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.

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.

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.

About us:

The Olive Branch Counselling Service (reg charity 1140475) is based in central Winchester, serving the community of Hampshire over the last 27 years. We provide subsidised counselling services for adults (over 18) who are experiencing mental health issues, via weekly therapy sessions. Our beneficiaries have gone through a range of difficult lived experiences, including loss, abuse, poor health and the current cost of living crisis. We’re a small charity with 4 part-time staff and aim to help 300 people in 2024. We recently secured a multi-year grant from the National Lottery, putting us on a more secure financial footing for 3 years. We still need to raise a further £30,000 in 2024. We have 44 volunteer counsellors supporting our clients, who are committed to helping people in need, and in turn we support their continuous professional development by funding their counselling supervision.

Role overview:

The Olive Branch Counselling Service is welcoming Trustees to join our Board of Directors. Trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Olive Branch achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the service has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, the Trustees support and challenge the Clinical team to enable the charity to grow and thrive to achieve our mission.

Duties and responsibilities

• Support and guide our charity’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies, monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee charity’s financial plans and budgets, monitor and evaluate progress.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve charity’s financial statements.

• Provide direct support to one or more operational functions, for example; treasurer, fundraising, clinical governance, training, external comms and engagement.

• Keep abreast of changes in our charity’s operating environment.

• Contribute to regular reviews of charity’s own governance by attending regular Board meetings.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect charity’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of charity’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

• Board members have a collective responsibility with regards to governance and decision-making.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring their time, energy, enthusiasm and commitment to The Olive Branch Counselling Service. We particularly need help in accessing more funding opportunities through sponsorships, grants, community fundraising and local business links. If you have skills or expertise in areas such as communications and engagement, financial management, fundraising or governance, we would love to hear from you. Most important is having the time and being willing to be pro-active with directly supporting the work of the charity. You do not need previous charity governance experience - a full induction will be provided.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to accept responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees and to act in the best interests of our organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our charity values, vision and mission. Terms of appointment

• Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for further terms to be approved by the Board.

• This is a voluntary position, reasonable expenses incurred whilst carrying out Olive Branch duties can be reimbursed.

• Time commitment varies depending on duties, approximately 1-2 days per month to cover meetings, tasks and liaising with staff/partner organisations.

• Circa 6-8 Board meetings annually, either in person at The Olive Branch office or remotely via Zoom/Teams.

• Annual General Meeting is usually held mid-June in central Winchester.

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.

Do you speak Sudanese Arabic?

It’s fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Would you like to provide vital support to vulnerable adults who need help translating important documents for whom English is not their first language? As a Language Translation Microvolunteer, you will be providing an extremely valuable service to our clients and staff; helping to translate important documents to increase the accessibility of our resources, as well as providing – if you are available when asked, language translation support via the phone. You will be helping people who have experienced homelessness, who may be experiencing addiction, mental health issues, physical or mental disabilities or who may be refugees, asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Remote – We will be contacting you as and when we receive translation support requests from our clients and our local services.

Do I need to have any specific skills? 

• Be fluent in a language other than English (both written and verbal communication) 

• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. 

• Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. 

• An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality.

Location: London / Online

£5,000 per annum, plus expenses

Quarterly Board Meetings take place in London in person, with the ability to join online for those unable to make an in-person meeting

The Innovation Unit is a dynamic, not for profit social enterprise. With an expert team and board we endeavour to grow and scale the boldest and best innovations, that deliver long term impact for people, address persistent inequalities and transform the systems around them.

We design and deliver innovation programmes that develop new ideas, working with local places, systems and partners to help adoption and adaptation to different contexts and different needs. We also pass on tools and techniques to inspire people to keep innovating, learning and iterating.

Collaboration is at the heart of our work. We value everyone’s lived experience, facilitate co-production and we help to reimagine and transform systems. Our approach is intersectional, and we share a core set of beliefs about enabling change that is owned and driven by the people it affects.

About the role

This role offers you the opportunity to sit together with people who are committed to using the power of social innovation to address the most persistent problems we face. The Board and executive have a strong sense of mission and are ambitious and focused on continuing to extend and amplify Innovation Unit’s impact.

Open, generative and productive, the Board brings together diverse experiences that contribute to rich conversations and offers high quality strategic advice, guidance and challenge. As Innovation Unit expands into current and new areas of work, we are looking for different experiences to continue to evolve our business model, deepen our impact and become more embedded in the systems that can affect change.

Who are we looking for?

We value all forms of diversity and thrive on new perspectives and constructive challenge, and we welcome individuals who are ambitious, optimistic and who are inspired to contribute to our future development.  In particular we, are looking for individuals who have expertise in the following areas:

●  Financial Strategy - IU starts 2024/25 in a strong financial position with a positive pipeline of contracts. We welcome someone who can analyse and understand our organisation through a strategic finance lens. Someone who is able to interrogate financial statements and reports to quickly identify core questions about organisational performance, priorities, and developments.

● Philanthropy and generating investment - we would welcome someone who has deep knowledge, strategic experience and credibility of generating investment from trusts and foundations. Expanding this aspect of our portfolio is central to our ability to drive, proactively, the change we want to see in the world.

● A ‘door opener’ - someone who can connect us and our work into public debate, thought leaders, and policy-makers - enabling us to contribute our learning to national conversations, as well as to our partners on the ground.

● Equity, diversity and inclusion - in the context of becoming an anti-racist organisation we are looking for someone who can offer strategic guidance and new perspectives on tackling inequalities within our organisation and through our work.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at  9 a.m. Tuesday 28th May.

Do you speak Hindi/Punjabi/any Indian dialect?

It’s fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Would you like to provide vital support to vulnerable adults who need help translating important documents for whom English is not their first language? As a Language Translation Microvolunteer, you will be providing an extremely valuable service to our clients and staff; helping to translate important documents to increase the accessibility of our resources, as well as providing – if you are available when asked, language translation support via the phone. You will be helping people who have experienced homelessness, who may be experiencing addiction, mental health issues, physical or mental disabilities or who may be refugees, asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Remote – We will be contacting you as and when we receive translation support requests from our clients and our local services.

Do I need to have any specific skills? 

• Be fluent in a language other than English (both written and verbal communication) 
• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. 
• Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. 
• An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality.

Do you speak Polish?

It’s fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Would you like to provide vital support to vulnerable adults who need help translating important documents for whom English is not their first language? As a Language Translation Microvolunteer, you will be providing an extremely valuable service to our clients and staff; helping to translate important documents to increase the accessibility of our resources, as well as providing – if you are available when asked, language translation support via the phone. You will be helping people who have experienced homelessness, who may be experiencing addiction, mental health issues, physical or mental disabilities or who may be refugees, asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Remote – We will be contacting you as and when we receive translation support requests from our clients and our local services.

Do I need to have any specific skills? 

• Be fluent in a language other than English (both written and verbal communication) 

• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. 

• Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. 

• An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality.

Do you speak Amharic?

It’s fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Would you like to provide vital support to vulnerable adults who need help translating important documents for whom English is not their first language? As a Language Translation Microvolunteer, you will be providing an extremely valuable service to our clients and staff; helping to translate important documents to increase the accessibility of our resources, as well as providing – if you are available when asked, language translation support via the phone. You will be helping people who have experienced homelessness, who may be experiencing addiction, mental health issues, physical or mental disabilities or who may be refugees, asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Remote – We will be contacting you as and when we receive translation support requests from our clients and our local services.

Do I need to have any specific skills? 

• Be fluent in a language other than English (both written and verbal communication) 

• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. 

• Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. 

• An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality.

Do you speak Bulgarian?

It’s fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Would you like to provide vital support to vulnerable adults who need help translating important documents for whom English is not their first language? As a Language Translation Microvolunteer, you will be providing an extremely valuable service to our clients and staff; helping to translate important documents to increase the accessibility of our resources, as well as providing – if you are available when asked, language translation support via the phone. You will be helping people who have experienced homelessness, who may be experiencing addiction, mental health issues, physical or mental disabilities or who may be refugees, asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Remote – We will be contacting you as and when we receive translation support requests from our clients and our local services.

Do I need to have any specific skills? 

• Be fluent in a language other than English (both written and verbal communication) 

• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. 

• Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. 

• An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality.

Do you speak Arabic? 

It’s fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Would you like to provide vital support to vulnerable adults who need help translating important documents for whom English is not their first language? As a Language Translation Microvolunteer, you will be providing an extremely valuable service to our clients and staff; helping to translate important documents to increase the accessibility of our resources, as well as providing – if you are available when asked, language translation support via the phone. You will be helping people who have experienced homelessness, who may be experiencing addiction, mental health issues, physical or mental disabilities or who may be refugees, asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Remote – We will be contacting you as and when we receive translation support requests from our clients and our local services.

Do I need to have any specific skills?

• Be fluent in a language other than English (both written and verbal communication)
• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact.
•  Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group.
• An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality.

Do you speak Portugese?

It’s fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Would you like to provide vital support to vulnerable adults who need help translating important documents for whom English is not their first language? As a Language Translation Microvolunteer, you will be providing an extremely valuable service to our clients and staff; helping to translate important documents to increase the accessibility of our resources, as well as providing – if you are available when asked, language translation support via the phone. You will be helping people who have experienced homelessness, who may be experiencing addiction, mental health issues, physical or mental disabilities or who may be refugees, asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Remote – We will be contacting you as and when we receive translation support requests from our clients and our local services.

Do I need to have any specific skills? 

• Be fluent in a language other than English (both written and verbal communication) 

• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. 

• Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. 

• An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality.

Do you speak Tigrinya?

It’s fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. Would you like to provide vital support to vulnerable adults who need help translating important documents for whom English is not their first language? As a Language Translation Microvolunteer, you will be providing an extremely valuable service to our clients and staff; helping to translate important documents to increase the accessibility of our resources, as well as providing – if you are available when asked, language translation support via the phone. You will be helping people who have experienced homelessness, who may be experiencing addiction, mental health issues, physical or mental disabilities or who may be refugees, asylum seekers or have no recourse to public funds.

Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:

• Remote – We will be contacting you as and when we receive translation support requests from our clients and our local services.

Do I need to have any specific skills? 

• Be fluent in a language other than English (both written and verbal communication) 

• An understanding of the causes of homelessness and its impact. 

• Genuine interest in and commitment to St Mungo’s work and client group. 

• An understanding of and commitment to diversity & equality.