Volunteer volunteer roles in northwood, hertfordshire
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Based in the Reception of the Main Gallery, you will be the first point of contact for visitors to the Gallery, giving a warm welcome, assisting with enquiries and ensuring a high-quality visitor experience. You will also support the day to day running of the Gallery, dealing with administrative duties and supporting the Gallery Shop, sharing product information with visitors and taking sales.
Tasks and Responsibilities
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Welcoming and engaging visitors, providing information about the gallery and programmes
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Responding to telephone, email and face to face enquiries
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Being a visible presence in the Gallery space, ensuring everyone’s safety and the security of artwork and our retail space
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Guiding visitors around the gallery and wider site
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Assisting with sales and shop displays, including cash handling
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Maintaining a neat and tidy reception and retail area
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Supporting our retail work, with stocktaking, pricing and other tasks
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Monitoring visitor numbers and contributing to evaluation initiatives
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Representing the Gallery and Richmond Arts Service
What we hope you will get from the role
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The opportunity to meet new people and engage with the local community
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Improved and demonstrable administration and communication skills
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Valuable insight and experience of a contemporary art gallery, crossing the arts, cultural and heritage sectors
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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!
Desirable qualities and experience
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Enthusiasm for meeting and engaging with people and sharing information
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Interest for contemporary art, local history and/or heritage
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Able to answer enquiries in a friendly and helpful manner
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Willingness to learn, particularly administrative skills
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Enjoys being part of a team
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Ability to complete tasks independently
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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 the Main Gallery building.
Expenses
We will cover travel expenses up to £14 per day.
How to Apply
Please complete our application form through our website.
Our Volunteers Co-ordinator will then contact you for an introductory chat, to learn more about your interest in volunteering and discuss the role further.
Background
Richmond Arts Service is based at Orleans House Gallery on the Riverside in Twickenham, promoting arts and culture through a programme of contemporary art exhibitions, festivals, events and activities for everyone in the community.
We foster creativity and enjoyment of the arts, enable people to reflect on their lives and develop new ways of seeing the world. We bring thought-provoking art to the Borough and cultivate a network of individuals, organisations and programmes that nourishes the arts, local organisations and communities.
Home to the Richmond Borough Art Collection, comprising of over 4,400 artworks, at a site with a rich 300+ year history, Orleans House Gallery works with local, national and international artists and community partners to engage with the community, as we have done since 1972.
Building community through creativity
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
WANTED: Local Legends. No Cape Required.
Some kids climb trees.
Some build rockets from cardboard boxes.
Some are learning how to light a fire without burning their eyebrows off.
They’re curious, messy, hilarious – and they need YOU.
At 23rd Poplar Scouts, we’ve got a growing bunch of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers (ages 4 to 18) who are bursting with energy, questions, and potential.
And we’re looking for more grown-ups (yes, you!) to join our crew of volunteers.
Here's the deal - we don’t care if you can’t tie 12 knots or survive a week in the woods with just a spork or whether you're a parent, student, working professional, or retiree.
We do care if you:
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Enjoy seeing young people grow in confidence
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Like a laugh
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Are reliable
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Are up for trying something new (even if it involves glitter, tents, or biscuits)
You could help once a week, once a month, or just whenever you can. We’ll show you the ropes, give you some training, and promise not to make you wear shorts in winter.
This is about community, confidence, and connection – and giving young people a place to feel like they belong.
Sound good?
Click on apply and share a few details about yourself.
Join us at 23rd Poplar Scouts and help shape the future, one adventure at a time.
Volunteer roles available in:
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Squirrels (4–6 yrs) – storytelling, play, and first friendships.
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Beavers (6–8 yrs) – crafts, games, and learning new things.
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Cubs (8–10½ yrs) – exploring, teamwork, and outdoor skills.
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Scouts (10½–14 yrs) – adventure, responsibility, and independence.
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Explorers (14–18 yrs) – leadership, community service, and big challenges.
As a group, we set out to produce lasting memories and experiences that our members wouldn't get anywhere else.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
We need Fundraising Volunteers to help in and around the Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough area. The postcode areas we are active in are TN1, TN2, TN3, TN4, TN5, TN6, TN7, TN8, TN9, TN10, TN11, TN13, TN14, TN15, TN16, TN17, TN18, TN19, TN20, TN21 and TN22.
We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.
Our Volunteer led branches operate within local communities nationwide and rely on funds donated by generous members of the public to continue to help cats and kittens in need of new homes, supporting owners with neutering, managing trap, neuter and return programmes and educating people about cat welfare.
Our fundraising volunteers are part of a passionate team that help raise funds to help cats. They help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from craft fairs, cake sales, sponsored abseils – and anything in between!
What can you expect to be doing?
- Helping organise fundraising events in your local area
- Championing our cause and making a better life for cats
- Getting involved with new and exciting fundraising ideas
- Engaging communities, spreading awareness and starting conversations
- Promoting National fundraising initiatives where appropriate
A bit more information about this role and the team
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Good communication skills
- Responsible to handle money
- Willingness to be part of a team
- Confidence in speaking to members of the public
- Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)
Time expectation
Our fundraising volunteers, on average, usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role. You can offer your time flexibly, seasonally or remotely and it can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed and you can encourage others to join us too.
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.
Candidates will be invited to chat about the role further. Following this, we also ask for our application form to be completed which includes details for two references. Successful candidates will be invited to an online induction and asked to complete some training which is essential to the role.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could You Help a Young Refugee Find Their Path?
Are you passionate about supporting young refugees and asylum seekers as they begin their journey into the UK workforce? Become a Volunteer Mentor with Breadwinners!
What Does a Volunteer Mentor Do?
As a volunteer mentor, you'll be paired with a young person in one of our two core programmes:
- Risers Programme (2 months): For young asylum seekers aged 16-24 who are awaiting refugee status.
- Breadwinners Programme (6 months): For refugees with the right to work in the UK, helping them gain vital skills and experience.
Most mentors will work with our Risers, as this program is more fast-paced, but opportunities exist to mentor our Breadwinners too.
Your role? Help your mentee gain hands-on work experience at one of our weekend market stalls and lead weekly 1:1 mentoring sessions. These sessions are designed to develop employability skills, explore future goals, and foster social connections. Many of our mentors build lasting relationships with their mentees even after the program ends.
Time Commitment:
- Market Shifts: 2 hours per weekend (Saturday or Sunday).
- 1:1 Mentoring: 1 hour per week, in person or online, to support career development.
- Ongoing Support: Stay in touch via text or calls during the week to help with logistics and provide encouragement.
What Our Graduates Say:
“Having a mentor helped me feel more confident. I could ask questions, felt motivated, and learned new things. It was nice to have conversations about my future and how to succeed.”
— Sura, Risers Graduate
Who Are We Looking For?
You don’t need special qualifications to be a mentor—just a good understanding of working in the UK, strong communication skills, and a passion for helping young people succeed. If you’re ready to make a real difference and become part of a fun, supportive community, this role is for you!
Feeling Inspired?
Apply today and join us in helping young refugees build brighter futures!
We recruit every January, April, July, October.
We support young refugees well-being by providing them with work, training and mentoring.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!
About the Role:
Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.
Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.
- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers. It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.
- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.
Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.
Why Volunteer with Us?
Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.
Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.
Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.
How do I know it’s right for me?
Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.
We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.
What is the time commitment?
You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group).
- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the role
You will be delivering our telephone helpline model to people impacted by hoarding behaviour who may be facing a variety of situations including legal, financial, psychological and discriminatory abuse & neglect. You will have your own case load of weekly telephone calls and work towards SMART goals to assist the participant in managing and improving their space and hoarding situation
The role consists of:-
· Building rapport with your assigned participants and offering them one-to-one support over the telephone
· Delivering our support model of 27 phone calls
· Assessments of incoming cases (further training will be provided)
· Complying with HUK's case-management procedures, training program and other relevant policies and procedures.
We are looking for:-
· Individuals or professionals with interest and/or experience in mental health
· Psychology graduates or students looking for experience or a student work placement
· Individuals with lived experiences of hoarding
· Individuals with the ability to work sensitively and professionally with people facing difficult circumstances
· A commitment to volunteering with us for one year and for four hours each week
· Office working (Islington) or remote
· A commitment to values and ethos of HUK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?
At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.
We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.
In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.
We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.
What you will be doing
- Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
- To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
- Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
- Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
- Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
- Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
- Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities
The skills you need
- A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
- Calm and patient approach
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help us to grow brand-new online charity platform A Good Thing! Come on board to help us manage relationships with the businesses that have joined us: use your communications skills to drive more businesses to engage with the platform and to make donations of things they no longer need.
A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill, and more to a good cause. We're rolling out fast across the UK, momentum is building, and we're growing a network of passionate local volunteer champions right across the country to drive our growth.
You’ll be using both your communications skills and your project management expertise to help us grow the number of businesses engaging with the platform and giving things away.
Come with us on our journey towards reducing waste and boosting wonderful local charities at the same time.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. The King’s Trust couldn’t function without the support of thousands of volunteers across the UK, who are able to offer a vital network to young people facing significant barriers to jobs, education or training.
Our employability and progression mentors provide one-to-one support, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration to a young person who has completed a King’s Trust Programme. As an employability and progression mentor, you will offer knowledge, experience, and support to young people as they develop the skills, confidence and motivation to succeed - either in education or further training, through work experience, volunteering or by securing a job of their choice.
Ideally a Progression Mentor will commit to around four to six hours per month for a minimum of 6 months. Relevant experience can be developed during the role but ideally a volunteer will have experience with building trust with young people from a range of backgrounds, mentoring skills, be a good communicator, be able to give and receive constructive corrective feedback and have experience of job searches, application process and interview experiences.
In return for your valuable time, we provide the benefits of being part of a dedicated community of colleagues and volunteers, the satisfaction of directly impacting our success, and the undoubted personal development and pleasure that comes from working for the cause of, or directly with, children and young people, the majority of whom face significant barriers and have significant challenges to overcome.
We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role of Volunteer Clerk
The Clerk attends board meetings, provides effective administrative support to the Council, ensures the Council is properly constituted, and manages information and document control effectively in accordance with legal requirements. This is a flexible role which for the most part can fit around the existing commitments of a volunteer.
We want equal access to challenging learning and adventure in the wilderness as an unbeatable preparation for adult life.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
No Panic is a national charity helping people to manage their anxiety.
We are looking for empathetic, understanding, confident and driven people to volunteer on our helpline. We are specifically looking for people who have experience of providing training to staff or volunteers.
Working from home, successful applicants will answer helpline calls and provide support and advice for people with a range of anxiety disorders, by listening, offering self-help advice, and providing information about the range of support available from No Panic.
After gaining experience on the helpline, successful applicants will also go on to deliver helpline training courses to new volunteers, currently lasting 8 weeks, and provide ongoing support.
All volunteers on the No Panic Helpline are required to complete the training of 1.5 hours a week for 8 weeks; they then do a weekly 3-hour shift. Trainers deliver 3 courses per year. Please note, we ask for a 1-year commitment to volunteering on the helpline, to aid our planning.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amy’s Place is a partnership between the Amy Winehouse Foundation and Clarion Housing, providing supported living accommodation for young women aged 18-30 in recovery from drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviors.
An enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteer with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. The volunteer needs to hold a professional level diploma in counselling and have training and experience working with individuals with eating disorders.
Activities
- To provide therapeutic support to young women (aged 18-30) with eating disorders
- One-to-One counselling sessions will aim to support the individual to improve self-confidence, identify and resolve negative thought processes, implement constructive coping strategies and empower them to fulfil attainable life goals
- To develop and promote a positive relationship with the women within allocated caseload
- To keep up-to-date with development in the field of counselling and eating disorder therapy
- To manage appropriate professional boundaries in the relationship
- To maintain records for monitoring, evaluation and tracking purposes plus service evaluation
- To take responsibility for own professional development
Requirements
- Hold a professional level diploma in counselling
- Hold professional membership with BACP, UKCP or equivalent
- Have own regular supervision with a qualified supervisor
- Fully trained in eating disorder therapy and previous experience supporting individuals with eating disorders
- This role requires us to carry out a check through the Disclosure and Barring Service for the Enhanced DBS
Commitment
This is a flexible opportunity and volunteering times and frequency will vary depending on the volunteer’s availability and the needs of the residents. Ideally weekly one-to-one sessions for a minimum of 3 months.
Support
- Volunteers receive a thorough induction and have access to any relevant in-house and external training
- Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed
- The role is based at the service in East London. The exact address cannot be given until the volunteer starts due to safety and privacy reasons.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Community Manager Wanted
Are you a people person with a passion for building connections and fostering a positive online environment?
The Principality of Scotia is establishing a vibrant new nation, and we're looking for a passionate volunteer to serve as our Community Manager for The Scotia Foundation. This is an opportunity to be at the very heart of our mission, helping to build a welcoming and engaged community from the ground up.
Your role is vital to our success. You will be the friendly face of the Foundation, ensuring our members feel valued, heard, and connected.
The Role
As our volunteer Community Manager, you will be responsible for nurturing and growing our global community.
Your key duties will include:
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Moderating and managing our digital platforms (e.g., social media groups, forums) to ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere.
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Engaging with members by responding to comments, answering questions, and initiating discussions.
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Developing and implementing community-building initiatives, such as themed events, challenges, or welcome programs for new members.
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Gathering feedback from the community to help shape the Foundation's future projects and direction.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a naturally friendly and organised individual who:
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Has strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Is passionate about community building and The Principality of Scotia's vision.
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Is proactive, reliable, and able to work independently.
What You'll Gain
This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a tangible impact on a unique project. You will:
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Lead the growth of a new, global community from its very beginning.
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Add a highly impactful and dynamic role to your professional portfolio.
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Network with dedicated and passionate individuals from around the world.
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Become a foundational part of the Principality of Scotia's story.
Ready to help build our community?
To apply, please send a brief message outlining your interest and any relevant experience to.
We can't wait to meet you.
THE
SCOTIA
FOUNDATION
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lead Volunteer
Mind Retail
About the role
Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.
Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!
You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:
· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team
· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience
· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills
· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills
· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions
· Understanding of sales information, including takings
· Commercial knowledge and skills
· Understanding of policies and procedures
· Administrative skills
· IT skills
· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses
Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!
We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?
Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!
About You
- Commitment to our values & behaviours
- Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
- Flexible and adaptable approach
- Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
- Able to build good working relationships
- Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
- Willingness to learn
- Good customer service skills
- Good communication skills
About Mind Retail
Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.
Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.
Our Commitment
We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…
Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.
I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.
Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop
Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?
I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.
What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?
As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.
What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?
Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…
It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.
Mind Retail are a network of over 170 Mind charity shops across England and Wales.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Use Your Creativity to Combat Loneliness with SUNSHINE
We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!
Loneliness is one of the most painful experiences a person can face. It’s not just about being alone—it’s about feeling invisible. In London, thousands of people are quietly struggling with isolation, and the toll it takes on mental health, confidence, and wellbeing is profound.
SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run grassroots charity on a mission to change that. We’re building a community of connection, warmth, and hope—and we need a Marketing Manager who can help us shine.
Why This Role Matters
Marketing isn’t just about promotion—it’s about storytelling. It’s about reaching someone who feels forgotten and letting them know they matter. It’s about inspiring volunteers, donors, and communities to rally around a cause that touches every corner of society.
As our Marketing Manager, you’ll be the emotional heartbeat of our outreach. You’ll craft campaigns that stir empathy, ignite action, and build a brand that radiates compassion.
What You’ll Do
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Develop and lead emotionally impactful marketing strategies across digital and print.
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Create compelling content that highlights the urgency of loneliness and the power of connection.
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Collaborate with graphic designers and programme leads to promote services and recruit volunteers.
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Build SUNSHINE’s presence on social media, job boards, and community platforms.
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Shape our voice and visual identity to reflect hope, dignity, and inclusion.
What You’ll Bring
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A passion for storytelling and social impact.
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Experience in marketing, communications, or branding (professional or volunteer).
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Creativity, empathy, and a strategic mindset.
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A desire to be part of something meaningful from the very beginning.
What You’ll Gain
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The chance to build a charity brand that truly matters.
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A community of kind, driven changemakers.
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The joy of knowing your work is helping people feel seen, heard, and loved.
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Experience, purpose, and legacy.
Let’s make loneliness a little less lonely. Let’s be the sunshine.
SUNSHINE
Fostering Connections. Enhancing Wellbeing. Transforming Lives.
SUNSHINE is London based dedicated to bringing people together, fostering connections, enhancing wellbeing and transforming lives.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.