Demelza

South East London – Catering Volunteer

Join our warm and welcoming Catering team at Demelza’s Eltham hospice and help us bring comfort and joy to children and families through nourishing meals and friendly support.

When we need you:

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (10.30am-1.00pm) – flexibility with timings and duration

What you’ll do:

• Washing up
• Support the catering team with food preparation
• Support family dining experiences
• Help with kitchen clean-up and organisation

No experience needed – full training provided! Your enthusiasm and willingness to help are what matter most.

What you’ll gain:

• New friendships and a sense of community
• Valuable skills and rewarding experiences
• The chance to make a real impact for children with serious or life-limiting conditions

Why volunteer with Demelza?

Demelza provides specialist care 24/7, 365 days a year, children and families across Kent, South East London, and East Sussex. Our volunteers are the heart of our work - over 1,000 people already give their time, energy, and compassion to help us deliver exceptional care.

Join us and be part of something truly special.

At Demelza, every volunteer makes an extraordinary difference to children with serious or life-limiting conditions, and their families;- our volunteer drivers are no exception. 

By helping families with transport like getting to hospital appointments, hospice visits and special events, you're not just providing a lift - you're offering comfort and care when it matters most. 

Whether you have a few hours to spare or more, you time gives families the freedom to focus on what truly matters; caring for their child. 

Our driving role is flexible:

• No minimum or maximum amount of support required
• Sign up to undertake journeys that fit with your schedule
  
  
• Use your own car, or one of the Demelza cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles and a minibus that volunteers can use.
  
  
• Opportunity to undertake qualifications to drive Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles 
  
  

🤝 Requirements:

• Full valid drivers licence held for 2 years and aged over 21
• Right to work in the UK
• Confident driving for extended periods of time – some of our journeys can be quite a distance
• Enhanced DBS check, references and training course for volunteering with families must be completed with Demelza before starting

VOLUNTEER ROLE: Admin Assistant

REPORTS TO: Estates Executive       

LOCATION: Estates Office, Kent

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

To assist Estates Department in clearing backlog of admin projects due to staff shortages. 

ROLE/DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

To assist the new administrator in carrying out a medical equipment audit.  To undertake any tasks that will help us get organised again and catch up after being short staffed for 6 months.

SKILLS & QUALITIES:

A can-do attitude, a problem solver, minimal supervision. Preferably able to use spreadsheets/Excel. Ability to type and basic computer skills.  

TIME COMMITMENT:

We’d be grateful for anything from 2 hours per week. Preferably in a 2 hour session. More if available.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT:

You will be given a Volunteer Handbook, which covers mandatory training such as Moving & Handling, Fire, Data Protection and Safeguarding.  In addition, you will complete an induction with your line manager. Specific, specialist training will be provided where appropriate/relevant to the area you will be assigned to.  Ongoing support is available to volunteers through their line manager and the Voluntary Services team.

All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.

UNIFORM/DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS:

Casual (might be some dusty work going through old folders/cupboards etc)

TEAM DEMELZA - OUR VALUES & BEHAVIOURS:

Volunteers are expected to demonstrate and actively align to our organisational values and behaviours. The full values and behaviours documents can be found on the Demelza Intranet.

SAFEGUARDING AND FREDIE:

Demelza is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Demelza also values FREDIE principles (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some volunteering roles will require an enhanced DBS check - this does not mean that you cannot volunteer for us if you have a previous conviction. Demelza conforms to all aspects of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Estates Department Volunteers

Role Summary:

We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic Volunteers to join our very busy Estates Team, who are responsible for maintaining and operating all of the Demelza sites, keeping them clean, safe and well maintained. 

Our sites:

Sittingbourne, Kent

Eltham, SE London

St Leonards, East Sussex

30 shops throughout the South East

Distribution Centre in Aylesford, Kent

If you have previous maintenance experience and can spare a few hours a week to support our friendly team in our Estates Department, please apply or get in contact. Whatever your skills and experience, we will be able to put these to good use. This Volunteer position offers a unique chance to develop your skills while making a positive impact. Each day brings different challenges – from carpentry to plumbing, painting and decorating to changing locks. All levels of skill are appreciated, although some tasks such as electrical repairs will need further qualifications.

Whether you can lend a hand at one of our hospices or are able to help our Estates Trading Team, we would love to hear from you.

Duties could include:

• Helping with practical tasks
• General maintenance and repairs
• Painting and decorating
• Lifting and carrying

Experience:

• General site knowledge is useful, which could include building, plumbing, electrical, construction, mechanical, drainage.
• Previous experience in engineering, site maintenance or project management is advantageous.

What you gain from volunteering:

• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The chance to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• Training and support
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Demelza and support children with terminal conditions and their loved ones

Fundraising and Events Volunteer

How you can get involved

Join in with the action by lending a helping hand at our fantastic fundraising events.

Becoming a fundraising volunteer is a great way to have fun and meet new people whilst raising vital funds and awareness of Demelza in your local community.

From helping with bucket collections to manning stalls, setting up marquees, putting up banners, serving refreshments to supporting participants at fundraising events; donating your time will be an invaluable contribution to our cause.

Our events are held throughout the year. Whether you can help with one or 2 events a year, or want to make a more regular commitment, we appreciate the help.

If you are looking for a hands-on role, supporting Demelza at one of our events is a brilliant way to get involved whilst having fun at the same time!

What will you gain from volunteering

• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Demelza and support children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families

Our Values and Behaviours

Volunteers are expected to demonstrate and actively align to our organisational values and behaviours. The full values and behaviours documents can be found on the Demelza intranet.

Safeguarding and FREDIE

Demelza is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Demelza also values FREDIE principles (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some volunteering roles will require an enhanced DBS check - this does not mean that you cannot volunteer for us if you have a previous conviction. Demelza conforms to all aspects of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

VOLUNTEER ROLE: Housekeeping Volunteer

REPORTS TO: Housekeeping Manager

LOCATION: Demelza, Eltham, South East London

DAYS:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

HOURS: Morning shifts: Ideal shift would be 9am to midday, but any hours between 8am and 2pm would be appreciated.

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

To support the housekeeping team in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our children and families, visitors, staff and volunteers.

Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the comfort and wellbeing of everyone  in the facility.

ROLE/DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with light cleaning duties such as wiping surfaces, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning glass, mopping, tidying communal areas, and restocking supplies.
• Help with laundry tasks (folding, sorting, delivering clean linen).
• Support the team in preparing rooms for new arrivals.
• Ensure high standards of hygiene are maintained.
• Report any maintenance or cleanliness issues to staff.
• Engage with children and families in a friendly and respectful manner.

SKILLS & QUALITIES:

• Reliable and punctual.
• Friendly and approachable.
• Able to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
• Respectful of confidentiality and sensitive environments.
• Physically able to carry out light cleaning tasks.
• A friendly, approachable, and compassionate nature
• Respectful of confidentiality and sensitive to the needs of children and families in a hospice setting

TIME COMMITMENT:

• Ideally, a regular weekly or fortnightly shift of 2-3 hours.
• Flexible scheduling available to suit volunteer availability.
• Minimum commitment of 3 months preferred.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT:

You will be given a Volunteer Handbook, which covers mandatory training such as Moving & Handling, Fire Training, Data Protection and Safeguarding.  In addition, you will complete an induction with your line manager. Specific, specialist training will be provided where appropriate/relevant to the area you will be assigned to. Ongoing support is available to volunteers through their line manager and the Voluntary Services team. All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.

UNIFORM/DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS:

• A Demelza polo shirt will be provided
• Closed-toe, non-slip footwear
• Any necessary protective clothing (e.g. aprons) will be provided
• ID badge is provided and must be worn at all times

OUR VALUES & BEHAVIOURS:

Volunteers are expected to demonstrate and actively align to our organisational values and behaviours. The full values and behaviours documents can be found on the Demelza intranet.

SAFEGUARDING AND FREDIE:

Demelza is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Demelza also values FREDIE principles (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some volunteering roles will require an enhanced DBS check - this does not mean that you cannot volunteer for us if you have a previous conviction. Demelza conforms to all aspects of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.