Age Co - our trading subsidiary which is 100% owned by Age UK, and gifts its profits to the charity, provides products and services to people over 50 including insurance products and Independent Living Solutions. 

We are seeking a Committee member who has the strategic vision to help us explore how our retail offering (both in-store and online) could extend across our mission to drive the charity’s cut-through and competitive advantage.  You will bring your own significant experience of large-scale multi-channel retail as well as a sound understanding of the current retail landscape, including both challenges that exist and strategic opportunities that can be explored.

Technology, Digital and Cyber Sub-Committee

The Technology, Digital and Cyber sub-committee supports the Age UK Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.  It has oversight of matters relating to our work in the technology and digital space, both in the way technology supports our internal processes and in how it co-delivers our charitable work and income generating activity. The subcommittee also has a significant focus on cyber-security. 

We are looking for a sub-committee Member with strong experience in the delivery of data and digital strategy and transformation. In this oversight role we are looking for someone who can see the bigger picture and has the vision to challenge and steer Age UK on the capability of data and digital to deliver Age UK’s strategy now and into the future. If you’re passionate about the power of data to transform lives, please come and share your skills and expertise with us.

Investment Sub-Committee

The Investment sub-committee supports the Age UK Finance, Risk and Audit Committee by providing primary oversight of the charity’s investments, defined benefit pension scheme position and the charity’s investment property assets. 

We are looking for Committee Members with senior level experience of Defined Benefit Pension Schemes, to oversee the interests of Age UK (the employer), including setting the long-term strategy for the scheme to move to self-sufficiency and ideally a buy out in due course.

Commitment Required 

The initial commitment would be for a two-year term. Membership can be renewed for two further terms of three years, subject to approval. The maximum tenure is for three terms totalling eight years. The overall time commitment is on average 1-2 days per quarter for each committee.

Application Process 

To apply for the role of Committee Member, please submit a Word version of your CV and a covering letter via the apply button, outlining your skills and experience demonstrating your suitability for and interest in the role. Please clearly indicate which Committee you are interested in. 

Please see the Committee Member recruitment pack for full details of duties and responsibilities.

Closing date for applications – Thursday 7th August, 2025

Additional information

Age UK is committed to safeguarding everyone we work with and expect all Committee Members to share this commitment. We take safeguarding very seriously and where appropriate candidates may be asked to undergo checks. 

Candidates with a disability can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments are changes made to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to a person’s disability. During recruitment, this might mean accessing the job pack in large print, changing the time, location or format of an interview etc. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the candidate with disabilities to best meet their needs.

If you require reasonable adjustments, at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform appointments.

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
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

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.

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.

Join a charity that’s been empowering local, physically disabled people for over 30 years.

About Disability Peterborough

Disability Peterborough, legally registered as DIAL Peterborough, is a user-led charity dedicated to supporting physically disabled individuals and their families in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.

What will you be doing?

As a Board member of Disability Peterborough, you will serve as both a Director of the Company and a Trustee of the Charity. You will play an integral part in guiding the strategic direction of the charity to meet the needs of physically disabled people of Peterborough, ensuring it fulfils its objectives and operates in accordance with its charity objects and Articles of Association as a Company Ltd by Guarantee.

Board members are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, contribute their broad expertise through 6 - 8 Board meetings to make sure that the charity is strategically positioned to deliver the most effective services to physically disabled and operating good governance practice.

The estimated time commitment is approximately 4 hours per month. This includes attending Board meetings, reviewing documents, and carrying out occasional follow-up tasks.

Please request the candidate pack for a full list of responsibilities

What are we looking for?

We particularly welcome individuals with lived experience - whether through a personal disability,

supporting a close family member with a disability, or working within the disability sector.

We’re seeking trustees with the following attributes:

· Commitment to the vision and values of Disability Peterborough

· Willing to devote the necessary expertise, contacts and time to contribute effectively to the role

· Knowledge of disability issues and relevant legislation

· Good, independent judgement

· Ability to think creatively and strategically

· Willingness to question, speak their mind and listen to others

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a Company Director and charity Trustee

· Keen to learn

· Willing to work within the guidance on Good Governance and legally eligible to be a charity Trustee/ Company Director

No Prior Experience Required: Whether you have prior board experience or not, we welcome all applicants. What matters most is your passion, commitment, and willingness to contribute.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee, you can help us continue delivering essential services that improve independence, well-being, and access to rights for thousands of physically disabled people every year. Your input will help us:

· Develop and sustain life-changing programs like our Handyperson Service, Wellbeing Calls, and Shopmobility

· Advocate for policy change and champion the rights of disabled individuals locally and nationally

· Ensure that our services remain relevant, inclusive, and informed by those who use them

By lending your time, insight, and passion, you directly support our mission to create a society where disabled people are valued equally, listened to, and included. You won’t just be shaping strategy - you'll be changing lives.

By getting involved you could:

• Join an enthusiastic team and make new friends 
• Develop your hospitality skills and put them into practice
• Support the lunch rush be delivering food to people’s tables 
• Support on the counter to help serve soup or cakes
• Sign up to holiday, evening or 1 off events such as Theatre, Proms or other performances that may have an ice cream trike or BBQ on offer
• Be trained on the Food and Beverage Buggy to help deliver stock including freshly baked good to other outlets (being trained on the F&B buggy is an optional choice in addition to usual duties)
• Use your smile and customer service skills, so people feel at home
• Help us raise money so we continue our work looking after special places

What's involved?

• Undertake tasks ranging from clearing tables and serving food to washing dishes and supporting behind the counter. 
• Use your smile and customer service skills to engage with visitors, share knowledge of the property and generally enhance their visit
• Have a strong working knowledge of our menu, including allergen information, and sharing this with visitors, though any allergy questions should be asked to a team leader, with the support of our allergen book.
• Playing your part to continue our work looking after special places 
• Joining an enthusiastic team and making new friends
• Learning and developing a range of skills such as food safety, barista and exceptional service.
• There’s also potential to get involved with the Food & Beverage events calendar.
• You can also opt in to Food and Beverage Buggy training to help deliver freshly baked goods to other outlets on site.

This role will suit you if you are:

• Are cheerful and like being around people – you’ll meet a lot at lunchtime! 
• Are looking for a varied role – you’ll be juggling tasks as well as trays of food
• Are keen to be part of a team
• Are good at keeping places looking tidy and welcoming
• Have a keen eye to detail to notice when a visitor needs help
• Love chatting about food, new recipes and where our ingredients come from

Description of the project

Milpa Community aims to be an open place to exchange ideas, to learn, inspire, and to build the community leadership we need for tomorrow’s world. Its mission is to empower young people from the surrounding area with the skills to be able to have a job, gain confidence and grow surrounded by a communitarian way of living.

We believe that by creating more community experiences, we empower people, youth especially, so they can build their own future and have a better life. In that way, we work toward local development and try to reach sustainability in its three dimensions: environmental, social and economic.

Highlights:

• Empower yourself and others working inside a community-based NGO in Buenos Aires.
• Learn and practice about agroecology. Enjoy working on gardening, landscaping, community development, international development & NGO management

What can you learn as a volunteer?

Volunteers will be able to learn about many topics and maximize what they learn before by helping us to maintain the garden and grounds. Volunteers with previous specific knowledge can prepare workshops or develop specific tasks. Volunteers will enhance their knowledge in practice, helping in the tasks of daily maintenance of the garden, in the organization of community space with the armed schedule, lists of participants’ management and administration tasks of space.

Why is this program important for the community?

The members of the community we work with are families that work hard every day to better their financial situation. 

Many of the young people from the surrounding neighborhoods have not been able to finish their basic studies and therefore can only dream of going to university. The Pacheco Community Center gives them the opportunity to learn a practical trade, work in a team and be prepare for labor market integration.

We focus on training. We help young people build new capacities. Not only can they learn about gardening, landscaping and begin an immersion in agroecology philosophy, but also the Pacheco Community Center has a greenhouse for the students to plant fruits and vegetables, which they will be able to sell and generate their own income.

Role of the Volunteer

The volunteers that come from different parts of the world to exchange knowledge and experience and to work alongside the community members create a mutual spirit of solidarity.

• Learn by helping in practical classes with youth to maintain the garden and grounds.
• Help watering during 20 minutes in the mornings outside the greenhouse if the weather is too dry.
• Help teachers to prepare didactic material for theoretical classes (like diagrams, pictures, boards)
• Help social coordinators to manage the organization of community space with the armed schedule, lists of participants’ management and administration tasks of space.
• Help preparing and attending breakfast or afternoon snack (according daily schedule) for youth.
• Help preparing special monthly workshops: Open day to the community when families and friends share and afternoon with talks, games and relaxing time.

Start Dates

Project is ongoing, and you can join on Spring or Summer (in Argentina)

Language Skills

You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level).

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.

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 Ealing Green 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