Volunteer Roles

Deafblind UK support people who have combined sight and hearing loss -we help them to live with their condition and to build their confidence and independence.

Deafblindness affects everyone in different ways. Some people might have mild sight and hearing loss whereas others can’t see or hear anything. It can be isolating and lonely and it’s far more common than many people realise. Around 400,000 people are affected by sight and hearing loss in the UK.

As a Regional Charity Champion, you will be the vital link between Deafblind UK and your local community. You will champion and advocate the work and services that Deafblind UK offers and raise awareness of dual sensory loss engaging with local groups and organisations.

The commitment and skills of our volunteer family enable us to reach out to those in our far-flung communities whose lives could potentially be transformed by our support. Your knowledge of your own local area will help us to impact and support those adapting to, and living with, a dual sensory loss.

This is a flexible role which can differ for each volunteer depending on your strengths and experience. It might involve attending public events and groups in your local area delivering short talks or simply circulating information about the charity to raise awareness, make new connections and attract new members.

Who we are looking for?

We are looking for confident, outgoing people who can take the initiative and are eager to make a difference in their local area. You might have had some experience in public speaking, advocating or simply feel passionately about our cause.

We will be behind you every step of the way offering support, training and guidance!

Deafblind UK members have combined sight and hearing loss and many can feel lonely or socially isolated. We offer a free telephone befriending service where we match volunteers with one of our members to have a weekly 30 minute chat together.

We are looking for confident, empathetic and friendly people who can hold a good conversation. You could be chatting about similar interests or learning about each other’s lives. Whatever the conversation you’ll be having a positive impact.

One 30 minute call seems really simple but having someone to talk to and someone to listen, could really make a difference to our members. It could be that you’re the only person they speak to that day, or even that week.

Our members love to chat with people who have had some life experience and stories to tell. You will need good communication skills and be able to strike up a conversation. You will also need to be reliable, patient with a naturally warm and friendly nature.

We will ensure you are supported throughout your journey with us, offering training and support at all times.

Deafblind UK support people who have combined sight and hearing loss -we help them to live with their condition and to build their confidence and independence.

Deafblindness affects everyone in different ways. Some people might have mild sight and hearing loss whereas others can’t see or hear anything. It can be isolating and lonely and it’s far more common than many people realise. Around 400,000 people are affected by sight and hearing loss in the UK.

As a Regional Charity Champion, you will be the vital link between Deafblind UK and your local community. You will champion and advocate the work and services that Deafblind UK offers and raise awareness of dual sensory loss engaging with local groups and organisations.

The commitment and skills of our volunteer family enable us to reach out to those in our far-flung communities whose lives could potentially be transformed by our support. Your knowledge of your own local area will help us to impact and support those adapting to, and living with, a dual sensory loss.

This is a flexible role which can differ for each volunteer depending on your strengths and experience. It might involve attending public events and groups in your local area delivering short talks or simply circulating information about the charity to raise awareness, make new connections and attract new members.

Who we are looking for?

We are looking for confident, outgoing people who can take the initiative and are eager to make a difference in their local area. You might have had some experience in public speaking, advocating or simply feel passionately about our cause.

We will be behind you every step of the way offering support, training and guidance!

Deafblind UK support people who have combined sight and hearing loss -we help them to live with their condition and to build their confidence and independence.

Deafblindness affects everyone in different ways. Some people might have mild sight and hearing loss whereas others can’t see or hear anything. It can be isolating and lonely and it’s far more common than many people realise. Around 400,000 people are affected by sight and hearing loss in the UK.

As a Regional Charity Champion, you will be the vital link between Deafblind UK and your local community. You will champion and advocate the work and services that Deafblind UK offers and raise awareness of dual sensory loss engaging with local groups and organisations.

The commitment and skills of our volunteer family enable us to reach out to those in our far-flung communities whose lives could potentially be transformed by our support. Your knowledge of your own local area will help us to impact and support those adapting to, and living with, a dual sensory loss.

This is a flexible role which can differ for each volunteer depending on your strengths and experience. It might involve attending public events and groups in your local area delivering short talks or simply circulating information about the charity to raise awareness, make new connections and attract new members.

Who we are looking for?

We are looking for confident, outgoing people who can take the initiative and are eager to make a difference in their local area. You might have had some experience in public speaking, advocating or simply feel passionately about our cause.

We will be behind you every step of the way offering support, training and guidance!

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.

What you’ll be doing

• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.

• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.

• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.

• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.

What you’ll gain from the role

• An opportunity to give something back.

• A chance to build a strong community.

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make. 

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:

• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.

• A rewarding experience.

• A great Induction and training.

• A supportive manager.

• Regular updates and catchups.

• Expenses.

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

SAFEGUARDING TRUSTEE

Blue smile is looking for a Trustee to join our friendly, committed and active Board, taking the lead on safeguarding, supporting the Chair of Trustees and Charity Director.

Blue Smile’s mission and purpose

Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies.  We help over 200 children a week to be happier and have brighter futures.  We work with schools in Cambridge and the region providing children with one-to-one therapy.  We also directly support both schools and parents to help their children through our extensive Menu of Services.  We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

The charity has over 70 clinical experts working with us.  Our office team supply essential management and administrative support to this clinical work. 

Safeguarding is central to all Blue Smile activities, and we recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk, is paramount and that all have equal rights of protection. We have a duty of care when they are in our charge, and we will do everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.

Blue Smile's Trustees

The Trustees are responsible for appointing and overseeing the work of the Charity Director, making key decisions about the charity, and ensuring it is run appropriately and in compliance with the law and good governance.  The Trustees must ensure the charity carries out its purposes for the public benefit.  They must act in the charity’s best interest, manage its resources responsibly, act with reasonable care and skill and ensure the charity is accountable.

Why become a Trustee for Blue Smile?

This is an exciting time to be joining Blue Smile as we implement our Strategy for 2024 onwards.  Building on our excellent reputation for high quality, specialised work with young children, we want to develop our services and evaluation, invest in new systems, and grow our service to meet the increased need for child mental health support.  We also want to increase reach through additional services which impact the whole school community.

You will be joining a friendly, committed, and active Board and induction and training will be provided.

THE ROLE OF THE SAFEGUARDING TRUSTEE

Though safeguarding is the responsibility of all trustees the Safeguarding Trustee will take the lead on safeguarding supporting the Chair of Trustees and Charity Director.

The Safeguarding Trustee will:

• Have oversight of the safeguarding policies and procedures. Ensuring there is an annual review which is reported to the other trustees. 
• Consider the charity's strategic plans in the light of safeguarding legislation and other relevant obligations and the safeguarding expectations of the Charities Commission.
• Check the charities risk register reflects safeguarding risks properly and work with the Board and Charity Director to plan sensible measures to take.
• Ensure there is space on the agenda for safeguarding reports and help trustees understand and challenge those reports.
• Attend relevant safeguarding training events.
• Support the trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of safeguarding.

Experience and Skills we are looking for in a Safeguarding Trustee:

• Experience working in safeguarding for children and young people.
• Awareness of relevant guidance, particularly, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to the values (and ethics) of the charity.

Role type: Unremunerated/Volunteer (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Location:  Trustee meetings currently take place mainly online but attendance at Blue Smile offices in Central Cambridge, or other locations where we work, may be required from time to time

Commitment: Six meetings a year of the Trustee Board (usually on a weekday evening) Trustees are also represented on subcommittees and advisory groups which report to the Board. We would encourage the Safeguarding Trustee to be part of the Clinical and Ethics Committee which meets once a term.

Trustees may also offer support with projects and events as required and as their time allows.

We are committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation.  We welcome applications from all backgrounds.  We would encourage younger people to consider applying – you do not need to have held a trustee or similar role before.  We would also love to hear from you if you are from an under-represented groups at Blue Smile such as individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people and people with a disability, or if you have experience of child and family statutory services in your own personal life.

Blue Smile is committed to safer recruitment and trustees will be expected to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

If you would like to be part of a welcoming and well-respected charity whose aim is to help children enjoy happier childhoods and brighter futures please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you are interested in the Safeguarding Trustee role. Thank you!

As an Events volunteer you will provide support at our events taking place throughout the year. These range from sporting events, summer fetes, bridge drives, open gardens, luncheons etc. The role is varied and encompasses a number of different duties depending on the event; from car park marshalling at our busier events, to help setting up and manning a stall at our fete. The locations of our events are around Surrey and Sout West London. 

Our shop volunteers are an important part of the work we do at Princess Alice Hospice. On over 40 high streets, they help our shops turn takings directly into outstanding care.

Volunteering in one of our shops not only makes a difference to those we care for, it will make a difference to your life too. In our vibrant, sociable shops you will find new friends, colleagues, whilst gaining a wealth of valuable experience and also bagging a bargain for yourself!

If you’re comfortable interacting with the public, enjoy working as part of a team, and have an eye for tidiness and detail, we’d love to hear from you.

Full training and guidance will be provided to support you with your volunteering journey at Princess Alice Hospice.

Be the difference on your doorstep.
Compassionate Neighbours are trained volunteers offering friendship, support and listening ear to people living in their local community, sometimes with serious, long-term or terminal illness who often struggle with loneliness.

By popping round for a cup of tea or a friendly chat once a week you can make a world of difference. You will be a good listener, kind and have a genuine interest in other people.

As a Compassionate Neighbour Volunteer you’ll not only gain new skills, confidence, and social networks; you’ll be making a difference in your local community.

Full training and support is provided. 

Parkinson's UK local groups offer friendship, support, and numerous activities for people affected by Parkinson's.

Leading a committed group of volunteers, you'll be a core part of the local Parkinson's community, meeting new people and making a difference.

You'll shape the activities offered in Fareham, Gosport and Districts, bringing your group and committee together whilst developing leadership skills.

From monthly committee meetings to liaising with local staff you'll be a key point of contact for Parkinson's UK, acting as an ambassador for the charity.

As part of recruitment, you will be asked to provide a reference for this role. Speak to your staff contact for more information.

More about this role

Volunteer role

Branch Vice Chair

Volunteer manager

Local Network Support Officer

Where you will be based

Community

Why we want you

Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. As a Branch vice chair you'll support the chair, or act as chair when required, in running the committee and monthly meetings.

What you will be doing

• Engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your local community, to ensure the group has the greatest possible impact on those affected by Parkinson's in your area
• Staying up to date with news and developments of Parkinson's UK, actively sharing them with the group
• Making the best use of the skills and strengths of other volunteers to meet the needs of local people affected by Parkinson's
• Support the group, with the help of local staff, to operate within Parkinson's UK guidelines

The skills you need

• Enthusiasm; for Parkinson's UK and as an ambassador for your local group
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills
• The ability to lead meetings in an open and inclusive way, making decisions that take into account multiple viewpoints
• Can-do attitude to making things happen in your local community, taking on board the feedback of those affected by Parkinson's in your area
• Confidence in using a computer and email

What's in it for you

• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, making new friends and building connections
• Learn and develop valuable leadership, teamwork and people skills
• You'll be part of a pioneering organisation, committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - in your local area and beyond

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. As a Branch vice chair you would be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete our Advanced Data Protection training. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.

What you’ll be doing

• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.

• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.

• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.

• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.

What you’ll gain from the role

• An opportunity to give something back.

• A chance to build a strong community.

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make. 

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:

• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.

• A rewarding experience.

• A great Induction and training.

• A supportive manager.

• Regular updates and catchups.

• Expenses.

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be: 

• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join. 

• Creating a warm and welcoming environment. 

• Supporting group conversations. 

• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group. 

• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate. 

What you’ll gain from the role: 

• An opportunity to give something back. 

• A chance to build a strong community. 

• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people 

• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. 

In return for donating your time we will provide: 

• A rewarding experience. 

• A great Induction and training. 

• A supportive manager. 

• Regular updates and catchups. 

• Expenses. 

• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. 

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience
• Develop new skills and boost your CV
• Meet new people
• Support your local community
• Donate your current skills and knowledge
• Have fun
• Be part of a friendly team

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket. 

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

PDSA positively encourages volunteer applications regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect. 

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous and all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks. 

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience
• Develop new skills and boost your CV
• Meet new people
• Support your local community
• Donate your current skills and knowledge
• Have fun
• Be part of a friendly team

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket. 

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

PDSA positively encourages volunteer applications regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect. 

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous and all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.