Graphic Designer Volunteer Intern
Get creative and bring ideas to life. Work on real design projects, create marketing materials, and help us tell our story visually.
Download role description Apply nowVolunteering at St Oswald's Hospice
Here you will find all the latest volunteering opportunities at St Oswald's Hospice.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with St Oswald’s
We update this page with our current volunteering opportunities and role descriptions. If you’d like to apply for a role, please return your completed form to volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org.
Please note, we are only able to accept application forms specifically for the available volunteering opportunities shown on this page. If you’re still interested in volunteering but can’t find a suitable role today, please keep checking back for new opportunities soon.
Get prepared!
St Oswald’s Hospice is keen to recruit volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, to ensure that everybody has a chance to contribute to the development of our organisation and get valuable personal and professional experience along the way. Every volunteer application is followed up by an informal interview, during which staff aim to understand volunteer applicants’ skills, experience, achievements and motivations.
You can find our informal interview questions as well as the volunteer journey on this page – we are hoping that providing this form ahead of time will give future volunteers the best opportunity to feel prepared and informed and to provide a warm, inclusive welcome.
Volunteer Internships: Gain Experience and Earn a Pitman Diploma
Want to gain real experience, build your skills, and boost your career – all while making a difference? Our Volunteer to Career pathway is the perfect opportunity for you!
St Oswald’s Hospice has teamed up with Pitman Training, as part of our Volunteer to Career pathway, to offer six Volunteer Internships that will help you grow professionally and personally.
During your Volunteer Internships, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a supportive, professional environment, while working towards a recognised Pitman Diploma that employers highly value.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Real experience: Volunteer with us at the hospice each week, putting your skills into action. You’ll take on rewarding tasks and gain hands-on experience that makes a real impact in a supportive environment.
• Structured training: Work towards a Pitman Diploma while learning and growing. Receive practical, hands-on training that combines real-world experience with academic learning, helping you build a well-rounded set of abilities.
• Mentorship: Get support and guidance from experienced professionals who are there to help you every step of the way. Our mentors will offer advice, feedback, and insights to help you thrive both personally and professionally.
• Networking opportunities: Meet new people and build connections that could open doors for your future career. Connect with professionals in your field, fellow volunteers, and others who can help you expand your network.
These Volunteer Intern opportunities are a great way to gain experience, build your confidence, and develop new skills to boost your career.
If you’re excited to learn, grow, and make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note: Pitman Internships require a commitment of 6-12 months as a minimum.
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IT Help Desk Support Technician Volunteer Intern
Solve problems and gain real tech experience. Provide support to our team, troubleshoot issues, and help maintain our IT systems in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Download role description Apply nowimage00073 (1)
Retail Events Volunteer Intern
Help plan and run engaging events. Work alongside our retail team to help plan and carry out impactful events that support our Hospice and bring people together.
Download role description Apply nowHospice volunteering roles
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Hairdressing Volunteers
Are you a skilled and compassionate hairdresser looking to use your expertise in a deeply meaningful way?
Join us to provide gentle trims, simple styling, and beard care in a warm, supportive space. Your skills will help patients feel valued and comforted.
We seek experienced, empathetic hairdressers or barbers who can commit to one day a month, working with individuals facing life-limiting conditions.
A simple trim or soothing scalp massage can brighten someone’s day. If you’re ready for a rewarding experience, we’d love to welcome you to our compassionate team!
Download role description Apply nowosteopathy-patoient-getting-tretment-massage
Podiatry Volunteer
Are you a qualified podiatrist? Would you like to use your skills to help give compassionate care to people living with life-limiting conditions?
We are looking for someone to offer toenail cuts, general foot and lower limb care, and footcare education for our patients and staff. You will also need to be able to recognise signs of infection and report this to our nursing team.
Your role will help to provide patients with a sense of normalcy and dignity during a challenging time.
If you would like to support the wellbeing of our patients in a warm and welcoming environment, we would love to hear from you!
Download role description Apply nowHilary Brewis
Driver Volunteers (Various roles available)
Ready to embark on a journey of compassion and care? As part of our volunteer transport team, you’ll be more than a driver – you’ll be a lifeline, offering personalised transport services to those in need.
Your role involves more than just driving. Your warmth, tact, empathy, and sensitivity will create a comforting environment for our patients.
From delivering garments to patients’ homes to collecting equipment and supporting hospice services, your friendly nature will ensure every interaction leaves a positive impact. You’ll be a crucial link in our care network.
We are keen to recruit Volunteer Minibus and Pool Car Drivers, Volunteer Non-Patient Drivers and a Volunteer Non-Patient Driver:
Volunteer Minibus and Pool Car Drivers
If you have a full UK driving licence and are willing to undergo necessary training, including MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme), then we would love to hear from you! Vacancies for Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and/or Fridays.
Download role description | Apply now
Volunteer Own Car Drivers
If you have your own transport, a full UK driving licence and a willingness to undergo necessary training, then we would love to hear from you! Vacancies for Wednesdays, Thursdays and/or Fridays.
Download role description | Apply now
Volunteer Non-Patient Drivers
As a Non-Patient Driver, you’ll be at the forefront of providing essential services to our patients and supporters. From delivering garments to patients’ homes to collecting equipment and supporting services within the hospice, your friendly and outgoing nature will ensure that every interaction leaves a positive impact. Vacancy for Thursdays and/or Fridays but other week days may be available if an applicant prefers this. A full UK Driving Licence is required for this role.
Download role description | Apply now
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Gardening Volunteers
Are you enthusiastic about gardening? Ready to make a difference to the lives of our patients and families?
We’re looking to expand our volunteer team and would love to hear from anyone with a passion for gardening and skill to share as a Gardening Volunteer!
Download role description Apply nowDIY tools
Facilities Volunteer (Maintenance)
Our fantastic Facilities Team is looking for helping hands to support a wide variety of tasks right across the Hospice. If you’re a dab hand at DIY and have practical maintenance skills to share or develop, we’d love to hear from you! This role supports our friendly and busy team in keeping our clinical areas, offices and other spaces in good working order as a safe and welcoming place to be.
We are currently recruiting two volunteers for this role.
Download role description Apply nowRelaxation Group 3
Relaxation Support Volunteer
Are you calm, compassionate, and passionate about helping others feel at ease?
Join our team to support weekly Relaxation Sessions for patients and carers at our Focus on Living Centre. You’ll help create a peaceful, welcoming environment – offering refreshments, a listening ear, and practical support throughout the session.
With guidance from our experienced staff, you’ll gradually gain the confidence to help lead these sessions yourself. Experience with relaxation techniques is helpful but not essential – just bring warmth, reliability, and great communication skills.
This is a meaningful opportunity to support people at a challenging time in their lives. If you’re ready to make a real difference each Monday morning, we’d love to hear from you.
Download role description Apply nowRetail volunteering roles
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Byker Furniture Shop Volunteer
Support the day-to-day running of our specialist furniture charity shop in Byker by helping the team to accept and sort donations, prepare and price stock and provide exceptional customer service.
Some lifting and manual handling may be required to move furniture across the shop.
Download role description Apply nowshop-volunteering
Shop Volunteer
Our fabulous shops are always looking to boost their volunteer power! You’ll be part of day to day shop life – customer service, processing donations and ensuring your retail space is inviting, organised and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you see yourself creatively dressing windows, sorting and preparing stock, or front and centre behind the till, retail volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, gain experience and skills for your CV and of course to generate income for our wonderful Hospice.
If you would like to find out more information about any of our shop volunteer roles, please email us below stating which shop/shops you would like to volunteer at. (Find your local St Oswald’s shop here).
volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org592a4f32-11f6-468d-915f-4d899517191b
Van Crew Volunteers
Might you enjoy helping us by volunteering with our Van Crew? We would love to take on some more Van Assistant volunteers to support our brilliant Drivers. You’ll be involved in the moving and handling of large household items, and making collections / deliveries from our shops around the region.
The role will be based at Kingston Park and will suit someone keen to support us in a physically demanding volunteer role, within a friendly team. Days optional Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm.
If you would like to apply or find out more information about the role, please email us through the link below.
volunteer@stoswaldsuk.orgDSCF5741
Volunteer Book Scanner
Location: Various Locations. Role available in all of our shops. Find your local shop here.
Schedule: Flexible hours, Monday – Saturday
About the Role: Join our team as a Volunteer Book Scanner and help raise funds for St Oswald’s Hospice! In this role, you’ll use an online platform called Shopiago to scan barcodes of donated books, CDs and DVDs – helping to maximise the money we raise. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to volunteer in a non-customer-facing role with flexible hours.
Key Responsibilities:
- Scan barcodes using a laptop or tablet.
- Assess quality of books, CDs and DVDs to ensure they’re suitable for resale.
- Pack books for shipping.
Why Volunteer With Us?
- Flexible Schedule: Volunteer as much or as little as you like.
- Inclusive: Open to people of all abilities.
- Meaningful Impact: Your efforts help us raise funds for our important work in the community.
Who Should Apply? Anyone interested in a simple, flexible volunteering opportunity. This role is perfect if you prefer to work behind the scenes or if you’re looking for a way to make a difference without a fixed schedule.
How to Get Involved: Contact us to learn more and start making a difference today! Email volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org to find out more or pop into your local shop.
volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org Meet Frank, one of our Volunteer Book ScannersSt Oswald's Hospice eBay shop
Volunteer eBay Sales Assistant
Location: St Oswald’s Hospice Retail Hub, Ouseburn, Ouse Street, NE1 2AG
About the Role: As an eBay Sales Assistant volunteer at St Oswald’s Hospice, you will play a vital role in identifying and listing valuable items from our donations for sale on our popular eBay page. This role involves selecting items with high resale potential, creating compelling listings, and assisting with packaging and shipping sold items. Your efforts will directly support the hospice’s charitable mission.
Key Responsibilities:
•Review and assess donated items to select those suitable for online sale.
• Research and identify items with high resale value, including collectibles, fashion, electronics, and more.
• Create detailed and attractive eBay listings, including writing descriptions, setting prices, and uploading photos.
• Assist with the packing and shipping of sold items, ensuring they are securely packaged for delivery.
Ideal Candidate:
• Strong interest in e-commerce and online sales.
• Ability to identify valuable items and knowledge of market trends.
• Good written communication skills for crafting engaging product descriptions.
• Detail-oriented with an eye for presentation.
• Reliable, with a willingness to learn and adapt.
Benefits:
• Gain experience in online retail and e-commerce.
• Contribute to a meaningful cause by supporting St Oswald’s Hospice.
• Be part of a dynamic and friendly team.
• Enhance your skills in product evaluation, listing, and sales management.
How to Apply: Interested in helping us raise funds through online sales? Contact our team at Ouseburn@stoswaldsuk.org to apply or for more information.
Don’t take our word for it, read about our eBay volunteer Dave’s experience working with us here.
Contact our Ouseburn teamDSCF4656
Sorting Volunteer
Location: St Oswald’s Hospice Retail Hub, Ouseburn, Ouse Street, NE1 2AG
About the Role: As a Sorting Volunteer at St Oswald’s Hospice, you will play a crucial role in the initial processing of donations. Working under the guidance of the Retail Stock Team Leader, you will be responsible for sorting, categorising, and preparing donated items for distribution to our network of charity shops. Your efforts will ensure that high-quality stock is efficiently processed and made available to generate funds for the hospice.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the sorting of incoming donations, ensuring items are placed in appropriate categories (e.g., clothing, accessories, books, homeware).
- Identify and set aside high-value or specialty items for further evaluation.
- Ensure that damaged or unsellable items are properly disposed of or recycled, in line with the hospice’s sustainability goals.
- Help maintain an organized and tidy warehouse environment by ensuring that sorted items are stored correctly and labelled appropriately.
Ideal Candidate:
- Attention to Detail: Keen eye for quality and the ability to accurately assess the condition of donated items.
- Team Player: Willingness to work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff, contributing to a positive and productive team environment.
- Reliable and Committed: Punctual and dependable, with a commitment to supporting the hospice’s mission.
Benefits:
- Contribute to a Meaningful Cause: Your work will directly support St Oswald’s Hospice, helping to provide care and support to those in need.
- Gain Experience in Retail Operations: Develop valuable skills in stock management, quality control, and warehouse operations.
- Be Part of a Supportive Community: Join a team of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
How to Apply:
Interested in joining our team as a Sorting Volunteer? Contact Ann Traynor (AnnTraynor@stoswaldsuk.org) to apply or for more information.
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Donation Point Receptionist Volunteer
Location: St Oswald’s Hospice Donation Point, Ouse Street, Byker, NE1 2AG
About the Role: We’re looking for someone to provide a warm welcome to supporters donating their second-hand items at our new Donation Point in Ouseburn!
Key Responsibilities:
- To meet and greet people donating their second-hand goods
- To encourage all donors to sign up to Gift Aid where possible. If donors are already signed up, to ask them for their Gift Aid number to add to their bags of donations
- Answering and forwarding phone calls to the sorting team and event venue, the space
- Ensuring the Donation Point remains tidy throughout the day
Ideal Candidate:
- Friendly and approachable
- Organised and adaptable
- Comfortable and physically able to move donations from reception into the sorting area (Desirable but not essential)
Benefits:
- Gain experience in the fashion retail sector.
- Be part of a supportive and enthusiastic team, based at our newest location.
- Contribute to a charitable cause, helping fund the vital work of St Oswald’s Hospice.
Download role description Apply now
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Volunteer Administrator (Retail Collection Line)
Are you organised, friendly, and love a good chat? Do you enjoy helping things run smoothly behind the scenes? If so, we’d love to have you on board as a Volunteer Administratorwith our Retail Collection Line.
In this volunteer role, you’ll be the friendly voice on the phone and the helpful person behind the emails, assisting with booking collections of donated goods and house clearances. You’ll also support with general admin tasks to keep everything running like clockwork.
What you’ll be doing:
- Chatting with donors over the phone and answering email enquiries
- Booking in collections using our simple IT system
- Helping with general admin tasks to support our team
What we’re looking for:
- Someone with great communication skills who enjoys speaking to people
- Organised and reliable with a keen eye for detail
- Comfortable using a computer
- A friendly, positive attitude and a willingness to help
We’ll provide guidance and support to help you feel confident in your role.
By volunteering with us, you’ll be part of a friendly team, gain valuable admin and customer service experience, and make a real difference by supporting St Oswald’s Hospices’ vital work.
Interested? We’d love to hear from you!
To find out more, please contact Brenda Hodgson, Retail Services Manager at brendahodgson@stoswaldsuk.org
Download role description Apply now