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!
Prevent loneliness and isolation in your community become a befriender.
We all need a helping hand or listening ear – sometimes more so due to health, isolation or recovery following an operation
Connection Support is a local charity and we are looking for volunteer befrienders to support our Prevention Matters clients in Buckinghamshire.
Prevention Matters help adults regain confidence, maintain independence and help them get out and about. The Community Support Workers support clients by finding help, signposting to other services, connect with others in the local community and provide encouragement to get involved in social events.
You can make a difference to people’s lives as a Prevention Matters volunteer by:
- Increase or maintain social links such as attend local events, transport to coffee mornings
· Accompany clients on GP or hospital appointments
· Teach clients new digital skills such as email, Skype or how to search the web.
· Practical support in the garden or a spot of DIY in their home
· Assistance with hoarding disorder
· Support to a carer who is feeling isolated
Volunteers will have their traveling and out of pocket expenses covered. Opportunity to complete NVC National Volunteering Certificate and other in-house training.
At Connection Support we feel that nobody can do everything but everyone can do something so volunteering is flexible to suit you.
We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds to join our diverse team, if you have any disabilities or health conditions, we will do everything we can to help you access this opportunity.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Prevent loneliness and isolation in your community become a befriender.
We all need a helping hand or listening ear – sometimes more so due to health, isolation or recovery following an operation
Connection Support is a local charity and we are looking for volunteer befrienders to support our Prevention Matters clients in Buckinghamshire.
Prevention Matters help adults regain confidence, maintain independence and help them get out and about. The Community Support Workers support clients by finding help, signposting to other services, connect with others in the local community and provide encouragement to get involved in social events.
You can make a difference to people’s lives as a Prevention Matters volunteer by:
- Increase or maintain social links such as attend local events, transport to coffee mornings
· Accompany clients on GP or hospital appointments
· Teach clients new digital skills such as email, Skype or how to search the web.
· Practical support in the garden or a spot of DIY in their home
· Assistance with hoarding disorder
· Support to a carer who is feeling isolated
Volunteers will have their traveling and out of pocket expenses covered. Opportunity to complete NVC National Volunteering Certificate and other in-house training.
At Connection Support we feel that nobody can do everything but everyone can do something so volunteering is flexible to suit you.
We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds to join our diverse team, if you have any disabilities or health conditions, we will do everything we can to help you access this opportunity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We are looking for a highly motivated Partnerships Officer in maintaining our relationships with charities and enterprises
We are looking for someone to help develop and maintain our partnerships with charities and social enterprises
You should be confident in drafting and building proposals; managing the organisation's CRM system and reporting data to the Head of Partnerships.
You will hold a hands-on role working in a small team and you will be comfortable working alone and/or in a team on projects, proposing how best to support and deliver them in collaboration with other departments.
Some of our past campaigns:
- Promoting Zero Waste
- Tackling modern slavery across the globe
- Improving disability equality in the UK
- Improving mental health in the UK
- Supporting people facing homelessness in the UK
Through promotion we also engage with users of our app and website. By giving people actionable opportunities to help further the cause of our chosen campaigns (i.e. donating to certain charities, writing to your local MP, links to sign petitions), we work to create an engaging space whereby anyone can help contribute and tackle some of the challenges we face today.
Your role:
- Working with the Head Of Partnerships to identify potential charity and social enterprise partners.
- Contacting charities to form potential partnerships.
- Building relationships with existing partners.
- Working with the wider team to plan and execute campaigns and initiatives.
- Writing and designing proposals to potential partnerships.
- Support the Head of Partnerships in delivering the strategic initiatives to enable us to achieve our long-term growth and vision
Your impact:
Our work involves reaching out to charities and social enterprises to work with us, they then suggest improvements and propose actions to support their work
Thus your input will help maintain relations with our partners and help identify new opportunities
Who we are looking for:
We're primarily looking for someone who's had experience in managing relationships with businesses, such as in communications or business development, and someone who enjoys working with people.
They should preferably have working knowledge of Gmail and slack, as well as having experience maintaining CRM
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a dynamic fundraising leader with a talent of developing new relationships and creating new sustainable sources of income?
Now-u is a non-profit website and app, launched in July 2020 with a mission to inform, involve and inspire people to help tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental and social problems related to i) human rights and welfare, ii) protecting the world around us, and iii) preserving our species and the planet.
Some of our past campaigns:
- Promoting Zero Waste
- Tackling modern slavery across the globe
- Improving disability equality in the UK
- Improving mental health in the UK
- Supporting people facing homelessness in the UK
Through promotion we also engage with users of our app and website. By giving people actionable opportunities to help further the cause of our chosen campaigns (i.e. donating to certain charities, writing to your local MP, links to sign petitions), we work to create an engaging space whereby anyone can help contribute and tackle some of the challenges we face today.
How we create a campaign:
- The team looks at what issues would be best to tackle for a particular month
- It considers multiple factors: Recent developments impacting charitable causes, public and media attention, upcoming parliamentary debates and more
- We prepare a proposal for the campaign, gathering info, learning materials and suggested actions to complete
- We then reach out to charities and social enterprises to work with us
- They suggest improvements, and propose actions to support their work
- We prepare all these materials to be presented in accessible and engaging ways on the app
- We use other supporting materials like campaign videos, blog articles and social media
The difference you will make in this role
We are seeking an experienced senior fundraiser manager to join our team and lead in the development and delivery of our new fundraising strategy.
This is a new role where you would be instrumental in increasing our supporter base to provide us with an income to grow.
The ideal person would bring leadership and management experience and have a track record in strategy development, budgets, working to target and KPIs.
Working independently you would:
- Action a fundraising strategy approved by the chief executive & senior leadership team.
- Agree a departmental budget and work to achieve or exceed a fundraising target.
- Co-ordinate and manage fundraising, comprising community, trust, corporate, major donor and digital fundraising, across the organisation.
- Motivate a team of volunteers who engage in fundraising activities
- Build relationships with charitable trusts, foundations and other institutional funders.
- Lead funding applications with regards to charitable trusts, foundations, grants & competitions.
- Develop a strategy to attract corporate partners/sponsors.
- Prepare reports and give presentations on fundraising progress to the senior leadership team and the trustee board.
What are we looking for?
- Excellent written and oral presentation skills: Head of fundraising needs to make regular presentations to trustees, senior managers or potential donors/sponsors and write winning fundraising applications.
- Networking/Relationship Management skills: Head of fundraising will be called upon to represent the organisation to corporates & donors and persuade them that their cause is one they should contribute to.
- Effective project management skills: Ability to lead and co-ordinate fundraising initiatives with the support of volunteers.
- Digital skills: The organisation is centred around mobile/online technology and the Head of fundraising will need to be adept at using these technologies and be aware of their fundraising potential.
- Innovation skills: Strong ideas about how to hit fundraising targets in this climate.
- Budget management skills: You need to be able to work effectively with limited resources.
Essential experience
- Proven track record in developing and delivering fundraising strategies
- Knowledge of good fundraising procedures for the voluntary sector
- Knowledge of current fundraising guidelines and legislation
- Proven ability in producing effective, and inspiring proposals and funding reports
I need someone for admin, social media and IT guy.
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!
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Milton Keynes (Peartree Bridge and/or Stantonbury Fields)
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Chesham
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Princess Risborough
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
By becoming a Bereavement Support Volunteer, you will be working with bereaved clients in your local area - Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex to provide one-on-one support via the telephone and via Zoom for up to six sessions per client.
Full Beravement foundation training is provided over a six week period and additional Safeguarding training is required and a DBS check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Burnham Bowls Club
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Chalfont St Giles Memorial Hall
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.
You will be volunteering with a small, but passionate and fun team made up of two admin staff, five retail and online sales staff, and a dedicated trustee board of five, from a range of backgrounds.
We are a highly proactive, progressive and approachable branch, with a clear vision for the future - aiming for charitable excellence, a strong community focus, and a passion to support, signpost and advocate for our pet-owning community.
Among our animal welfare activities are schemes such as assisted neutering and microchipping, welfare events such as free microchipping and clinic sessions, provision of a local pet food bank, family fun day events in aid of animal welfare, and the delivery of educational materials - created by the branch team, for our younger audiences.
We support RSPCA frontline teams within our local area, and we are always keen to take on new challenges and innovative ways to fundraise and work alongside those in our community who need our support.
The insights and skills of our trustees are the key to the future direction of the branch.
As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
- Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Support Specialist write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
- Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
- Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
What we are looking for in a volunteer
We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:
- Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
- Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
- Local community and supporter relationships;
- Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
- Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.
Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Ideally we would want a Trustee within the Sunderland, Hartlepool, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead or Durham area. However, the position can be done mostly via remote means - and so, you can be located anywhere in the country.
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!
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Marlow
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Aylesbury, driving members to their weekly bowls meeting and social clubs
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.