Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

Would you like a new challenge for the new year?  If you are interested in fundraising and research and in supporting vulnerable women then we might have the perfect opportunity for you!

We are looking for someone to support our Fundraising Consultant with researching to determine the potential for developing new key relationships with enthusiastic and appropriate corporate partners.  This will involve desk research and developing a database of potential contacts for our Fundraising Consultant to follow up.  Research will be conducted on the internet but may also involve telephone work.  Attention to detail will be important for this role and great research and verbal and written communication skills.

If you are looking to gain hands-on experience or support women with your existing experience in corporate fundraising under the guidance, support, and supervision of a friendly and experienced fundraising team, this is the perfect opportunity for you. We will provide relevant training and help you to identify career development opportunities.

Are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity which makes a positive difference to the everyday lives of others?

Then why not consider becoming a director with the Charity of Elizabeth Janes Jones and the David Henry Waring Home?We are an Almshouse and provide 103 units of high-quality accommodation for people of limited financial means in Bedfont, Southwest London and have plans to create a further 31 new units.

Being a director for the Charity of Elizabeth Janes Jones and the David Henry Waring Home is an exciting and challenging role, bringing with it opportunities for applying strategic thinking, planning, creativity, and stewardship which can help guide the Charity to achieve its goals in the management of its properties, a site re-development which is a significant milestone in the Charity’s history.

Our directors are responsible in law for managing the incorporated entity, and as we are a charitable organisation our directors are also trustees at law and have formal responsibilities under the Companies Act 2006.Our directors give their time voluntarily and the positions are unremunerated, but reasonable out of pocket expenses may be allowable.

As a director, you’ll work as part of a board alongside our other directors and will also have opportunities to work with the CEO, staff, and volunteers, adding to the range of knowledge, skills, and experience within the Charity’s team.  As well as bringing fresh ideas to current and future property management and development projects, the director role also has responsibilities for the governance of the Charity, regulatory compliance matters and the effective stewardship of our finances and resources.

We are looking to recruit new directors to the board. If you would like to become a director and have an interest in property and housing, then we’d be delighted to hear from you!The positions require the following commitments:

• Dedicating the necessary time to prepare for and attending scheduled meetings and other obligations.
• Understanding and accepting the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of directorship of the Charity.
• Respecting and upholding the Charity’s values, staff policies and processes and to applying the generally accepted principals of directorship, selflessness, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and personal leadership. 
• Think creatively and identify new directions, whilst preserving the overall purpose of the Charity.

We’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference to the housing sector we would love to hear from you if you’d like to contribute. Ideally, we are hoping to find volunteers with professional qualifications experience and knowledge in the following areas:

• Practical skills and knowledge of social housing and the housing sector and an understanding of the difficulties faced by individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Using financial data to run a team, function or organisation and to make financial decisions which optimises budgets and contributes to the smooth running of the operation.
• Understanding of a directors, legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities.
• Familiarity with personal responsibilities and liabilities like that of a director and acting in the best interests of the team and organisation.
• Time management and decision-making skills.
• Management and mitigation of risk.
• Interacting with others and people skills, and a track record of being able to get along with, boards, employees, service users and the public.
• Working with and interpreting data and management information to develop plans and help make and support the making of informed decisions.
• An understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Time commitment: The full Board meets every 2 months and meetings last for about 2.5 hours. In addition, Board members are expected to be members of at least one sub committees. These meet when needed but typically monthly. 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

The Role

Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.

The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.

What will you do as a volunteer?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.

We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.

Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
• Organise our monthly community meeting
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
• Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
• Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.

What you get:

Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).

Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.

You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.

We’re a not-for-profit landlord who have been having a positive impact on young people’s lives for nearly 100 years, by addressing the shortage of affordable rented housing for those working in London.

We’re the only organisation in London that specifically offers accommodation to working young people, many of whom are key workers, in entry level employment who have no other means of support and are unable to stay within their family networks.

Our current flagship residence, HYELM-Old Street, opened in 2008 and provides 125 young workers who cannot afford to rent or buy properties through the private sector, with contemporary, secure, hassle-free accommodation.

This is an exciting time for us. In response to the considerable and growing demand for high quality affordable accommodation, we are exploring several development opportunities to increase the number of young workers who we are able to house.

The Role of a HYELM Board Member is to:

• Play a key role in helping to shape the direction of our organisation. In the shorter term this will include supporting the review of our future strategy, the delivery of new housing and the implementation of our commitment to put our people at the heart of our business.
• Work collectively, with other Board members, oversee our compliance with relevant regulations; quantify & manage current, new & emerging risks that the organisation faces and regularly review our performance and delivery against our Strategic and business plans.

You will be valued for

• Your entrepreneurial spirit to drive HYELM forward whilst also keeping keen prudent control and avoiding any conflicts of interest.
• Your understanding and/or experience in the small charity/business environment.
• Your commitment to work with our very small team to further evolve our organisation to provide a better living environment to young people and key workers.

Ideally, you would be able to support us in bolstering our Board representation with knowledge and experience of finance and accounting as well as IT and Technology.

You’ll be contributing to a great cause.

• You’ll be able to develop and hone your critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills as well as develop and gain additional experience in strategic planning.
• You’ll grow your professional networks.
• You’ll be able to access complimentary training, support and attend industry events, conferences, and seminars. If this is your first trusteeship, we will design a bespoke development package to help support you in your new role.

Skills sought: Charity Finance, accounting, AI/Tech

Commitment: 6 meetings per year (4 in person, at our Old Street scheme)

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

we will be looking to run volunteering selection events throughout the year, if successful you will need to complete an interview, volunteer screening and online training

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/06/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. Confident working with young people between the ages of 16 - 24.

To provide social and practical support to customers. Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness.

Clarion Housing Group operate a number of supported housing schemes, to support people to live independently, by providing residents with the life skills they will need to eventually go on to their own tenancy.

This opportunity is based in Strood, Rochester and Gillingham (Medway).

Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities.

Activities:
-Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
-Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.

Practical activities could also include:
-Empowering young people to develop independent living skills and to access educational and employment opportunities
-Helping the young people to complete forms and paperwork including developing their CV and job applications
-Helping the young people to build important life skills e.g. cooking, cleaning and budgeting
-Organising activities within the schemes i.e. art/painting, games/quizzes, cooking

Support for Volunteers:

- To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training

- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

- Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues

Enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. Confident working with young people between the ages of 16 - 24.

To provide social and practical support to customers. Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness.

Clarion Housing Group operate a number of supported housing schemes, to support people to live independently, by providing residents with the life skills they will need to eventually go on to their own tenancy.

This opportunity is based in Strood, Rochester and Gillingham (Medway).

Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities.

Activities:
-Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
-Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.

Practical activities could also include:
-Empowering young people to develop independent living skills and to access educational and employment opportunities
-Helping the young people to complete forms and paperwork including developing their CV and job applications
-Helping the young people to build important life skills e.g. cooking, cleaning and budgeting
-Organising activities within the schemes i.e. art/painting, games/quizzes, cooking

Support for Volunteers:

- To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training

- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

- Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most. Join Us as a Board Member.

Target Housing is a bold, purpose-driven charity providing safety, stability and hope for people facing some of life’s toughest challenges, from entrenched rough sleeping to domestic abuse, trauma, mental health and complex needs.

We’ve grown rapidly over the last five years. Today, we own 160+ homes and manage another 800+ across the region, delivering trauma-informed, people-centred support that changes lives for good.

Now we’re looking for new Board Members who want to use their skills for something that genuinely matters.

What You’ll Do

• Help steer a growing, values-led organisation making a real difference every single day.

• Bring your insight to strengthen our governance, people decisions and risk management.

• Support strategic thinking across housing, care and charitable services.

• Join Board meetings helld every two months in Rotherham (remote attendance also available), plus occasional sub-groups.

This is a voluntary role with expenses covered, but the impact you’ll have is priceless.

Who You Are

• Someone who cares about people, fairness and long-term change.

• Confident contributing to big-picture conversations, not just your specialism.

• Values driven, collaborative, and unafraid to ask the right questions.

• We are especially keen to hear from people who have legal or HR experience, ready to fill a crucial skills gap on our Board.

Why This Matters

Because behind every decision we make is someone trying to rebuild their life.
You’ll help ensure they get the safety, support and second chance they deserve.

If you're ready to use your expertise for real social impact, we’d love to hear from you. For an informal chat, please contact Steve Crane our CEO.

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Kensington

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00

Location: 211 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6BD 

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in the community

Our Van Driver’s mates are out and about supporting drivers with delivering and collecting stock throughout the local area. They play a key part in getting donations to and from shops. This role does require the ability to lift heavy items. 

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop, or contact the volunteering team

Homeless Health Peer Advocate - Manchester

Aim of the role

As a Homeless Health Peer Advocate, you will form part of our team helping those experiencing homelessness to achieve better health outcomes.

Homeless Health Peer Advocacy is a pioneering model of advocacy style support. It aims to work towards an inclusive health system where everyone has access to the healthcare they need; ultimately moving people out of homelessness. We want to make it easy for people to access healthcare and improve their health. We know that Homeless Health Peer Advocacy creates a foundation for moving out of homelessness.

Suggested time commitment

Flexible – this volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday: 9-5

Location

Home and Office (Manchester) and Community (Manchester)

Supervised by

Ped Durling (Project Coordinator), Lily Ozanne (HHPA Peer Coordinator)

Main Tasks

This is a varied role, and you could do some or all the following activities:

• Arranging and committing to regular time each week to support clients to get help with their health needs.
• Acting as an advocate for the client, preparing for and supporting with appointments, results, letters and helping them to speak up for themselves.
• Updating your supervisor about calls to people experiencing homelessness and reporting any information/advice/guidance that has been requested
• Reporting any concerns about safety
• Providing feedback to help improve and develop the service
• Sometimes you may meet a client for a one-off appointment, or you might be working with a client over several weeks or months, depending upon their health needs. 

Skills and Experience

Please note this role is ring-fenced for those with lived experiences or multiple disadvantages.

We are looking for:

• People with lived experience of homelessness or risk of homelessness (all forms e.g., rough sleeping, sofa surfing, hidden homelessness)
• Experience of multiple disadvantage: domestic abuse or sexual violence, experience of the criminal justice system, mental ill health, neurodivergence, substance misuse, barriers to accessing healthcare.
• Friendly with good listening skills

• Able to listen and respond to information provided
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Good timekeeping and reliability

• The ability to communicate clear information

Induction, Learning & Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures
• Provide training: including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Safeguarding
• Provide access to our suite of internal training programmes and other appropriate Shelter training
• Provide on the job induction
• Pay out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

What you will gain

• Experience in homeless health advocacy with a leading national charity working with people experiencing homelessness.
• The opportunity to use your lived experience of homelessness to help develop trusting relationships with other people experiencing homelessness.
• Access to progression support and reflective practice
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a team.
• Equipment, like a phone etc to help you in your role.
• References provided if required to potential employers if you are looking for work.
• Regular catchups with your supervisor and opportunity to reflect on your input and role

Next steps

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will hold an informal recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

If you would like any more information on the role or advice on how to apply, please contact us.

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

Homeless Health Peer Advocate - Salford

Aim of the role

As a Homeless Health Peer Advocate, you will form part of our team helping those experiencing homelessness to achieve better health outcomes.

Homeless Health Peer Advocacy is a pioneering model of advocacy style support. It aims to work towards an inclusive health system where everyone has access to the healthcare they need; ultimately moving people out of homelessness. We want to make it easy for people to access healthcare and improve their health. We know that Homeless Health Peer Advocacy creates a foundation for moving out of homelessness.

Suggested time commitment

Flexible – this volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday: 9-5

Location

Home and Office (Manchester) and Community (Salford)

Supervised by

Ped Durling (Project Coordinator), Esther Baker (HHPA Peer Coordinator)

Main Tasks

This is a varied role, and you could do some or all the following activities:

• Arranging and committing to regular time each week to support clients to get help with their health needs.
• Acting as an advocate for the client, preparing for and supporting with appointments, results, letters and helping them to speak up for themselves.
• Updating your supervisor about calls to people experiencing homelessness and reporting any information/advice/guidance that has been requested
• Reporting any concerns about safety
• Providing feedback to help improve and develop the service
• Sometimes you may meet a client for a one-off appointment, or you might be working with a client over several weeks or months, depending upon their health needs. 

Skills and Experience

Please note this role is ring-fenced for those with lived experiences or multiple disadvantages.

We are looking for:

• People with lived experience of homelessness or risk of homelessness (all forms e.g., rough sleeping, sofa surfing, hidden homelessness)
• Experience of multiple disadvantage: domestic abuse or sexual violence, experience of the criminal justice system, mental ill health, neurodivergence, substance misuse, barriers to accessing healthcare.
• Friendly with good listening skills

• Able to listen and respond to information provided
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Good timekeeping and reliability

• The ability to communicate clear information

Induction, Learning & Development

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures
• Provide training: including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Safeguarding
• Provide access to our suite of internal training programmes and other appropriate Shelter training
• Provide on the job induction
• Pay out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

What you will gain

• Experience in homeless health advocacy with a leading national charity working with people experiencing homelessness.
• The opportunity to use your lived experience of homelessness to help develop trusting relationships with other people experiencing homelessness.
• Access to progression support and reflective practice
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a team.
• Equipment, like a phone etc to help you in your role.
• References provided if required to potential employers if you are looking for work.
• Regular catchups with your supervisor and opportunity to reflect on your input and role

Next steps

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will hold an informal recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

If you would like any more information on the role or advice on how to apply, please contact us.

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

Target Housing is a resilient, responsive, purpose-driven organisation working at the heart of our communities. As a regional charity, registered provider, and registered care provider, we provide safety, support and hope to some of the most vulnerable people in society, including entrenched rough sleepers, survivors of domestic abuse, people with multiple and complex needs, women who have had children removed into care, and individuals living with mental ill health or learning disabilities.

Following significant growth over the past 5 years, we now own 160 homes and manage a further 800 across the region, with services shaped around human connection, trauma-informed care, and long-term recovery.

We’re looking for a qualified accountant with capacity to give back, to step into the role of Treasurer of our Board.

About the Role

As Treasurer, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight of our finances, helping us stay sustainable while delivering maximum social impact.
• Support the board in understanding our financial position, risks and opportunities.
• Work closely with our Finance Director and CEO to review budgets and ensure compliance.
• Attend bi-monthly board meetings (in-person in Rotherham), and occasional sub-group discussions as needed.

This is a voluntary position with expenses reimbursed, and a chance to be part of a passionate, mission-driven leadership team making a real difference every day.

About You

We’re looking for someone pragmatic, with sound judgement and a good heart. You will:

• Be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Bring strong financial literacy, but be just as comfortable with conversations about people, purpose and impact.
• Understand the nuances of working in a charity, housing, or regulated care environment, or be keen to learn.
• Be values-driven, collaborative, and believe in second chances and lasting change.

Why Join Us?

Because what we do matters, and how we do it matters even more. We work flexibly, with purpose and compassion. You’ll be joining a charity that’s grown fast, but kept its soul, and you’ll be helping guide us into a financially resilient and impactful future.

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Faversham

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 10:00-17:00. 

Location: Shop in Faversham, ME13 7AL

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop, or contact the shop manager.

Purpose:
Help drive donations, plan small fundraising events, and promote online giving campaigns to support housing and youth development programs.

Responsibilities:

• Support fundraising events and community drives

• Engage with local businesses for donations or sponsorships

• Promote campaigns on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)

• Assist with donor thank-you messages and data entry

Skills Needed:

• Confident communicator

• Organised, friendly, and proactive

• Passion for helping vulnerable children and families

Hours: 10–15 hours per month

DBS Check: ✅ Yes – Basic DBS required (£12.50)

Policies to follow:

• Safeguarding Policy

• Fundraising Code of Conduct

• Data Protection Policy

Volunteer Benefits:

• Hands-on fundraising experience

• Training in donor relations and community engagement

• Recognition in our volunteer newsletter and social media

• Outstanding volunteers may be invited to join our Fundraising Advisory Board or future Board of Directors