Volunteer volunteer roles in canning town, greater london

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

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

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

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.reta

Information and Advice Service: The Information and Advice service for older people provides a free, confidential, and independent service for anyone aged 65+ living in the borough of Bromley and 50 + plus in Greenwich. Our advisers provide general advice on a range of subjects: employment rights, welfare benefits, housing, consumer rights and adult social care.

Role Summary: Supporting and providing information to clients across a wide range of enquiry areas including welfare benefits, housing, Social Care, relationships, and consumer issues.

What will I be involved in?

• Identify and research information and services to signpost that are relevant to the client’s situation, drawing on information resources, agencies, and other sources of information.
• Committed to researching and providing up to date information to vulnerable older people using the internet and other resources.
• Familiarize and keep updated with resources available from Age UK factsheets and Information Guides available.
• Completion of the Adviser Induction programme which includes training courses on relevant topics. Followed by shadowing sessions within the I & A Team.
• Successfully complete online training courses for Age UK Bromley and Greenwich volunteers.
• Participate in volunteer support meetings with the Advice Case Supervisor and any training on safeguarding adults and appropriate boundaries.
• Present and discuss information and advice with the client’s consent, act on their behalf, and represent their interests with third parties by letter, telephone or in person.
• Recording and updating case records on Charitylog including capturing consent. Using Microsoft packages and emails.
• Liase closely with the Advice Case Supervisor, other advisers, and wider staff team. Seeking guidance and support where required.
• At all times work in accordance with the organisation’s policies regarding Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Confidentiality & Data Protection. Lone working.
• Represent the professional standards of Age UK Bromley and Greenwich and ensure that you wear your volunteer id badge whilst volunteering.

What skills and qualities will I need to have?

• Enjoys talking and helping our clients, 65+ living in Bromley and 50 + in Greenwich from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Good communication skills and confident at speaking to clients on the telephone
• Able to prioritise tasks with good time management skills.
• A commitment to ensuring that customers are provided with accurate relevant information and support. Interested in finding out more about social welfare law advice e.g. housing and welfare benefits.
• Be a good listener and have empathy with older people, being approachable and welcoming.
• Demonstrate a non-judgmental approach. The listener may personally disagree with the client’s opinions or actions but attempts to understand the client’s point of view and shows that they still value the client.
• Being able to maintain client confidentiality, understand the importance of keeping within the parameters of the role and have a good understanding of GDPR and Data Protection.

Benefits of getting involved:

• Being part of a team who are passionate about helping clients 65+ living in Bromley and 50+ in Greenwich
• Committed to supporting the Information and Advice service deliver a difference to all their clients.
• Ongoing support and role training with feedback given.
• Opportunities for networking with other volunteers and being part of a wider volunteer team.
• Awareness of Age UK Bromley and Greenwich social events, services, and projects

Other information: Prospective volunteers will complete a recruitment process and be required to provide details of two references and agree to submit details for and undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check. All our volunteer roles are 18+, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Age UK Bromley & Greenwich will reimburse all expenditure reasonably incurred. Receipts to be provided with expenditure claims.

At MS Society all our activities and services are shaped by our MS community – people affected by MS, volunteers, staff and other experts. We aim to raise as much awareness as possible about MS, to ensure that people with MS have the support and information they need.

We've been successful in securing funding from Wales and West Utilities for a 'test and learn' Community Connections project (covering Wales and the South West of England) which will run until March 2026. 

Community Connections aims to: 

• Connect people with, and affected by, MS across Wales and the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire) with services, activities and resources to enable them to live well with MS.
• Develop links with local service providers which enable people with, and affected by, MS to access support and activities in their local areas, whilst improving connections within the community
• Provide information and guidance on a range of subjects, including advice about finances, cost of living-related information, energy efficiency information, carbon monoxide awareness and the Priority Service Register. 

As part of the project, we’re looking for volunteers to deliver MS Awareness sessions to partner organisations that the project will signpost to (such as Citizens Advice Bureau). MS Awareness volunteers will help us to ensure that these partner organisations are equipped to support people with MS (who will be accessing their activities and services). To help people to understand how people with MS feel.

Here’s an overview of what will be involved - 

• Delivering talks (via Zoom/Teams) to organisations to increase their understanding of MS and its symptoms. 

• Signposting to the relevant MS Society team for further information and practical support, as required.

• Note taking and helping us understand how effective sessions were 

• Attending regular volunteer support groups, where you will debrief and share experiences with other volunteers, as well as receive support from your supervisor.

We will support you to develop the skills you need for this role which will include an induction into all the areas outlined. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs you may have with us.

About us

Care4Calais is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in France and the UK.

In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, bedding, food and assistance to refugees who live in appalling and dangerous conditions. 

Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes, shoes, mobile phones and other essential items, as well as offering social support and interaction, including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services.

Our Legal Access Department is an access to justice project that exists to arrange critical legal representation for people seeking asylum and, more than this, to support people through the hostility and difficulty of claiming asylum. The department, made up mostly of volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure that people feel informed, empowered, and far less isolated and alone.

The Role

In this busy, hands-on role, you’ll gain an understanding of how the UK asylum system works, enabling us to provide the highest standards of service to those who need us most. Your work will focus on maintaining accurate records, following clear processes, and delivering high-quality support to every one of our vulnerable clients.

This will include working with individuals in UK detention centres. As a Detention Team Volunteer Caseworker, you’ll be speaking to clients impacted by the government’s “one in, one out” policy. You will be taking them through our client questionnaire to gather information important for their referral to legal support.

This role requires a commitment of 10 hours per week distributed evenly across the week.

We’re looking for people with a genuine passion for human rights and refugee protection. If that’s you, please get in touch. This is a fantastic opportunity to help asylum seekers access the legal support they deserve.

Responsibilities include:

• Attend induction, ongoing training and keep up to date with resources and procedure to ensure you can carry out the role effectively and efficiently.
• Able to work independently and manage your time effectively, sometimes working to tight deadlines
• Take on new cases each week, whilst also providing ongoing support to previous clients
• Be organised and accurate with information, with an eye for detail
• Maintaining and updating client records
• Sorting and organising client’s paperwork
• Ability to use spreadsheets, Google Workspace, messaging platforms and secure databases.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with people who do not have English as their first language, working alongside interpreters to ensure clients understand the process
• An understanding of the traumatic experiences that our clients have been through and the emotional resilience to cope with this
• Liaising with other professionals including lawyers and Migrant Help
• Professional and dedicated to ensure that the best interests of the clients and Care4Calais are represented at all times
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute effectively
• Understand the remit of the role, we do not give legal advice, we are a referral mechanism
• Following safeguarding procedures and reporting safeguarding incidents appropriately
• Referring clients to other teams within the organisation, when necessary
• Keeping your line manager updated on any issues which may impact your ability to carry out the role effectively.
• Maintaining communication with the management team throughout your role, available for regular check-ins to ensure the best service is provided to our clients.
• To participate in promoting the work of the legal access team as directed by the management team
• Comitting to your weekly volunteering hours

To apply please provide a covering letter outlining why you want to volunteer for the Legal Access team, and why you think you would be suitable for this role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of clients, demonstrating cultural competence, respect and compassion.

• Resilience in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding situations, with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative.

• Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace.

Preferable Criteria:

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic is a strong asset. 

• Having experience of the asylum system in the UK is a strong asset.

• Experience working with vulnerable communities

Lived Experience Inclusion:

We are an anti-racist organisation and a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which aims to create a charitable sector led by individuals with lived experience of the asylum system.

As part of our membership, we are dedicated to creating inclusive employment practices that recognise and accommodate the unique circumstances and strengths of people with lived experience. We actively move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, supportive, and accessible.

We warmly encourage applicants with lived experience to make use of the guidance and resources available on the EBE website (ebeemployment)

In addition, applicants with lived experience are welcome to connect with the EBE support team for tailored assistance with completing the application form and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation. 

Importantly, we recognise the significant cultural, linguistic, and experiential insights that individuals with lived experience of the UK asylum system bring to this role. As such, all applicants from this background who meet the essential criteria will be automatically shortlisted and invited to interview.

In 2025 and beyond we are looking to expand our work. We want to collaborate with more organisations, gain coproate partners and truly grow the size of Buttons & Bubbles. 

Who are we looking for?

You will be enthusiastic about bringing about more representation and inclusion.

Enjoy development and may have experience of business development.

Experience with working with corporate sponsors would be helpful. 

Be passionate or have experience in fundraising.

Be a good communicator (this does not need to be verbal communication, we recognise other forms of communication such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.)

Somebody who thinks outside the box (no robots at Buttons & Bubbles) 

This role can be done remoatly. 

What do we expect
Must be willing to undertake our training programme

Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably be on the update system)

Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).

A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

If you would be interested in having more information about this opportunity or want to know what else we have (trust us there is plenty) please email and we can chat. 

We’re looking for a creative, organised Communications Volunteer to power Europia’s digital presence. You’ll help plan, create, and schedule content, keep our tone of voice consistent, and grow engagement across our community - all while building a stand-out portfolio of real campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Creation: Produce high-quality graphics for print and digital: posters, flyers, social posts, event materials.

• Brand Consistency:  Ensure designs follow Europia’s brand guidelines (colours, fonts, style, accessibility).

• Social Media Assets: Create engaging visuals tailored for Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

• Event Support: Design promotional materials and on-site signage for events, exhibitions, and campaigns.

• Collaboration: Work with staff and volunteers to understand needs and translate them into clear visual concepts.

• Adaptation of Content: Edit and adapt existing designs for different formats/sizes (e.g., square, stories, A4/A5).

• Creativity & Ideas: Contribute fresh ideas to enhance Europia’s visual presence and campaign impact.

Qualifications & Skills

• Graphic design in Canva (required).

• Understanding of brand guidelines and accessible design.

• Confident writing for web/social; clear, inclusive language.

• Helpful: Meta Business Suite/Buffer, Mailchimp; basic CMS (e.g., WordPress).

• Basic photo/video editing (desirable but not required).

• Organised, reliable, collaborative; respectful of confidentiality.

Benefits

• Build a portfolio of real-world comms and design work.

• Training, supervision, and supportive feedback.

• Travel expenses covered for agreed in-person activities.

• See your work make a visible impact by amplifying vital community services.

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of transgender and non-binary people? The Trans Legal Clinic is the UK’s first trans-led specialist gender identity legal practice and registered charity, dedicated to providing free, accessible legal help to those who need it most. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower and support the trans and non-binary community through expert legal assistance. 

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a passionate and experienced Volunteer Head of Legal Practice to lead us through a pivotal stage of development. This is your chance to be part of something truly groundbreaking while advancing your career and making a lasting impact. 

Why This Role is Unique: 

Be a Trailblazer: Lead the clinic through the process of achieving SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) approval, setting the foundation for a first-of-its-kind legal practice in the UK. 

Shape the Future: Work closely with senior leadership to develop strategies for growth, ensuring the clinic meets the highest professional and regulatory standards. 

Make a Difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause by safeguarding the legal integrity of a clinic that provides life-changing support to the trans* community. 

What You’ll Do: 

Guide the clinic through the SRA approval process and ensure ongoing compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. 

Collaborate with senior leadership to create and implement strategies for sustainable growth. 

Play a key role in shaping the future of a growing, purpose-driven legal clinic. 

This is an exciting opportunity to combine your legal expertise with a passion for social justice. You’ll be at the forefront of a transformative movement, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable legal system. 

Ready to Lead the Way? 
If you’re inspired by our mission and eager to make a tangible impact, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of the Trans Legal Clinic and empowering the trans* community. 

Apply now and be part of something extraordinary! 

We're setting up a new youth work project in London called Urban Youth, that aims to create a positive community for young people that will offer a number of youth work activities that forge connections by getting young people together and away from their phones and social media to actively take part in fun and engaginging interactive activities that create fun and happy memories, boost confidence and resilence and teach key skills for life that young people can take with them into adulthood, helping to build their future destiny.

In a city grappling with the cost of living crisis, rising crime rates, and pervasive worry, it's easy to feel helpless. London is a city of dreams, but for many young people, it can also present unique challenges. Access to positive spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to develop crucial life skills can be limited. We saw a need for a fresh, vibrant approach to youth work – a place where young voices are heard, and potential is unleashed.

We need a volunteer with a leadership qualities and experience who is able to help create a spark to join us as our Youth Work Manager, who is passionate about youth work and creating an amazing community for young people to learn, grow and thrive, you’ll be the driving force behind our mission. This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role for someone who can:

• Set the Vision: Shape our direction, values, and long-term goals.

• Build the Foundations: Establish core systems, policies, and programmes from scratch.

• Lead the Team: Inspire and guide volunteers, youth workers, and collaborators.

• Champion the Cause: Represent Urban Youth to partners, funders, and the wider community.

• Create Culture: Foster a spirit of inclusion, energy, and purpose across everything we do.

Ready to Lead the Way?

This is more than a role—it’s a community. Help us turn isolation into connection, worry into hope, and potential into reality.

Don’t just support the mission. Lead it.

URBAN YOUTH

Forging Connections | Creating Memories | Building Futures 

Volunteer for the friendliest club in London!

About the opportunity

Can you spare 2 hours a week on a Thursday evening to work with some of the most friendly, welcoming people you’ll ever meet? If so, then please come and help our volunteers to organise fun activities at our ever-growing club for people with learning disabilities. No previous experience is needed, you just need a caring attitude and sense of fun.

Our club is split into two age groups 14-25 yrs (Juniors Club) and 25 yrs+ (Vets Club). You have a chance to make a real difference to either group by creating new experiences, helping our members to grow in confidence, build friendships and learn new skills. Our specialist club leaders will support and train you and you’ll benefit from working in a very rewarding environment!

What are we looking for?

• You do not need previous experience, just an open mind and a positive attitude towards disability.
• You need to be willing to have fun and commit to The Vets Club or Juniors Club, on at least a fortnightly basis.
• You will need enthusiasm and good communication
• Available regularly (but not necessarily every week) on Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm.

Why take part?

The Squad helps to reduce social isolation; helps vulnerable people to grow in confidence and play a part in their wider community. 

In this scheme you will no doubt learn new things about yourself and life.  You will develop great skills and be part of a rewarding experience.  The Vets Club and Juniors Club will support you throughout, offering training, advice and supervision.

What does a typical Thursday night session look like?

It can be anything from cooking, visiting a local open mike night, museums, arts and crafts, the most competitive game of Uno you'll ever have, table tennis, basketball, musice, dance, we tried sound-bathing recently, basically anything and everything that we design with our members.

Please note: Applicants must be UK-based and able to travel easily to Wimbledon area. Living in London or near SW London. Travel expenses are not covered to and from Squad but reasonable expenses can be covered (when agreed in advance) for travel or other necessities as part of Squad sessions.

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

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

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

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.

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

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

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

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.

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

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

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

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.

Based in either our Main Gallery or Stables Gallery, the role is integral in providing a high-quality visitor experience by bringing our gallery spaces to life by welcoming and engaging visitors, as well as sharing your passion and the stories of our exhibitions.

Tasks and Responsibilities 

• Welcoming and engaging visitors in a warm and friendly manner 
• Interpreting our gallery spaces, exhibition content, the Richmond Borough Art Collection and the gallery’s history for all ages and abilities
• Being a visible presence in our galleries, ensuring everyone's safety and the security of our exhibitions
• Guiding visitors around the gallery and wider site
• Monitoring visitor numbers and contributing to evaluation initiatives 
• Representing the Gallery and Richmond Arts Service

What we hope you will get from the role 

• The opportunity to engage with people and communities from the local area, West London and beyond
• Opportunity to develop interpersonal and communication skills
• -An insight into the day-to-day running of a contemporary art gallery and museum crossing a range of sectors 
• Opportunities to engage with artists and learn about their practice
• An understanding of the breadth of arts activity offered by Richmond Arts Service 

Training and Support 

We will provide training and an induction which covers all aspects of the role. On-going support and supervision will be provided by staff throughout your time with us. Additionally, there are regular training sessions to supplement and further your initial training, as well as a varied programme of volunteer events and activities to join in, meet people and learn something new!

We offer a tour of our exhibitions with the artist(s) or a member of staff prior to their opening. This will give you a first hand insight into the concept, processes and artist’s vision behind the exhibition. 

Desirable qualities and experience 

• Enthusiasm for meeting and engaging with people and sharing information
• Interest for contemporary art, history and/or heritage 
• Able to answer enquiries in a friendly and helpful manner 
• Willingness to learn 
• Enjoys being part of a team 
• Ability to complete tasks independently 
• Good time keeping 

Availability 

The gallery is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm, with two volunteer shifts a day, 10am – 1pm and 1pm – 5pm.

We ask for a minimum commitment of one shift every fortnight, although there is flexibility over scheduling.

Location 

This role is based at Orleans House Gallery, in either the Main Gallery or Stables Gallery. 

Expenses 

We will cover travel expenses up to £17 per day.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering ESOL/ English classes for learners 19+. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with smaller groups of learners who need additional help 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with English 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential.