Volunteering at St Oswald's Hospice

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

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 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.  

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.