Volunteers volunteer roles in leer, unity

Our amazing team of volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help to raise vital funds. These funds are then used to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and their families across the UK.

Over 60 donation centres receive and distribute 100’s of bags of stock every single week. All of these donations need to be lifted and shifted so they end up in the right shops - we don’t require a weightlifter, but you will be need to be physically fit to help move the many donations we receive.

As well as working up a sweat, our donation centres also sell a variety of stock which all need processing and putting on the shop floor. Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till once in a while, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Sorting large amounts of donations and stock
• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Physically able to lift and carry large amounts of stock within our Health & Safety Guidelines
• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

Unit 7 The Valley Centre, Sugar Way, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 9QB, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

Across the UK, our 65 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.

As a Vice-Chair you’ll support your Chair or Coordinator in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible.

You’ll bring your leadership, communication, organisation, and motivational skills to this role.

What the role involves

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

• Supporting the Chair/Coordinator in organising branch activities, from setting up branch meetings to planning and completing referrals

• Helping the Chair/Coordinator oversee the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new volunteers

• Deputising for the Chair/Coordinator when necessary

• Acting as a key contact between staff and volunteers

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting when required

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work

• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Confident in communicating with different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers

• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others

• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area

• Willingness to develop skills and experience

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and reference check, and you may need a DBS check if you also have another client facing role.

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.

RollaDome All Skate is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Volunteer Roller Skate Coach to join our team. As a volunteer, you will support the onsite delivery of roller sports sessions, helping participants develop their skills, confidence, and fitness. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Session Assistance: Support lead coaches in running onsite roller sports sessions at our clubs. 

• Safety Monitoring: Ensure safety protocols are upheld to create a secure and inclusive environment. 

• Participant Engagement: Motivate and encourage participants of all skill levels, ensuring they feel supported. 

• Event Assistance: Help coordinate and participate in events, workshops, and showcases. 

• Equipment Management: Maintain and prepare skating equipment for sessions. 

Locations 

You will deliver sessions at our clubs in: 

• Harrow 

• Acton 

• Hounslow 

Please note that you will need to travel to these locations for scheduled sessions and events. 

Requirements 

• A keen interest in roller sports and working with diverse groups. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with participants of all ages. 

• Willingness to learn and uphold coaching techniques and safety protocols. 

• Team player with a positive attitude and enthusiasm for helping others. 

• Basic roller skating skills and familiarity with roller sports activities. 

Commitment 

• Minimum 15 hours per week, with flexible hours.

Benefits 

• Make a meaningful impact in your community. 

• Build experience in project coordination and volunteer management. 

• Flexible working arrangements and professional growth opportunities. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community, develop your coaching skills, and share your passion for roller sports. 

RollaDome All Skate is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Campaigns Fundraising Officer (Volunteer) to join our team. In this role, you will contribute to the development and implementation of impactful fundraising strategies to support our roller sports programs and youth empowerment initiatives. This volunteer opportunity is ideal for individuals passionate about making a difference in the nonprofit sector and gaining hands-on fundraising experience. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in developing and executing fundraising strategies aligned with RollaDome's mission. 

• Research potential funding opportunities and support grant proposal preparation. 

• Cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors through outreach and stewardship activities. 

• Help plan and coordinate fundraising events, including logistics and promotion. 

• Support online fundraising campaigns across digital and social media platforms. 

• Maintain donor records and assist with data analysis to track fundraising performance. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities. 

• Basic understanding of fundraising techniques and nonprofit operations. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Enthusiasm for RollaDome’s mission and youth development. 

• Experience with social media and digital fundraising platforms (desirable but not essential). 

Commitment 

• Minimum 15 hours per week, with flexible hours.

Benefits 

• Professional Development: Gain practical experience in nonprofit fundraising and campaign management. 

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals and expand your network in the nonprofit sector. 

• Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from experienced fundraising staff. 

• Impact: Make a meaningful contribution to RollaDome’s programs, supporting youth and community development. 

• Flexible Hours: Enjoy flexibility in your volunteering schedule with remote options available. 

• Career Advancement: Build skills that enhance your CV and may lead to future opportunities within RollaDome or other organizations. 

Our amazing team of volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help to raise vital funds. These funds are then used to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and their families across the UK.

Over 60 donation centres receive and distribute 100’s of bags of stock every single week. All of these donations need to be lifted and shifted so they end up in the right shops - we don’t require a weightlifter, but you will be need to be physically fit to help move the many donations we receive.

As well as working up a sweat, our donation centres also sell a variety of stock which all need processing and putting on the shop floor. Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till once in a while, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Sorting large amounts of donations and stock
• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Physically able to lift and carry large amounts of stock within our Health & Safety Guidelines
• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

Unit 4A North Quay Retail Park, Peto Way, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2ED, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

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, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

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, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

About us

Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before. Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people. We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations..

The role in a nutshell:

Volunteers help to keep our UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!What will you be doing?

Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.

How would you be supported in this role?

When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

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, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

A bit about this role

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our feline friends in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare. 

What can you expect to be doing? 

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social networking and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our National Cat Centre to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required 

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 make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by supporting other publicity volunteers in their roles and raising awareness of Cats Protection. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to be a part of a team
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• Good IT skills
• Editorial skills and experience in PR and marketing (would be an advantage) 
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation 

Our publicity team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.

What is a Branch Fundraiser?

As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - fundraising workshops.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Local Fundraising Coordinator
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people
• Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 16

Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Our amazing team of volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help to raise vital funds. These funds are then used to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and their families across the UK.

Over 60 donation centres receive and distribute 100’s of bags of stock every single week. All of these donations need to be lifted and shifted so they end up in the right shops - we don’t require a weightlifter, but you will be need to be physically fit to help move the many donations we receive.

As well as working up a sweat, our donation centres also sell a variety of stock which all need processing and putting on the shop floor. Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till once in a while, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Sorting large amounts of donations and stock
• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Physically able to lift and carry large amounts of stock within our Health & Safety Guidelines
• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

Unit 3 Centre West Shopping Centre, Stanningley Road, Armley, West Yorkshire, LS12 3AS, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

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

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

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

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

We are looking for volunteers for our Waltham Cross shop.

TASKS

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

SKILLS & QUALITIES

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

ABOUT THE FERTILITY FOUNDATION

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

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

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

TO APPLY

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

Puppy Support Volunteers support our Puppy Training Regions, to provide short term care and holiday cover for puppies/dogs from 8 weeks onwards. This ranges from a day cover to a few weeks care, maintaining the basic care and individual exercise requirements of the puppy as well as helping them to adapt to living with different carers and routines. To maintain basic training according to Canine Partners’ methods and continue behaviour plans for their development age, such as toilet training and loose lead walking, both in the home and in residential areas.

By volunteering you will:

• Be a valued member of our Charity
• Know that you are integrally involved in the care and training of a dog that will change the life of a person waiting for their Canine Partner
• Benefit from the companionship and enjoyment of having a dog in your life without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
• Can meet like-minded people
• Opportunity to develop your knowledge of puppy development and training

‘Without the continued hard work and support from our puppy volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs.’

What is involved

Care for a dog in your home as a temporary placement. This can range from days, weekends, weeks, months, depending on the charity’s needs.

Be available for:

• Virtual online training
• One-to-ones in the community
• Group sessions in the community
• Attend classes to learn and keep up to date with the techniques being used
• Maintain basic training and obedience in the home and local residential areas
• Be available for pre-planned holiday and emergency cover
• Attend vet visits when necessary
• Maintaining the dog’s health and welfare and, via support and training, to recognise behaviour/health concerns and report them immediately to your Canine Partners trainer
• Raise awareness of Canine Partners

What we require from you

• The primary puppy volunteer must be 18 years of age or over.
• You will need to reside in a house/bungalow/ground floor flat with a dog friendly secure garden (non-shared). Please note that we are unable to accept a townhouse for puppies under the age of 6 months due to health and safety risks to the volunteer and puppy.
• If you are a dog owner with no more than two pet dogs of suitable temperament, as assessed during the home check, you are welcome to apply.  They must be over 18 months of age and have lived within the home for at least six months.
• Commit to attend regular group classes even when without a dog (once a month) to maintain knowledge and application of the training expected when the dogs are with you.
• Practical and physical role with the ability to recognise your own limitations.’  For example, lifting and carrying a 12kg puppy
• Settling the puppy/dog into a new home requires time and patience. It can take a while for them to feel completely relaxed. Settling in period will be different with each puppy/dog.
• Keep in touch with your staff point of contact with regular updates
• Access to own transport to travel to vet appointments and meet your trainer, as required
• Understand that the dog in your care remains under the ownership of Canine Partners, and as such advice from canine Partners representatives should be followed.

Support and Training

• Induction process which includes submitting of an information form, telephone interview, home visit, training, and handling sessions
• Each volunteer is allocated a Canine Partners Puppy Training Coordinator as their first point of contact.
• Receive regular training, resources, and other essential information via your Puppy Training Coordinator, this may be in the format of verbal instructions, physical copies, digital instructions, video, and webinar resources or in person.
• No previous dog ownership experience is needed but you must meet the criteria listed above to be considered.
• Holiday cover and appointments cover can be arranged.
• Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a training session with a Canine Partner representative
• Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
• Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group

We’re looking for enthusiastic and committed Service Instructors to join our team and help shape the future of 2497 (Cosford) Squadron RAF Air Cadets.

About us

At 2497 (Cosford) Squadron, we’re proud to be part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation that empowers young people aged 12 to 20 to develop leadership skills, resilience, and confidence through exciting opportunities like flying, adventure training, sports, and community service.

We meet twice a week and we’re always looking for volunteers who are willing to try their hand at anything. You could find yourself teaching skills, running activities, or providing encouragement and moral support. If you have specialist skills, we can use them. If you want to learn new skills like rock climbing or gliding, we can train you.

Benefits of being a volunteer

Being a volunteer is rewarding and has a lot of different benefits.

• learn skills in a range of areas
• develop leadership qualities
• personal development
• gain qualifications in areas like mountain leadership, first aid and NVQs

Whatever you decide to focus on, all volunteers gain a huge sense of achievement from helping young people realise their potential.

To be a volunteer you need to

• Be a member of the Armed Forces
• commit to a certain number of hours
• understand young people and their needs
• be patient, responsible and kind
• have a good level of fitness, but by no means be an athlete

We know our volunteers may have families, jobs and hobbies, so we can be flexible and work around other areas of your lives. All we expect in return is clear communication, good organisation and commitment to your squadron.

You do not need

• experience of working with young people
• relevant skills like flying or gliding

Typical joining process

• Submit an expression of interest
• Visit the squadron
• You’ll have an informal interview (usually when you make the first visit)
• Invited to complete an online application
• Get access to the RAF Air Cadets online system to complete the final forms

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re excited to play a key role in supporting the next generation and helping our squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you!