Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
Opening and closing the shop when needed.
Cashing up at the end of the day.

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
A team player who enjoys working with others.
Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
Respectful of others.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
A chance to meet new people.
A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

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