Disability Volunteer Roles in South East
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.
We’re looking for volunteers who are:
- Reliable and friendly
- Respectful of others and their diversity
- Passionate about customer service
- Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense
Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:
- 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, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone
We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you 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.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.
What you’ll be doing
• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.
• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.
• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.
What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.
What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Aylesbury Wheels For All - Active In The Community
Role Title: Disability Cycling Volunteer
About Active In The Community
AITC aims to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be more physically active in an accessible and affordable way across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire.
Information of our Wheels For All session
Wheels For All is an inclusive cycling project, with adapted cycles that cater for individuals with disabilities for all ages. We offer an accessible and creative way for people and their families to be active together. Run by volunteers, these sessions are open to all individuals, as we aim to make cycling inclusive and accessible to everyone.
We have a range of volunteering roles to meet what you can offer, examples of role responsibility can be seen below:
- Completing session registration
- Meeting and greeting individuals
- Helping participants pick a bike to ride
- Supporting and encouraging participants throughout the session
- Making tea and coffee for participants and guests
Benefits of volunteering at our sessions
- Build social connections that can lead to new friendships or even mentorship or job opportunities
- Contribute to the well-being of others in your community
- See the positive impact your help will have on participants and their families attending the sessions
- Skill development, for example: communication, leadership skills, project management experience
- Can be provided with a CV reference
Location
The Kingsbrook School, Armstrongs Flds, Bierton, Aylesbury, HP22 7BR
Hours
Sundays 11am - 1pm (running weekly starting from the 19th May into October
Flexible - If you are available every week or even just a couple of times per month, we would love to see you there!
Support/Training
Before our sessions begin, we will be hosting a training session for all the volunteers, enabling the opportunity to meet others, find out more information of what the role consists of and have a look at all the bikes we have. We will also cover costs of regular volunteers for a safeguarding course, a DBS check and uniform.
For more information or for any further questions please email us or visit our website.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Discovery Catering Volunteer Wanted
- Do you have a passion for vegan & vegetarian food?
- Do you enjoy being part of a team?
- Do you thrive watching others grow in confidence?
Then this is the volunteering opportunity you’ve been looking for!
We are looking for a volunteer to help support us during our monthly pop-up cafes.
The role is a great opportunity for someone with a love of cooking to share their skills and/or learn more about vegetarian and vegan cooking.
As a volunteer for bemix you are also part of our wider social movement, working to achieve equality for people with learning difficulties and/or autism.
Role and responsibilities
Main aim: To support the group members prepare and serve vegetarian and vegan meals, including greeting customers and taking payment for meals at our monthly pop-up cafe.
Location: Westgate Hall, Canterbury City Centre.
Salary: This position is unpaid.
Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed. Please let us know details about where you will be travelling from and how much this will cost, when you apply.
Hours: Between 4 to 6 hours per month. 10am – 2pm / 4pm. Working with the Discovery Catering team one day each month, on a Tuesday.
Start date and Duration: To start as soon as possible, once DBS and References have been received and continue on an ongoing basis subject to regular reviews.
To read more about the role or if you have any questions please go to our website.
Applications close on Monday 22nd April 2024
We will do our best to let you know the outcome of your application by the end of the day on Monday 29th April 2024.
We are people with and without learning difficulties and/or autism, working and learning together.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Phab Nottingham provides activities and days out for children with disabilities. This is an opportunity to help improve the lives of our members, help them develop skills and friendships, and through your leadership role ensure that the charity continues to support hundreds of young people in the years to come.
The charity organises day trips and weekend residentials, supporting c.100 young people per year, and providing respite for their parents / carers.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Due to the nature of the research involved, this opportunity is for sighted individuals only. As a Travel & Tech Research Assistant you will be helping to identify new technology opportunities or solutions that will enable more Blind & Partially Sighted people make independent and spontaneous journeys. You will test what technology would work well for blind and partially sighted travelers - using apps, identifying issues and what workarounds are employed when technology and / or transport fails. You will be feeding back on the physical journey and the emotional journey experiences. As part of your role, you may be required to travel on a range of public transport modes, completing some of the same journeys as our Blind and Partially Sighted Explorers with Tech. This could include downloading and testing new travel apps and logging data/information at various points on the journey. You might also be asked to wear various tracking and data capture tech in order to download data on your mobile phone - stress levels, heart rate and any moments of anxiety. As part of your research you may also be asked to record video, voice notes or take photos of venues, platforms, bus stops etc.
Additional location information
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Various public transport locations throughout London & South East area
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 16 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • Smartphone owner/user • Access to both a major transport station or hub and rural location within 60 minutes on public transport • Confident using all forms of public transport • Confident in planning & carrying out familiar and unfamiliar journeys - on foot and public transport • Confident using technology, including apps to plan and navigate journeys
How you can make a difference!
Sense Holidays gives children, young people, adults with complex disabilities and their families the opportunity to have fun, meet new people and try new activities. Sense Holidays take place across the UK at a range of venues and vary. Each year we need skilled volunteers to help us deliver this exciting programme.
The Volunteer Role involves:
- Staying in touch with Sense and your Holiday Leader before and during the Sense Holiday, raising any issues or concerns that may need addressing by the wider team.
- Attending the equivalent of one full day mandatory training which will be delivered virtually. You will also be asked to complete online e-Learning prior to the holiday.
- You will provide hands on support for the people on the holiday to meet their everyday needs. This may involve but is not limited to; supporting them to participate in group activities, making activities accessible to their particular needs, supporting the building of friendships and social communication.
- You may also be required to support holidaymakers with personal care including support with eating and drinking, washing, bathing and toileting.
- Carry out tasks of daily living, such as cleaning the venue and cooking to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
- For those qualified and willing, you may be asked to complete Driving for Sense and drive an accessible vehicle on the holiday this could be a car, van or minibus depending on the holiday.
Volunteer Role Criteria
Essential criteria:
- Aged 18 or over.
- Have experience supporting those with additional needs. Please note, we can offer a small number of places to those who are less experienced.
- A skilled communicator.
- Have a positive, can-do attitude.
- Can demonstrate reliability.
- Can demonstrate resilience.
Desirable:
- Able to use British Sign Language.
- Experience in moving and handling.
- A full driving license and willingness to drive on a holiday.
- Experience cooking for large groups.
Why Volunteer for Sense?
Sense is a national disability charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex disabilities. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.
Volunteering on a Sense Holiday requires resilience but offers an incredibly rewarding experience.
Benefits
- All food, drink, accommodation, and activities on the holiday are paid for by Sense Holidays.
- You will receive comprehensive training for your role.
- The chance to practice and use your existing skills to communicate with others.
- An opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairments.
- Up to £60 of your travel expense paid.
- Full support from our team, including induction and training for this role, and regular ongoing support.
Ready to make a difference?
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of places are subject to an enhanced DBS check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you enjoy reading books and sharing stories?
We are looking for a friendly volunteer to spend time and read newspapers or books to a gentleman we support with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. *N* loves being read to and the company this brings. He will really enjoy having a cup of tea with a new friend.
If you would like to make a difference and make a great friend along the way, we would love to hear from you!
Activities will include:
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Reading Books and Newspapers to a gentleman we support. *N* communicates without words but loves listening to others.
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Enjoying a cup of tea together
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Being there for company and friendship
Activities will NOT include: Personal care, medication or financial assistance.
We are looking for someone who is:
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Friendly, caring and enthusiastic.
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Comfortable reading out loud and spending time with people with learning disabilities and autism.
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Reliable/dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly (exact times/days can be discussed)
A DBS check and two-character references will be required for this role.
What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:
Dimensions provides support for around 3,500 people with learning disabilities and autism across the UK.
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:
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Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)
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Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff
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Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion
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An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector
Want to apply for this role?
If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you provide a loving home for a guide dog mum?
We urgently need more breeding dog volunteers to look after our guide dog mums and help us raise the next generation of life-changing guide dogs for people with sight loss.
This vital volunteer role is perfect for dog-lovers who are looking for a permanent addition to their family. Most of the time your guide dog mum will be a wonderful, pet dog, then roughly once a year you’ll also get to enjoy the company of a litter of her guide dog puppies for around 7 weeks. You’ll see her puppies grow in just a matter of weeks – from tiny newborns with closed eyes, to excitable bundles of fur ready to explore the world. And, when the pups are ready to go, you’ll feel a huge sense of pride knowing you’ve made a big difference by raising life-changing guide dogs for people with sight loss.
Our guide dog mums are perfect for families. They’re specially selected for their ideal temperament and characteristics and have the very best guide dog genes. She’ll also arrive socialised and house trained!
We cover all the costs for our guide dog mums, including her food, vet bills and any equipment or bedding she needs. We’ll also provide all the training you need to look after her and her puppies. In addition, you’ll have the full support of our expert dog behaviour and welfare teams and dedicated 24/7 support from our specialist breeding team.
This opportunity is unique to the Midlands as our breeding dog volunteers must live within an hour’s drive of our National Centre, just outside Leamington Spa, CV33 9QJ
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thomley’s Vision is to enhance the lives and experiences of disabled people, their families and the wider community.
Thomley has been a successful charity for 25 years. We annually enhance the lives of more than 37,435 visitors each year (14,974 people with disabilities and 22,461 non-disabled people at our beautiful centre in rural Oxfordshire/ Buckinghamshire and have exciting plans for our future development.
Our dynamic committed staff team is led by an exceptional Chief Executive and we are now looking to expand our Board of Trustees.
We wish to further diversify our Board and would particularly welcome applications from people under the age of 30 (18yrs minimum). However, please do not let this put you off if you are outside of this criteria.
As one of the trustees you will make a significant contribution to the future direction of the organisation, enhancing the experiences and lives of our visitors and their families.
Our existing Board of eight trustees is friendly, positive, outward looking and determined to sustain and improve Thomley. This is an exciting time to contribute your enthusiasm, time, and abilities in order to help us!
Your role will include oversight and development of:
Strategic direction - we are clear on our overall vision and would value your contributions in making this a reality.
Being a critical friend for members of the operational team and to support them in delivering Thomley’s strategy.
Overseeing all aspects of the charity to ensure it is compliant will all regulatory requirements and accountable to all of our beneficiaries and supporters.
We would also welcome the following specific skills:
· Finance in relation to reporting and compliance.
· Income generation through fundraising/utilising our assets. We are actively diversifying our income streams.
· Property knowledge.
· Marketing - to enhance Thomley’s reach.
The above specific skills are not essential, and we would not want to dampen your enthusiasm to apply!
A knowledge of disability is desirable but a willingness to understand what this means to our visitors and their families would be essential.
For an informal conversation about the role please contact:
Charles Parry (Chairman)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role
Becoming a Bus Driver Volunteer is a wonderful way to have fun and meet new people whilst supporting the Charity in raising vital funds and awareness of the charity within the local communities across the county.
What you will be doing
• Driving our ‘Hearing Hopper’ outreach vehicle through the local communities within East Sussex
• Undertake vehicle and health & safety checks as required
• Act as an Ambassador for East Sussex Hearing whilst out and about
• Support the public to access the vehicle and/or services
• Assist other Volunteers and ESH staff to provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services
• Deal with any issues or incidents as they arise – following East Sussex Hearing policy & procedures
• Help to keep the ‘Hearing hopper’ clean, tidy and safe
If you are seeking a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a Bus Driver Volunteer is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we’re ‘Here to Help You Hear.’
It is essential that you have a clean C1 driving licence with a minimum of two years' driving experience. The bus is similar in size to an NHS ambulance. Also, essential is the ability to travel to a rural location in Upper Dicker.
What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers
Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at our Eastbourne centre, and locally where possible.
What we are looking for
• You're friendly, welcoming and enjoy being part of events
• You enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks
• You’re over the age of 30 due to insurance purposes.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About East Sussex Hearing
Join us in making a meaningful impact! East Sussex Hearing, an independent countywide charity based in Eastbourne, has dedicated over two decades to serving the deaf and hard of hearing community across East Sussex. Our mission is to empower individuals with advice and practical support, enabling them to lead vibrant, active lives and be integral members of their community.
We actively participate in various community events to bolster and enrich the services we offer, while also fostering collaborative working relationships throughout the county, for the benefit of the hard of hearing and deaf population. We are now on the lookout for a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer – Peacehaven & Newhaven to join our cause on a voluntary basis.
About the role
Volunteering as a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Peacehaven & Newhaven offers an enjoyable opportunity to socialise and make new connections, all whilst contributing to the Charity's vital services within the Peacehaven & Newhaven communities. You'll be involved in offering warm and helpful hearing aid maintenance services, along with sharing information and advice on hearing loss.
What you will be doing
• Meet and greet members of the public who visit HAM sessions
• Keep written records of help given
• Check and clean hearing aids
• Replace hearing aid tubing
• Check hearing aid batteries and issue replacement batteries
• Provide basic guidance on the use and care of hearing aids
• Provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services
If you are seeking a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Peacehaven & Newhaven is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we're Here to Help You Hear.’
What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers.
Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at their Eastbourne centre and locally.
What we are looking for:
• You're friendly, enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks.
To apply for this role, you need to be over the age of 16.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
re you passionate about making a difference in the lives of disabled children and their families? Do you have the leadership skills and experience necessary to oversee a successful charity organization? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you.
Our disabled kids charity is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Director to lead our team in providing essential services and support to children with disabilities. As the Director, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization, including fundraising, program development, financial management, and community outreach.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in non-profit management, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a genuine commitment to serving the needs of disabled children and their families. Experience working with children with disabilities is preferred but not required.