Volunteering volunteer roles

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our publicity volunteers use their passion and expertise to generate publicity for local volunteer groups and teams. They directly help our cats by raising awareness of the fantastic ways Cats Protection helps cats in need. By raising our profile they help us raise the funds we need to continue our work, raise awareness of adopting a cat, help promote neutering and make sure as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• raising awareness of Cats Protection
• generating publicity for local volunteer groups and teams
• creating and distributing regional press releases 
• distributing posters and flyers if needed
• communicating with the PR department 

Time expectation 

Our publicity volunteers usually spend 1 to 2 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Department: Community Support

Location: Remote

Time Commitment: Flexible, approximately 1-3 hours per week

Reports To: Deborah Bircham – Community Support Coordinator

About Mast Cell Action

Mast Cell Action is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals living with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), raising awareness, advancing understanding through education and resources and advocating for better recognition and treatment of MCAS within the medical community and the wider world.

Our stories are a key part of our community support, providing validation and reassurance to those living with MCAS, their families and carers, and helping to advocate for their needs to the medical professionals who look after them.

Main purposes of role

We are seeking a Volunteer Stories Writer to join our Community Stories team. You will play a vital role in capturing and sharing the lived experiences of individuals with MCAS. This project aims to provide a voice to those affected, helping both the MCAS community and medical professionals better understand the real-world impact of the condition.

Key tasks

• Collate emailed stories submitted by community members living with MCAS.

• Transcribe, edit, and proofread stories with accuracy and sensitivity.

• Adapt patient stories for different audiences, ensuring an empathetic and engaging tone for the MCAS community and a more structured, medical-focused version for healthcare professionals.

• Maintain high standards of spelling, grammar, and clarity in all written content.

• Work closely with the Community Support Coordinator to ensure consistency and alignment with the charity’s goals.

• Upload approved stories to the charity’s website.

Skills and Experience 

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with strong attention to detail.

• Ability to write with empathy and sensitivity to the challenges faced by individuals with MCAS.

• Experience in storytelling, journalism, or content writing.

• Ability to adapt narratives for different audiences, particularly medical professionals.

• Strong understanding of tone, voice, and structure in written content.

• Familiarity with basic website content management systems (preferred but not essential).

Key results/objectives

The regular updating of our Community Stories website with stories that validate our community members’ experiences, and provide positive and uplifting stories of hope. 

Those living with MCAS feel heard and seen, and validated. They have access to a library of others’ experiences that help them to navigate their own journey. 

The creation of Medical Stories which can be used to educate medical professionals about the experiences of those living with MCAS, and lobby for systemic change in diagnosis and treatment. 

Improving the quality of life of people with MCAS through access to information and support. 

What We Offer

The chance to make a meaningful difference for people living with MCAS.

Flexible, remote volunteering to suit your availability.

Opportunities to develop your skills and experience in writing and content creation.

A supportive and inclusive environment.

If you are passionate about writing meaningful stories and want to contribute to a worthwhile cause, we’d love to hear from you!

About us

Sense is a national charity dedicated to supporting children and adults who are deafblind or have complex disabilities, along with their families, to lead fulfilling lives. We believe in inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their disability, has the opportunity to engage fully in life's experiences.

About the role

Become a vital part of our 70th Anniversary! We're looking for a passionate volunteer to join our 4-person Philanthropy and Special Events team for 6 months. Work directly with our Special Events Manager, gaining practical experience as you help deliver a spectacular 70th-anniversary drinks reception for high-value audiences on November 26th 2025 in central London, set to raise £30,000 to ensure the sustainability of our services for years to come.

Key Duties: 

• Research and identify companies and individuals to approach for silent auction prize donations for our 70th-anniversary event, which aims to raise £30,000 to support children and adults with complex needs.
• Contact potential prize donors via email and phone.
• Accurately log all donor communications and prize details on team files and our database.
• Collect key prize information (descriptions, terms, expiry dates) and arrange/coordinate delivery of prizes and vouchers for the event.
• Assist with essential event administration, including creating name badges, inputting guest access and dietary requirements onto a central system, and compiling guestlists onto a check-in system.
• Option to provide event day support on the evening of November 26th in central London.
• Opportunity to gain insight into other areas of event management based on interest, such as invitation concept development, donor stewardship, or drafting communications.
• Maintain a confidential, sensitive, and discrete approach to personal, sensitive, and organisational information.
• Be prepared to assist with various tasks as needed to support event delivery.

The role will involve:

• Helping Sense to raise vital funds to support people with complex needs, via gold standard Special Events.
• Representing the organisation in a positive professional manner, supporting the vision that no one is left out of life.

This role would suit you if you’re: 

• Experienced in working in an office environment or have or are working towards a qualification in event or project management.
• Able to demonstrate excellent written, and verbal communication skills with good attention to detail.
• Able to build good relationships and build rapport easily with a wide range of people.
• You have ideas of appropriate companies to make approaches to or have personal connections to potential high value prizes (desirable).
• Proficient in using a PC and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and comfortable with email/internet. Familiarity with AI systems is desirable.
• Ability to work independently and manage a variety of tasks effectively.
• Possesses a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrating respect for all individuals, their unique perspectives, and varied backgrounds (including but not limited to age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation).
• Motivated by Sense's vital work and driven by a desire to create a tangible difference for individuals with complex needs. 

What Sense Offers

• Ongoing dedicated support from the Special Event Manager.
• Examples of previous prizes secured for events and email and phone call templates to guide you when making prize asks.
• Online training on how to keep and store data safely and office health and safety.
• Updates how your support is making a difference.
• Full training and support throughout your volunteering with Sense.
• An opportunity to build your CV skills and a reference for your time volunteering with Sense.
• A great opportunity to share your skills and experience.
• A chance to deepen your understanding of the great work we do at Sense.
• A fulfilling flexible experience that can fit around your schedule.
• Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as agreed in advance with your manager. 

Sense Values 

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

About us

Sense is a national charity dedicated to supporting children and adults who are deafblind or have complex disabilities, along with their families, to lead fulfilling lives. We believe in inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their disability, has the opportunity to engage fully in life's experiences.

About the role

Become a vital part of our 70th Anniversary! We're looking for a passionate volunteer to join our 4-person Philanthropy and Special Events team for 6 months. Work directly with our Special Events Manager, gaining practical experience as you help deliver a spectacular 70th-anniversary drinks reception for high-value audiences on November 26th 2025 in central London, set to raise £30,000 to ensure the sustainability of our services for years to come.

Key Duties: 

• Research and identify companies and individuals to approach for silent auction prize donations for our 70th-anniversary event, which aims to raise £30,000 to support children and adults with complex needs.
• Contact potential prize donors via email and phone.
• Accurately log all donor communications and prize details on team files and our database.
• Collect key prize information (descriptions, terms, expiry dates) and arrange/coordinate delivery of prizes and vouchers for the event.
• Assist with essential event administration, including creating name badges, inputting guest access and dietary requirements onto a central system, and compiling guestlists onto a check-in system.
• Option to provide event day support on the evening of November 26th in central London.
• Opportunity to gain insight into other areas of event management based on interest, such as invitation concept development, donor stewardship, or drafting communications.
• Maintain a confidential, sensitive, and discrete approach to personal, sensitive, and organisational information.
• Be prepared to assist with various tasks as needed to support event delivery.

The role will involve:

• Helping Sense to raise vital funds to support people with complex needs, via gold standard Special Events.
• Representing the organisation in a positive professional manner, supporting the vision that no one is left out of life.

This role would suit you if you’re: 

• Experienced in working in an office environment or have or are working towards a qualification in event or project management.
• Able to demonstrate excellent written, and verbal communication skills with good attention to detail.
• Able to build good relationships and build rapport easily with a wide range of people.
• You have ideas of appropriate companies to make approaches to or have personal connections to potential high value prizes (desirable).
• Proficient in using a PC and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and comfortable with email/internet. Familiarity with AI systems is desirable.
• Ability to work independently and manage a variety of tasks effectively.
• Possesses a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrating respect for all individuals, their unique perspectives, and varied backgrounds (including but not limited to age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation).
• Motivated by Sense's vital work and driven by a desire to create a tangible difference for individuals with complex needs. 

What Sense Offers

• Ongoing dedicated support from the Special Event Manager.
• Examples of previous prizes secured for events and email and phone call templates to guide you when making prize asks.
• Online training on how to keep and store data safely and office health and safety.
• Updates how your support is making a difference.
• Full training and support throughout your volunteering with Sense.
• An opportunity to build your CV skills and a reference for your time volunteering with Sense.
• A great opportunity to share your skills and experience.
• A chance to deepen your understanding of the great work we do at Sense.
• A fulfilling flexible experience that can fit around your schedule.
• Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as agreed in advance with your manager. 

Sense Values 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Health and Safety Volunteer for the Gwynedd/Ynys Mon Group. As a Health and Safety Volunteer you’ll make sure all local group members are aware of their health and safety responsibilities. You’ll help them understand and follow guidelines and procedures to coordinate safe activities.The Gwynedd/Ynys Mon group extends from Holyhead to Dolgellau and covers all areas in-between.

In this role you’ll gain knowledge of Health and Safety legislation, as well as develop your organisation, admin and communication skills. Most importantly you’ll help your local group make sure all their activities are safe for every member of your local MS community. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Edinburgh - Nicolson Street

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

The Nicolson Street shop is a modern, contemporary and urban street store, unlike any other charity shop you've ever seen - full of vintage treasures, gorgeous greenery and creativity!

Our Nicolson Street 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. 

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

Our Belfast 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.

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

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.

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• You MUST live in the Grantown-on-Spey/Strathspey area of Scotland
• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

At Oxfam Online Hubs, we sell donated clothing, textiles and accessories through the unique Oxfam Online Shop. We focus on showcasing our most fabulous donations; from on trend high street to designer labels and vintage pieces. As an Online Hub Volunteer you can help with whatever part of the business that interests you. Put your passion to good use while learning new skills. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

Build your CV, skills, and confidence. You can try a bit of everything or specialise in key areas:

Books: You could select, sort, and price donated books. Research valuable, rare and antiquated stock or list items for the online shop. Focus on what interests you!

Jewelley: You will work closely with our in-house specialist, learning how to sort and value jewelley. The best pieces will be photographed and listed to our Online shop. Making more your thing? We are also looking for creative volunteers to make jewllery for our Festival Shops. 

Garment Care: Your role is designed to make the most out of each donation. You’ll be responsible for hanging and steaming clothing and homewares, identifying damaged items and if you’re handy with a needle and thread, helping out with basic repairs.

Photography: Your role is essential for showcasing the amazing donations we receive. You’ll be responsible for creating a visual library of images, including photographing and editing, ready to be uploaded on the Oxfam Online Shop.

Copywriter: You’ll create accurate, exciting, and consistent listings, correctly pricing stock, measuring garments and uploading this information to our online listing programme. You will be given the opportunity to specialise in areas such as Womenswear, Menswear, Kids and Homeware.

Warehouse Operative: Your role is essential in giving the best possible customer service. You’ll be responsible for picking orders which have sold through the Oxfam Online Shop, packing them and sending them on their way to the customer.

Specialists: Vinyl, cds, coins, homeware and collectables....we have lots of other categories in need of support!

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause. At Oxfam we know that 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 which works for you.