Volunteer team assistant volunteer roles in white city, greater london

Job Title: Finance Assistant                                                                           

Reports To: Finance  Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Finance Assistant to support the day-to-day financial operations of Quilombo UK. This is an ideal role for someone looking to apply or gain hands-on experience in finance within the Third Sector, while contributing to a meaningful, community-led cultural project. 

Position Overview:
The Finance Assistant will support the Finance Manager in tasks such as financial data entry, expense processing, reconciliation, and reporting. This role requires someone with good numerical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset. The opportunity offers valuable exposure to nonprofit financial processes, along with flexibility and training support.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance & Data Entry:

• Collect and accurately enter financial data into spreadsheets and databases.

• Assist in processing staff and volunteer expense claims, ensuring proper documentation and approval.

• Support with checking account balances and assisting in payment reconciliation tasks.

Budgeting & Analysis:

• Help perform calculations and draft basic financial reports.

• Review department budgets regularly and report discrepancies to the Finance Manager.

• Assist in auditing financial records and preparing financial statements.

Reconciliation & Compliance:

• Reconcile discrepancies in financial records and propose corrections.

• Adhere to the organisation’s financial policies and reporting procedures.

• Respond to internal finance queries and offer support where needed.

Continuous Improvement:

• Suggest improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, or cost savings.

• Maintain accurate documentation and support reporting for audits or internal reviews.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation required; relevant coursework or volunteer experience preferred.

• Previous experience in finance, bookkeeping, or administrative support is advantageous.

• Understanding of basic accounting principles is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong numerical skills and analytical mindset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Excellent organisation, time-management, and attention to detail.

• Ability to communicate clearly with internal stakeholders.

• Professional, self-motivated, and able to work independently.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in finance and bookkeeping within a nonprofit setting.

• Learn financial processes used in the Third Sector.

• Receive mentoring and training to develop finance and administrative skills.

• Work remotely with a supportive and mission-driven team.

• Reimbursement of local travel expenses if in-person attendance is required.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

CHARITY SHOP ASSISTANT

Charity Shop Assistant (East Finchley - RSPCA Finchley & District Branch)

Our charity shop in the heart of East Finchley is looking for a friendly volunteer to join our team and help make our shop a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

Overview of opportunity

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop managers and other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

About Our Charity Shop in East Finchley

The shop is part of the RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch and plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes & accessories, books, bric-a-brac and collectables.

We have positions available on the shop floor and in our stock room or you could

volunteer to do a mixture of both.

Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities

•  Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
• Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid.
• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.
• Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
• Creating attractive shop window displays.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant

•  Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people.
•  Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
• We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment predominately on set days each week based on your availability.
• Good communication and numeracy skills.
• You will need to be aged 18 or over.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant

• A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area.
• A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
• An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
• ·Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!*

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

As an Assistant Speed Skate Coach (Volunteer), you will assist in supporting the Speed Skate Coach in delivering training sessions for athletes. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in coaching and help develop skaters of various levels, supporting them as they work towards their personal and competitive goals. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in planning and delivering speed skating training sessions. 

• Provide one-on-one or small group support during training. 

• Help athletes develop their skating technique, speed, and endurance. 

• Support the monitoring and tracking of participant progress. 

• Assist with setting up and maintaining equipment before and after sessions. 

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants during practice. 

• Create an encouraging and positive environment for skaters. 

• Foster teamwork, good sportsmanship, and motivation. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Passion for speed skating and supporting athletes’ growth. 

• Previous experience in speed skating or coaching (desirable). 

• Strong communication and teamwork skills. 

• Ability to work with skaters of different skill levels. 

• Enthusiastic, patient, and able to motivate others. 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. 

• First aid qualification (desirable). 

Commitment 

• Minimum 15 hours per week, with flexible hours. 

Benefits 

• Gain experience and skills in coaching and sports development. 

• Opportunity to work alongside experienced coaches. 

• Make a positive impact on the development of speed skaters. 

• Access to workshops and training in coaching and speed skating. 

• Be part of a passionate and supportive coaching team. 

Role Overview

As the Volunteer Executive Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting the CEO by managing key administrative and strategic tasks that help drive the organisation’s success. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, gaining insight into high-level decision-making and organisational strategy.

You will act as a trusted partner to the CEO, assisting with scheduling, communication, and project coordination to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. 

This role is perfect for someone who:

Enjoys taking initiative and finding creative solutions to challenges.

Has a keen eye for detail and can anticipate the needs of leadership before they arise.

Is looking for a hands-on learning experience in executive leadership, nonprofit management, or organisational strategy.

Wants to make a meaningful impact by supporting a mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities:

Act as a key point of contact and liaison between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders.

Coordinate, prepare, and follow up on meetings, ensuring the CEO is always equipped with relevant information and materials

Draft and edit correspondence, reports, and presentations to maintain a professional and impactful standard.

Undertake research and data analysis to support decision-making and strategic initiatives.

Assist with project management tasks, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.

Support the planning and coordination of events, campaigns, and advocacy initiatives.

Keep track of key actions, priorities, and goals, ensuring the CEO's time is optimised for maximum impact.

Adapt to the evolving needs of the CEO and the organization, stepping into new challenges with enthusiasm.

What We’re Looking For

Strong organizational and time-management skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Proficiency in Microsoft Office / Google Suite

Ability to work independently and handle confidential information

Previous experience in executive support or administration (preferred but not required)

Passion for our mission and a commitment to supporting nonprofit work

What You’ll Gain

By joining us as a Volunteer Executive Assistant, you’ll gain more than just experience—you’ll become part of a meaningful mission while developing key professional skills. Here’s what you can expect:

- Valuable Executive-Level Experience – Gain first hand insight into the operations of a CEO and how strategic decisions are made within an organisation.

- Professional Development – Enhance your skills in executive administration, leadership, time management, and communication—great for career advancement.

- Mentorship & Networking – Work closely with an experienced CEO and connect with professionals across different sectors, expanding your career opportunities.

- Resume Booster – Having experience as an Executive Assistant to a CEO is a strong asset for future job opportunities, particularly in business, nonprofit leadership, and administration.

- Flexibility – Enjoy a volunteer role that fits around your schedule. We understand that life is busy, so we offer flexibility in working hours.

- Personal Fulfillment – Contribute to a cause you’re passionate about, knowing that your work is directly helping to drive real change.

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with a CEO, gain invaluable executive experience, and contribute to a mission-driven organisation. If you’re highly organised, proactive, and eager to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in driving positive change—apply today by sending your CV and a brief cover letter

We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

Job description

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Quilombo UK is looking for Legal Assistant, who would love to join a growing organization. Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society as a whole.

Quilombo UK is looking to recruit a Legal Assistant who helps organization in various legal matters.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'. The role provides you flexibility and autonomy at work. This will further help you to develop your professional development programme (PDP). Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• We are looking for an experienced lawyer to assist the organisation in overlooking projects, ensuring they are compliant with relevant and up to date legislation and regulations.
• The legal assistant will be responsible for making sure all contracts, legislations and documents are treated within correct legal standards. They are to make sure that all activities are being performed in line with contracts and the law.
• The Legal Assistant will work closely with the HR department in overlooking the volunteer forms, legislations and documents. They should also assist the different departments within the organisation(Marketing, Funding, HR, Finance) in upholding the legal requirements needed to run the tasks that they do.
• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• Well-organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
• Excellent researching skills
• Reading and report writing skills
• You will need to be an experienced lawyer or have a good legal understanding.
• You will be respectful of the confidentiality of the organisation.
• You will need to help deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organisation.
• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.
• Good time-management & communication skills.
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
• Can work without much supervision

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday to Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Legal Secretary: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

As an Assistant Roller Skate Coach, you will work alongside the Head Coach to assist in delivering roller skating sessions to participants of varying skill levels. This volunteer position offers an excellent opportunity to gain coaching experience and contribute to the development of our community-based programs. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist the Head Coach in delivering roller skating lessons to individuals and groups. 

• Support participants during practice sessions, helping with technique and safety. 

• Encourage and motivate participants to improve their roller skating skills. 

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants during sessions. 

• Help with setup, breakdown, and maintaining the equipment. 

• Assist in the tracking of participant progress and provide constructive feedback. 

• Maintain a positive and supportive environment for all skaters. 

• Promote RollaDome All Skate’s mission and encourage community involvement. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Passion for roller skating and enthusiasm for teaching others. 

• Previous experience in roller skating or coaching (desirable). 

• Strong communication skills and ability to work well with others. 

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail. 

• Ability to support and motivate participants. 

• First aid qualification (desirable, but not essential). 

• Reliable, proactive, and positive attitude. 

Commitment 

• Minimum 15 hours per week, with flexible hours. 

Benefits 

• Gain coaching experience and enhance leadership skills. 

• Opportunity to work alongside experienced coaches. 

• Make a positive impact in your community by supporting youth and adult skaters. 

• Access to roller skating workshops and professional development opportunities. 

• Be part of a dynamic, supportive team environment 

Be Part of our Communication Team at Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership

Location: Hybrid - charity based in Watford, Hertfordshire
Commitment: 5-7 hours a week

Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership is dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers by providing immigration services, advocacy, a social hub and ESOL classes. As  Communication Volunteers, you will play a key role in sharing the stories of refugees and asylum seekers, raising awareness about their challenges, and promoting the charity’s mission. As part of a team you will develop and implement communication strategies to engage supporters, attract donors, and build partnerships. This role involves managing social media, creating compelling content, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop engaging content for social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tiktok), newsletters, blogs, and website updates whilst monitoring engagement and responding to comments.
• Write press releases, articles, and promotional materials to raise awareness.
• Develop partnerships with influencers, community groups, media outlets and other charities and organisations.
• Support campaigns that promote refugee rights, integration, and policy change.
• Help develop communication guidelines that ensure respectful and ethical storytelling.
• Assist in volunteer and donor engagement through impactful messaging.
• Provide updates on the charity’s work through reports, newsletters, and event promotions.

Skills & Experience

• Passion for refugee rights, humanitarian work, or social justice.
• desirable to have experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field (volunteer or professional).
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with sensitivity to refugee experiences.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Hootsuite, Mailchimp).
• Basic graphic design or video editing skills (preferred but not required).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What we offer

• Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit communications and advocacy.
• Help amplify refugee voices and raise awareness about critical issues.
• Expand your professional network and build valuable skills.

How to Apply:
Please apply via Charity Job and someone will give you a call/email to discuss further.

Job Title: Public Relations Assistant                                                              

Reports To: Head of PR

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Public Relations (PR) Assistant to support the communications and public engagement strategy for the festival and wider organisational goals. This role is ideal for someone passionate about storytelling, community outreach, and brand visibility, while gaining hands-on experience in a meaningful cultural project. 

Position Overview:
The PR Assistant will support the PR Department in developing and executing external communications, engaging with local communities, coordinating media opportunities, and planning promotional campaigns. The position also includes leadership and team support responsibilities, offering the chance to build project management and people skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Media & Communications Support:

• Conduct research to inform PR planning and outreach strategies.

• Assist in writing and editing press releases, articles, and promotional content.

• Support social media content planning and scheduling under supervision.

Event & Community Engagement:

• Support the organisation and promotion of events that engage the local community.

• Foster positive community relations through public initiatives and collaboration.

• Liaise with stakeholders and partners to maximise event exposure.

Team Leadership & Administration:

• Assist in leading PR team activities and supporting volunteers with communications tasks.

• Motivate and coach team members to fill skill gaps and grow professionally.

• Manage or contribute to PR-related projects, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.

General Support:

• Contribute ideas and feedback during staff meetings.

• Provide support for administrative tasks and internal communications when needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• No formal degree required; coursework or experience in communications, public relations, or marketing is an asset.

Experience:

• Previous exposure to public relations, event coordination, or social media strategy is desirable.

• Familiarity with community engagement and nonprofit promotion is a plus.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Strong understanding of social media platforms and content strategy.

• Organised, proactive, and adaptable with a positive, solution-oriented approach.

• Confident team player with basic leadership and project coordination ability.

• Knowledge of online and offline marketing tactics.

• Event planning experience is an advantage.

Benefits:

• Build real-world PR and event coordination experience in a mission-led organisation.

• Enhance your leadership, communication, and project planning skills.

• Gain references and portfolio work to support future career opportunities.

• Work remotely with flexible hours and a supportive team.

• Travel expenses reimbursed for any required in-person events or meetings. 

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Whether you have a few hours or days to spare, volunteering can be extremely rewarding. From learning new skills to meeting new people we are looking for people who have are fun motivated to learn some new skills.

We are looking for people to cover all areas of our shops including:

- Working on the till
- Sorting and steaming donations
- Styling and merchandising the shop floor
- Listing items on eBay, Vinted and other digital platforms

Our shops are a large source of income for The Fertility Foundation and the heart of our shops is the volunteers that give up their time to help run the shops. The Fertility Foundation uses the income to provide grants for couples and individuals in the UK to help them start a family.

We are looking for volunteers for our Waltham Cross shop.

TASKS

To welcome, assist and serve our customers in a warm and friendly way providing a good standard of customer service. To ensure Gift Aid is explained clearly and promoted to all our donors and thanking them for their valuable contribution. To promote public understanding of our work and the importance of raising funds, promoting our charity events and activities to the public. Help sort, steam, hang and display our donated stock and rotate the stock following the manager’s guidelines. Dealing with customer purchases, confidently process the cash handling and accurate operation of the till.

SKILLS & QUALITIES

 Be a Honest, trustworthy and respectful with an enthusiastic positive attitude. Have good communication and numeracy skills. to be a reliable, commited, dependable and flexible. Able to work as part of a team as well as under your own initiative.

ABOUT THE FERTILITY FOUNDATION

The Fertility Foundation aims to continue being the leading patient charity across the UK in the provision of IVF funding and support network for those facing fertility challenges at all stages of their journey, providing authoritative information as well as practical and emotional support.

Around 1 in 7 couples today have trouble conceiving, which equates to 3.5 million people in the UK. The prospect of facing any kind of fertility problem is very distressing to live with and many people believe that no one else really understands. For many struggling to conceive being denied access to NHS funding means their hopes of starting a family can seem impossible. We aim to help them navigate this journey through introductions to our support network, assistance with dealing the CCG’s, working on their behalf with clinics and ultimately providing funding.

We understand the assistance needed on an individual’s journey is as unique as they are. We setup The Fertility Foundation based on our overwhelming desire to help as many people as we can to either start or extend their family.

TO APPLY

Please use the link below to complete your application. We would recommend that you read the job description and personal specification below before applying. 

Are you passionate about helping your local community? Do you enjoy being part of a friendly, welcoming team? Join us as a Student Pantry Support Volunteer and make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience.

About the Role:

We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to support our pantry and community space on any of the following days:

Mondays & Saturdays:

• Receive stock. 

• Stock counting and repackaging

• Organising food and storage areas

Sundays you can join one of the teams that are responsible for the following:

• Welcoming the students.

• Preparing and serving teas/coffees and light snacks.

• Setting up for the pantry by putting out shelves and produce.

• Packing away at the end of the day.

What You Will Gain:

• Be part of a supportive, friendly, and fun volunteer team.

• Bolster your cv with work experience.

• Invitations to volunteer socials.

We would love to hear from You If You Are:

• Friendly and welcoming

• Reliable and committed

• Happy to pitch in where needed

• Looking to make a positive impact

Ready to join us?

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and levels of experience. Just bring your enthusiasm—we'll provide all the support and training you need.

Job Title: Bid Writer Assistant                                                                         

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Bid Writer to support Quilombo UK in securing vital funding and resources to further our mission. This remote volunteer role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community impact, writing, and making a meaningful difference in the Third Sector. You'll work with a supportive team, gain hands-on experience in funding applications, and help shape the sustainability of impactful community programmes.

Position Overview:
The Bid Writer Assistant plays a key role in researching, drafting, and editing compelling proposals and funding applications for various projects run by Quilombo UK. The role involves close collaboration with department leads, collecting relevant data, and ensuring submissions align with organisational goals and funder expectations. It offers the flexibility to work independently, with the support of experienced professionals and tailored training where required.

Key Responsibilities:

Proposal & Bid Development:

• Research, draft, and edit funding proposals tailored to specific grants, donors, and partners.

• Review and refine existing proposals to ensure clarity, compliance, and impact.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant content, project insights, and financial information for bids.

• Develop supporting documents and presentations to accompany applications.

Strategic Input & Collaboration:

• Contribute to the bid strategy, suggesting creative and relevant ideas aligned with organisational goals.

• Maintain and manage a structured “bid plan” with timelines, approval processes, and submission deadlines.

• Liaise with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Project teams to align bid content with current projects and strategic direction.

Reporting & Organisation:

• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of bid statuses.

• Organise bid-related documentation, supporting strong internal knowledge management.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in English, Communications, Business, or related fields.

Experience:

• Prior experience writing funding proposals or grant applications.

• Familiarity with fundraising, community initiatives, or nonprofit funding is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong written communication and persuasive writing skills.

• High attention to detail, organisation, and ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word; Excel knowledge is a plus.

• Confidence in researching, planning, and collaborating across teams.

• Ability to work independently and maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in nonprofit fundraising and proposal writing.

• Work with a collaborative and values-driven team.

• Receive feedback and development opportunities in bid strategy and funding.

• Build a strong portfolio of written proposals and funding successes.

• Flexible working hours with full remote access.

• Reimbursement of travel expenses if attending occasional in-person meetings.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

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

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

If you're looking for a rewarding, meaningful role and a new challenge, this is the opportunity for you. Self Injury Support has been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for almost 40 years, and we're looking for new volunteers to help us continue offering these vital support services. 

Our wonderful team of Helpline and Text Volunteers provide valuable non-judgemental support to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds via our helpline, text, and email services. We're looking for people to help make an important difference to the lives of the people who contact us. 

We’re currently recruiting home-based remote volunteers from across the UK for our text service. If you prefer to apply for an office-based Bristol volunteer role, please apply to that form instead.

Our next training block will take place remotely over 3 days: Saturday 5th July 4pm–8pm , Sunday 6th July 12pm-4pm, and Sunday 13th July 12pm-4pm. Please note that attendance on all three dates is required to complete the training. 

Fill in this short form and we’ll arrange an informal chat.

Why volunteer? 

• Develop valuable skills and knowledge in active listening, self-injury, trauma, mental health, and many more topics. 

• Meet supportive, like-minded peers on shift, as well as at volunteer days where you'll receive additional relevant training. 

• Get access to supportive spaces as part of volunteering with us, ensuring that you're always supported in the work you're doing. 

What is it like being a volunteer? 

When you join our team, you’ll take part in our training course. The training is a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work. Our training covers experiential listening skills, self-injury, supporting suicidal callers, understanding the impact of trauma and abuse, mental health awareness, and reflective practice. 

Once you’ve started on the service, you’ll answer calls, texts, and/or emails from people across the UK and offer them confidential emotional support. The work can be emotional but highly rewarding. 

Every quarter, you’ll meet a group of your peers in a supportive, reflective space to discuss volunteering. Here, you’ll have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work and its impact on you and talk through any issues. 

Who can volunteer? 

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and life experiences. You may have your own experiences of self-injury or mental ill health, or be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences. 

You don’t need previous helpline or counselling experience, just an open mind, a commitment to the role, and a willingness to learn. 

We are looking for anyone who wants to offer meaningful support, who can listen with empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is personal and unique. We are keen to recruit volunteers who are flexible, adaptable, and open to new learning experiences. 

What happens now? 

After you submit the short form, we'll arrange a chat and to discuss the next steps. 

We require all volunteers to attend our small group training courses. There will be a general skills training course followed by breakout groups to learn the skills specific to your chosen service. We can discuss your availability when we meet. 

Practical details: 

• An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this role, which will be paid for by Self Injury Support. 

• We ask that volunteers commit to a year on the service after completion of training. 

• For remote volunteers: You will require access to a laptop and an uninterrupted space during your shift. 

• For office-based Bristol volunteers: Our main office is Central Bristol, near Bristol Royal Infirmary, with good public transport links and parking nearby. We regret that the premises are not wheelchair accessible. We can offer our preliminary chat over the phone and discuss any adjustments we could make for more flexible roles. 

Volunteering for Sense

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.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• 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 and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me 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
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

About Sense

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.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.