Volunteers volunteer roles in leer, unity

What are Serving Community Teams?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. SSAFA has developed Serving Community Teams for volunteers to support serving personnel their families in the UK and overseas.

A Serving Community Team is run by a small team of volunteers on or near a British Armed Forces base, to provide emotional, practical and financial support to the serving community. Our volunteer Administration Coordinators are an integral part of the team supporting the volunteers to host meetings, events and support beneficiaries in their local community.

Why we want you

There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas SSAFA has Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team consists of a group of dedicated volunteers who make this possible. That’s where your skills come in. Could you spare some time to provide excellent administration support to the team of volunteers on a regular basis? The Administration Coordinator keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. This is a key role involving organising and recording team meetings, supporting with general planning, and helping with events administration.

What you will be doing

• Providing administrative support for Serving Community Team meetings - at least four per year, held either in person or online. This includes sending invites and recording minutes.
• Working with the Chair and wider volunteer team to create an annual plan of activity based on local need.
• Supporting members of the team with general administration tasks. For example, helping with fundraising events, local engagement and publicity events.
• Responding to general enquiries to the SCT where needed.

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable with good written and communication skills.
• Empathy regarding the needs and challenges of the serving community.
• Good IT and administration skills.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA is 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.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
• Gain 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! 

Requirements

Volunteers need to be a minimum of 18 years old.

Time commitment

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a couple of hours a week.  There will be times when attendance is required for a team meeting which may be in person or virtually.

Support

Full training is provided for this role, with some e-learning modules online and a live Teams webinar. You will also be supported by your SCT chair and Serving Community Support Team. 

SSAFA Values

For SSAFA, our values of; commitment, compassion, integrity and understanding underpin everything we do, and we ask that all volunteers are equally committed to them.

After making an application

Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive updates to the email address you provided in your application. Sometimes the emails we send go into junk folders, so do keep an eye out in the days following your application.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we need you:

This role is vital to the work of FareShare Merseyside. You will be preparing and cooking meals for our volunteers and staff, cleaning down the kitchen, and adhering to allergen, HACCP, and other compliance checks.

For the role of the Volunteer Kitchen Assistant, a background in food is desirable but not essential. If you have experience working in a kitchen, a passion for food and sustainability, and a willingness to learn new skills whilst working in a small team, you would be a great fit for this role!

What will I be doing?

• Helping to plan, create, and cook meals from surplus food for volunteer and staff lunches.
• Carrying out routine kitchen cleaning, health and safety checks, and completing all relevant paperwork.
• Assisting with one- off corporate or fundraising events.
• Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner at all times.

What we need you to be:

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Passionate about food and saving surplus food from going to waste
• Positive, friendly and personable, able to interact well with different people 
• Good with numbers, identifying different foods, writing clearly  
• Able to work well in a team and on your own   
• Able to follow FareShare’s policies & procedures  

What will I get out of it?

· An active and sociable role 

· Development of skills such as food preparation, batch cooking, and menu planning.

· Support and supervision from the Regional Volunteer Manager, and our Culinary Lead. 

• An induction and training for the role
• The opportunity to take on new challenges and support people in your community
• Reasonable travel expenses and a free lunch  
• A fun and friendly place to work  
• The opportunity to take on new challenges   
• A work reference for those who have satisfactorily committed to at least 3 months  
• The opportunity to support a great cause and give something back to your community  

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Summer Project
Mon 28th July – Fri 8th August (excluding Sat/Sun), 9:30am – 5:30pm in North London.

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Summer Social Development Project.

Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.

What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.

Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.

Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, you are a vital part in supporting them to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more)!!

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The project runs for 10 days, Mon 28th July – Fri 8th August (excluding Sat/Sun), 9:30am – 5:30pm  in North London.

Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full ten days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills.
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others.
• Increase your confidence.
• Meet new people and make friends.
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community.
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time.
• Challenge yourself.
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend training and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and also gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on 24th May with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-April.  

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.  

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 East Cumbria 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.

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. Please apply online

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

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

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

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

Key Responsibilities:

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

Skills & Experience

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

What we offer

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

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

As a Welcome volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the Birmingham team, supporting the hub to deliver vital frontline services. You'll be the first point of contact for clients and visitors, assisting the hub team with duties, and supporting the operation of the Shelter office in their day-to-day business 

You’ll act as the first point of contact for our clients, helping to understand their needs and help them access necessary advice and assistance through the duty or appointment services. Being a positive presence in the hub to ensure visitors feel comfortable and welcomed.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the households we assist. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to assist local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical guidance and providing a friendly, listening ear. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community.

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Shelter Birmingham, 38 The Priory Queensway, Maple House, Birmingham, B4 7LA 

Supervised by: Volunteer Coordinator

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

As a Welcome Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of Shelter’s Advice Team as they provide advice and guidance to the people visiting the Birmingham hub. 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the advice we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Main Tasks include:

• Greeting people who come to the office and aiding in Reception 

• Communicating with clients via phone and email to share updates on their case and to gather information. 

• To obtain feedback and service user consents 

• Signposting clients to relevant services and providing useful information. 

• General tasks (e.g. photocopying, scanning, and filing).

Skills and experience required:

• Good communication skills and the ability to understand the needs of our clients.

• The ability to speak Somalian or Arabic would be helpful, but certainly not essential 

• Interest in housing issues; welfare benefits; debt; community care 

• The ability to work as part of a team and value and communicate effectively with others

• Confident using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Teams and PDF documents to a good standard 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, confidentiality & data protection 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

As a Community Workshop Assistant volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the Birmingham team, supporting the hub to deliver frontline services. This role is an exciting and new opportunity to make a real difference within the wider community.

The accessible workshops are delivered primarily out in the community to Shelter clients and professionals however we may also deliver these by Microsoft Teams. The aim is to help empower clients to understand their rights and provide necessary support and signposting in areas such as temporary accommodation and budgeting. You will play a supportive role, helping the Housing Rights Worker deliver these workshops and being part of the development of future workshops. 

In addition, you’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical support within the workshop. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per month (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm. 

Location: Shelter Birmingham 38 Priory Queensway, Maple House, Birmingham, B4 7LA but this role will be within the local community. 

Supervised by: Birmingham Volunteer Coordinator

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Ensuring equipment is ready such as laptops and projectors 

• General administrative tasks (e.g. photocopying, scanning and filing).

• Help create a welcoming environment and being a welcoming face for clients attending the workshops 

• Handing out feedback forms & uploading feedback forms once the session is over 

• Supporting the Housing Rights Worker to facilitate the workshop

Skills and experience required 

• An interest in social welfare e.g. housing, welfare benefits, debt. 

• Good communication skills (this may be through experience of working with the public) 

• Ability to collaborate with a team. 

• Confident using IT including Microsoft Office programmes 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including Volunteering, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Data Protection. 

Induction, learning & development 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

Why we want you

Prison in reach volunteers support members of the Armed Forces community who are in prison. They make a real difference by providing essential support during these incredibly difficult times.

Our volunteers work closely with veterans in custody support officers, attending veteran forums, and offering one to one support, including making applications for financial assistance. We also connect clients with organisations, to help support pathways for positive change.

Come and join our team! We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.

We are keen to increase volunteer diversity, especially from under-represented groups such as young people, those of working age and individuals from minoritised groups.

What you will be doing

• Attend group forums for veterans within the prison environment.
• Complete individual assessments and complete one to one personalised support for veterans within the prison environment, which includes casework.
• Promote the services available to family members.
• Establish an agreement around the rate of visits with the VCJS team and the prison.
• Record the support offered to veterans accordingly and appropriately.
• Complete monitoring reports.

The skills you need

• Be over 21.
• Have a good level of fitness to able to move around a prison quickly - including stairs.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Awareness of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people, including prison staff, other agencies, SSAFA colleagues and clients.
• Positive, committed and non-judgemental. Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude.
• Good IT skills.
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Individual prisons will determine if they authorise individuals to be based in their facilities based on security considerations. Security Vetting by His Majesty’s Prison Service is often required. For further discussion, please get in touch.
• You will need to declare potential conflicts of interest, for example any family connection with the prison.

What's in it for you

• Full training provided with regular ongoing support.
• You gain criminal justice sector experience and build your CV.
• You can make a real difference to the lives of Veterans who are in the justice system.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost for you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.

Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP)
Part-time | Volunteer | Remote | 12 hrs/week | 16-week commitment

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

About Us

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.Our mission is to encourage unity across diverse communities, sharing and celebrating cultural lessons through workshops, training programmes, events and research. We challenge racial and societal stereotypes while delivering practical initiatives such as unconscious bias training in the workplace. We develop and deliver projects that promote inclusion, representation, and social change by partnering with local organisations and stakeholders.

Role Description

Quilombo UK is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Services Sales Executive to join our team through the Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). This is a target-driven, client-facing volunteer sales role focused on direct outreach and conversion of potential service users into paying clients. You will be responsible for actively identifying leads, initiating conversations, pitching our services, and closing deals.

The successful candidate will sell Quilombo UK’s key service offerings:

• Workshops (e.g. Unconscious Bias, Inclusive Leadership)

• Training Programmes

• Research Services

• Event & Partnership Opportunities
   

As a member of the Sales & Business Development function, you will be managed by a Director and accountable for results that directly impact the organisation’s financial sustainability and growth. This role provides real-world, high-impact experience that mirrors the standards and performance expectations of a paid sales role.

Main Responsibilities

• Proactively research and identify prospective clients aligned with Quilombo UK’s mission and services

• Initiate direct outreach (calls, emails, online meetings) to decision-makers across public and private sectors

• Deliver compelling sales pitches and presentations tailored to each client’s needs

• Handle end-to-end sales processes, from lead generation and qualification through to closing deals

• Secure confirmed bookings or contracts for services, including workshops, training, research, or event partnerships

• Develop and maintain a strong client pipeline, updating CRM or tracking systems regularly

• Consistently meet or exceed weekly/monthly KPIs related to outreach, meetings, and conversions

• Collaborate with the Director to refine messaging and sales strategy for maximum impact

• Maintain a consultative, value-led sales approach while staying aligned with Quilombo UK’s mission and ethos

• Provide performance updates and sales reports to the Director and Senior Leadership Team

• Stay updated on industry trends, client needs, and potential growth areas relevant to our services

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in a sales, business development, or account management role

• Proven track record of generating leads and closing deals, preferably in a service-based or social enterprise environment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong presentation and negotiation abilities

• Confidence to work independently and take initiative, while collaborating within a remote team

• Passion for social justice, community engagement, and inclusion

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

Desirable

• Familiarity with CRM tools and remote communication platforms

• Experience selling services to the public sector or third-sector organisations

• Understanding of social enterprises or community-based businesses

• Ability to work without close supervision and meet deadlines

What We Offer

• Real-world, results-driven sales experience with clear KPIs and performance feedback

• A unique opportunity to influence revenue and impact within a mission-driven organisation

• Coaching and mentoring from experienced directors and leadership

• A collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment

• Certificate of completion and reference upon successful programme completion

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

Application Process

Our HR team will contact you upon successful application to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, onboarding documents will be sent. Once completed, you’ll be invited to a 6-hour HR and Systems Induction, followed by a meeting with your assigned Director for your first day.

Job Type: Part-time (Volunteer)
Expected Hours: 12 per week
Location: Remote
Schedule: Monday to Friday | Day Shift | No Weekends

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 Chester Shop is a beautiful community hub with two floors of creativity and vintage treasures!

Our Chester 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.

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.

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Wythenshawe Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

Wythenshawe Foodbank are part of the Trussell network. We employ two members of staff and have approximately 30 regular volunteers, in addition to volunteers from local organisations who support us at specific events such as food drives.

We are seeking two new trustees with an interest in helping others, who are willing to uphold the food bank’s values, and who can bring life experience to the board of trustees. Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the board. They set the strategic direction for the charity, ensuring alignment to its values, and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance, and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the trustees, staff, volunteers, and users of the charity’s services.

Key tasks

• approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity
• act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community.
• ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• help promote the organisation to a broader audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
• represent, and present on behalf of, the food bank at meetings and conferences as and when required
• ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• regularly communicate to the rest of the trustee board via trustee meetings or any other communication, any relevant information and/or developments regarding fund raising or grant applications.
• prepare for and regularly attend and participate in trustee meetings.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst supporting the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• knowledge of and commitment to the work of Wythenshawe Foodbank
• a commitment to equality, social justice and the need to eradicate food poverty
• willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning the needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries and staff, and act in the best interest of the charity
• sound, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively
• the ability to work effectively as a team member and demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop 

The food bank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas: 

• Funding & Grants, for example: experience of fundraising and writing grant bids; experience of promotion/influencing organisations and businesses regarding donations and fundraising
• Social Media, for example: creating digital and social media strategy and plans to increase engagement, internally in the charity and externally to the public; communications and engagement experience using multiple platforms

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, background or beliefs. We also encourage those with lived experience of poverty to apply.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee you are providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Wythenshawe Foodbank.