
Volunteering at St Wilfrid’s Hospice
We're always looking to welcome new faces to our amazing volunteer team. If you have some time to spare and would like to make a difference in your local community we would love to hear from you.
Below you will find a list of our current volunteering opportunities, we have a wide variety of roles available and are happy to chat with you about any of them or about volunteering more generally, we can be contacted by email vsteam@stwhospice.org or please call 01323 434205, you can also pop in to see us at the Hospice 9am to 2pm - Monday to Friday, please ask for a member of the Voluntary Services Team at our Welcome Point.
If you require help accessing or completing our application form or have any additional queries please do not hesitate to contact the Voluntary Services Team.
St Wilfrid’s recognises and encourages the valuable contribution that people from all backgrounds and experiences bring, we value and promote equality, diversity and inclusion across our organisation. We encourage volunteer applications from disabled or ethnic minority candidates, LGBTQ+ as well as non-binary applicants and those who have experienced mental health issues.
Qualities of a St Wilfrid's volunteer
There are many qualities that we look for in our volunteers to continue to provide the services we offer to our patients and their families. Each role has a selection of specific qualities and some roles do require recognised qualifications so please do read our role profiles carefully.
However, if you are:
• Friendly
• Welcoming
• Compassionate
• Willing
• Flexible
We would love to meet you!
What you gain
• Join an enthusiastic team
• Meet new people
• Play an active role in your community
• See lives transformed
• Gain work experience
• Use and develop your own skills
What we give
• Training
• Support
• Flexibility around your time and what you can commit
Once you have completed our application form, the voluntary services team will make contact to talk more about volunteering with us.
We are looking for Host Volunteers to help provide hospitality and meal service to patients and visitors on the Inpatient Unit

Location: Inpatient Unit, St Wilfrid’s Hospice, 1 Broadwater Way
Suggested Time Commitment: We are currently in need of volunteers to cover the breakfast shifts - weekdays.
Tasks include:
You will need:
Training and support:
Health and Safety Considerations in this Role:
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Enhanced check
We are looking for friendly and approachable Community Pot Collection Volunteers to help raise money and awareness of St Wilfrid’s Hospice within our local community, especially within Little Chelsea area of Eastbourne.

Location: Little Chelsea, Eastbourne (with visits to various local businesses)
Time Commitment: A few hours per month, with a slight increase around the end of the financial year
St Wilfrid’s Hospice is looking for a dedicated and passionate Community Pot Collector to join our team of volunteers in Eastbourne. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our fundraising efforts by helping us to gain corporate support and raise awareness of the vital services we provide. As a Pot Collection Volunteer, you will be instrumental in maintaining relationships with local businesses and ensuring our collection pots are regularly updated.
Collection Pot Management: Place new collection pots and replace full pots within your designated area.
Regular Visits: Visit local businesses with pots on a regular basis (ideally every six weeks).
Promote Hospice Services: Keep up to date with St Wilfrid’s progress and promote the various ways corporates can support us, such as through donations, event sponsorships, and volunteering (including match-funding and payroll giving).
Feedback: Report back key information to the Corporate Community Fundraising Team to help us improve and grow our fundraising efforts.
Good Communication Skills: Ability to interact with businesses and share our mission clearly.
Organisational Skills: Keep track of pot placements and visits efficiently.
Independence: Comfortable working independently and managing your own time.
Flexibility: Ability to adapt to varying schedules and tasks.
Commitment to Safety and Policies: Ensure you follow all health, safety, and hospice policies.
You’ll receive comprehensive induction and role-specific training, including information governance and relevant hospice policies. Ongoing support will be provided by our dedicated Fundraising Team.
Make a Difference: Support a local charity making a big impact in the Eastbourne community.
Be Part of a Compassionate Team: Join a supportive and friendly group of volunteers and staff.
Gain Experience: Develop valuable skills in fundraising, community engagement, and event promotion.
To promote the good reputation of St Wilfrid’s Hospice at all times.
To respect confidentiality and safeguard the welfare of others.
To comply with our health and safety, infection control, and safeguarding policies.
If you have a few hours to spare and want to make a meaningful contribution to your local hospice, we would love to hear from you!
Please click 'Apply' to learn more about this opportunity and how you can support St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne.
We are looking for volunteers to provide transport to patients and carers to and from the hospice allowing attendance to therapy appointments for patients who could not otherwise access them. Volunteers will use their own vehicles to transport patients.

Location: Eastbourne and travelling within St Wilfrid’s catchment area
Suggested Time Commitment: Potential for at least one return journey from patient home to hospice per week (approx. up to four hours) for a 6 week period.
Tasks include:
You will need….
This role will not include:
Training and support:
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Enhanced DBS with Adult Barring
This post involves working in Regulated Activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and is subject to an enhanced DBS with Adult Barred list check.
It is a criminal offence to apply for or accept a position working with adults at risk if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity with the relevant group (ie adults).
This role description is not meant to be exhaustive and will be regularly reviewed.
We are looking for a Volunteer to support our fantastic gardening team at the hospice.

Location: St Wilfrid's Hospice, Broadwater Way, Eastbourne
Suggested Time Commitment: 4 hours in the morning
We are looking for someone to support in tending and maintaining the garden and grounds at the hospice throughout the seasons You will be working alongside our Head Gardener and our fantastic volunteer gardening team, bringing your own knowledge to help us support this project.
Tasks include:
• Plants: weeding, dead heading, watering, pruning, mulching, hoeing
• Paths & patios: clearing and sweeping
• Lawn: raking
• Maintenance of water features
• Clean outside furniture
• Heavy tasks: digging, wheel barrow work
• Lawn mowing, strimming and chipping
• Other support tasks associated with garden work as required
• To comply with the relevant policies and procedures of St Wilfrid’s Hospice
• To wear a name badge when you are volunteering.
Tasks do not include:
Working at height.
You will need:
• Willingness to carry out this role as part of a team – good team work skills
• Willing to work to a work plan as devised by the Hospice Gardener
• Previous gardening experience (desirable but not essential)
• Good interpersonal skills
Training & Support:
• Organisational Induction Training
• Health & Safety briefing
• Use of mechanical equipment
If you are interested in finding our more please fill out an application form and we will be in touch with the next steps.
Join our inpatient team and make a real difference. As a volunteer on the inpatient unit you will play a vital role in keeping cupboards and patient rooms fully stocked and organised. Your support ensures supplies are in date and ready when needed, helping the team work efficiently and freeing up nurses to focus on patient care. This behind-the-scenes role has a big impact!

Location: Inpatient Unit, St Wilfrid’s Hospice, 1 Broadwater Way
Suggested Time Commitment: Two to three hours per week.
Tasks include:
You will need….
Training and support:
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Enhanced check
We need Community Support Volunteers to visit and offer companionship to patients living with life limiting conditions as well as carers and bereaved carers
Click the following link to learn more about this brilliant role:
Community Support Volunteer Film

Location: Our patients are located throughout East Sussex within our catchment area. Where possible we match volunteers with patients in a location convenient to them.
Time Commitment: Flexible, there are no set hours or time limit with this role
Tasks include:
Tasks do not include:
Training and support:
Health and Safety Considerations in this Role:
Lone working consideration:
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Enhanced with Adult Barring
This post involves working in Regulated Activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and is subject to an enhanced DBS with Adult Barred list check.
It is a criminal offence to apply for or accept a position working with adults at risk and/or children if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity with the relevant group (ie adults, children or both).
We’re looking for enthusiastic and detail-orientated volunteers to help us research and connect with new businesses, community groups, and clubs to grow our fundraising network.

Suggested time: Flexible, typically one four-hour shift per week
Location: Mainly St Wilfrid's Hospice, 1 Broadwater Way, Eastbourne; some work can be done remotely
Why we need you
St Wilfrid’s Hospice relies on the generosity of our local community and corporate supporters to continue providing compassionate, professional care to people with life-limiting illnesses.
Your work will directly support our Fundraising Team in identifying new opportunities and keeping our records accurate and up to date.
What will you be doing?
As a Fundraising Research Volunteer, you’ll help strengthen our relationships with local businesses and community groups by:
What skills are required?
We’re looking for someone who:
What support will you receive?
You’ll be fully supported and trained, including:
You’ll also be part of a warm, welcoming volunteer community that values compassion, professionalism, respect, and progressiveness — the core values we live by at St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
How to apply
If you’d like to use your research and communication skills to make a real difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you!
Please click ‘Fill in an application’ to join our team and help us continue to provide exceptional care and support to local people and their families.
We are looking for volunteers to lead exercise or wellbeing sessions for groups of patients and visitors to the hospice

Location: Living Well Gym , St Wilfrid’s Hospice, 1 Broadwater Way
Suggested time commitment: Approx four hours to allow for set up and clear up after groups
Tasks include:
You will need:
To protect both patients and volunteers, you MUST NOT:
Training and support:
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Enhanced with adult barring check required.
This post involves working in Regulated Activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and is subject to an enhanced DBS with Barred list check (ie adult/child or both).
It is a criminal offence to apply for or accept a position working with adults at risk and/or children if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity with the relevant group (ie adults, children or both).
This role description is not meant to be exhaustive and will be regularly reviewed.
Set up vibrant retail stands at local events selling donated treasures and sharing our story with visitors. Work with our retail team to choose items that wow the crowd and on events day manage the stand, taking payments and transporting goods using the hospice van.

Date: Various dates throughout the year
Suggested time: Dependant on the event
Location: Various local event
Tasks include:
You will need….
Training and support:
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Basic DBS check
Additional consideration: If you will be driving the hospice vehicle you must be under 70 years of age for insurance purposes
We’re looking for enthusiastic Marshals to help make the Eastbourne Half Marathon a safe and memorable event!

Date: Sunday, 8th March 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Location: Along the race route in Eastbourne
The Eastbourne Half Marathon is an established part of the local running calendar. The route winds through the town, with lots of local support and a great atmosphere to keep runners motivated and help them enjoy the challenge!
As a Marshal, you’ll play a vital role in guiding runners, cheering them on, and ensuring everyone stays safe along the course. It’s a fun, rewarding experience and a great way to be part of a fantastic community event.
What you’ll get:
A behind-the-scenes look at the marathon
The satisfaction of helping hundreds of runners achieve their goals!
All while repping the St Wilfrid's Hospice logo!
Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to the marathon scene, your support will make a huge difference. Bring your energy, smile, and love for sport!
Apply today via this website to be part of something special!
For more details please contact Jemma: jemma.campbell@stwhospice.org
We are looking for volunteers to help out at our Rainbow Run!!!

Date: Saturday 6th June 2026
Suggested Time: Minimum of three hour shift from 8am to 6pm
Location: Nash Street Farm, near Hailsham / Chiddingly, BN27 4AB
Details: Taking place at Nash Street Farm, Chiddingly, near Hailsham, the Rainbow Run is a super fun 5km course which includes seven colour stations, and at each station our participants will be covered head to toe in powder paint, in all the colours of the rainbow!
The most colourful fun run in East Sussex returns on the 6th June and we are looking for volunteers to help us keep the day running as smoothly as possible! Roles needed on the day are still to be confirmed, but duties include paint throwing, helping with check-in, taking donations, etc.
If you are interested helping out with this event, please complete an application!
If you have any questions, please contact fundraising@stwhospice.org. Thank you.
We are seeking volunteers to help out with our busy laundry service in the hospice.
Location: St Wilfrid's Hospice, Broadwater Way
Suggested Time Commitment: Two - Four hour shifts. Flexible hours available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Tasks include:
You will need:
Training & Support:
Health and Safety Considerations in this Role:
We are looking for friendly and approachable Bucket Collection Volunteers to help raise money and awareness of St Wilfrid’s Hospice within our local community.

Date: Various dates throughout the year
Suggested time: Flexible, typically 2–4 hours per event
Location: Various local venues
Why we need you
St Wilfrid’s Hospice relies on the generous support of the local community to continue providing compassionate care to people with life-limiting illnesses. Bucket collections not only raise vital funds, but they also help raise awareness of the work we do.
We’re looking for friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic volunteers to support our fundraising efforts by joining us at local events and busy public spaces as a Bucket Collection Volunteer.
What will you be doing?
You’ll be part of a team representing the hospice in the community. This includes:
What skills are required?
When and where?
Collections take place throughout the year at supermarkets, town centres, football matches, local events and festivals. We ask for a few hours of your time per shift, and we’re happy to work around your availability.
What support will you receive?
An additional bonus when volunteering at a paid event is you will get free entry into the event and can enjoy it before or after your volunteering shift.
How to apply
If you’d like to join our fantastic team of volunteers and make a real difference in your community, please click ‘Fill in an application’.
Help us assess and ensure the safety of electrical items sold in all our retail locations
Tasks include:
You will need….
Suggested Time Commitment: One or two shifts a week of about four hours
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Not required for this role
We are looking for volunteers to provide a warm welcome to visitors at our Donation Centre, to receive donations and sign donors up for Gift Aid
Address: Unit 5, Technology Park, Moy Ave, Eastbourne BN22 8LD

Tasks include:
You will need:
Training and support:
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Not required
Suggested Time Commitment: Four hourly shift, morning or afternoons. Mondays - Sundays
For further details please fill in our online application form or get in touch with Voluntary Services on vsteam@stwhospice.org or 01323 434205.
We are looking for volunteers to help process donations, sort items for sale and label gift aid items to help maximise the revenue for St Wilfrid's on all donations.
Address: Unit 5, Technology Park, Moy Ave, Eastbourne BN22 8LD

Tasks include:
You will need:
Training and support:
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Not required
Suggested Time Commitment: Minimum 3 hourly shifts, flexible hours. Mondays - Sundays
For further details please fill in our online application form or get in touch with Voluntary Services on vsteam@stwhospice.org or 01323 434205.
We are in need of volunteers for our Home Store, located right in the heart of Eastbourne town centre. We have a variety of opportunities available including people to Meet and Greet, and help customers on the shop floor, plus volunteers to help serve on the till.
Address: 56 Langney Road, Eastbourne BN21 3JN

We are looking for:
Till Tappers
Customer Chatters
Clothing Steamers
Bric-a-Brac Cleaners
Backroom Packers
Book Stackers
Puzzle Sorters
in short: St Wilfrid's Supporters!!!
Tasks include:
You will need:
Suggested Time Commitment: One to three shifts a week, a shift is usually four hours
We are seeking for Volunteers to lend a hand in our lovely Uckfield shop!
Address: 25 High Street, Uckfield TN22 1AG

In detail, we are looking for:
Till Tappers
Customer Chatters
Clothing Steamers
Bric-a-Brac Cleaners
Backroom Packers
Book Stackers
Puzzle Sorters
in short: St Wilfrid's Supporters!!!
The shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9.15am to 4.45pm! We are looking for Volunteers happy to serve customers as well as help at the back when the shop is not too busy!
Tasks include:
You will need:
Training & Support:
Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) Check: Not required in this role
Health and Safety Considerations in this role:
Suggested Time Commitment: One to three shifts a week, a shift is usually four hours
We are seeking for Volunteers to lend a hand in our Seaford shop
Address: 11 Broad Street, Seaford BN25 1LS

We are looking for:
Till Tappers
Customer Chatters
Clothing Steamers
Bric-a-Brac Cleaners
Backroom Packers
Book Stackers
Puzzle Sorters
in short: St Wilfrid's Supporters!!!
Tasks include:
You will need:
Suggested Time Commitment: One to three shifts a week, a shift is usually four hours
We are seeking for Volunteers to lend a hand in our lovely Heathfield shop!
Address: 35 High Street, Heathfield, TN21 8HU

In detail, we are looking for:
Till Tappers
Customer Chatters
Clothing Steamers
Bric-a-Brac Cleaners
Backroom Packers
Book Stackers
Puzzle Sorters
in short: St Wilfrid's Supporters!!!
The shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9.15am to 4.45pm! We are looking for Volunteers happy to serve customers as well as help at the back when the shop is not too busy!
Tasks include:
You will need:
Training & Support:
Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) Check: Not required in this role
Health and Safety Considerations in this role:
Suggested Time Commitment: One to three shifts a week, a shift is usually four hours
We are seeking for Volunteers to lend a hand in our lovely shop on Terminus Road in Eastbourne!
Address: 186 Terminus Rd, Eastbourne BN21 3BB

In detail, we are looking for:
Till Tappers
Customer Chatters
Clothing Steamers
Bric-a-Brac Cleaners
Backroom Packers
Book Stackers
Puzzle Sorters
in short: St Wilfrid's Supporters!!!
The shop is open Monday to Saturday 9.15am to 4.45pm, and on Sunday 10am to 4pm! We are looking for Volunteers available any day and would be happy to serve customers as well as help at the back when the shop is not too busy!
Tasks include:
You will need:
Training & Support:
Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) Check: Not required in this role
Health and Safety Considerations in this role:
Suggested Time Commitment: One to three shifts a week, a shift is usually four hours
We are seeking for Volunteers to lend a hand in our lovely Hailsham shop!
Address: Unit 8, The Quintins, 3 North St, Hailsham BN27 1DP

We are looking for:
Till Tappers
Customer Chatters
Clothing Steamers
Bric-a-Brac Cleaners
Backroom Packers
Book Stackers
Puzzle Sorters
in short: St Wilfrid's Supporters!!!
The shop is open Monday to Saturday 9.15am to 4.45pm, and on Sunday 10am to 4pm! We are looking for Volunteers available any day except Wednesdays and would be happy to serve customers as well as help at the back when the shop is not too busy!
Tasks include:
You will need:
Training & Support:
Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) Check: Not required in this role
Health and Safety Considerations in this role:
Suggested Time Commitment: One to three shifts a week, a shift is usually four hours
We are seeking for Volunteers in our newest shop in Polegate.
Address: 3 The Centre, High Street, Polegate BN26 6AQ

In the heart of the Polegate High Street and directly on the corner by the train station, we are particularly looking for volunteers to help us sort stock and who would be available in the afternoons.
We are looking for:
Till Tappers
Customer Chatters
Clothing Steamers
Bric-a-Brac Cleaners
Backroom Packers
Book Stackers
Puzzle Sorters
in short: St Wilfrid's Supporters!!!
Tasks include:
You will need:
Suggested Time Commitment: One to three shifts a week, a shift is usually four hours
We are looking for volunteers to support the Complementary Therapy team by practicing agreed therapies on a voluntary basis to patients and carers.

Location: In-Patient Unit and Living Well Treatment Rooms , St Wilfrid’s Hospice, 1 Broadwater Way
Suggested time commitment: 3-4 hours weekly (fortnightly will be considered)
Tasks include:
You will need:
Training and support:
Health and safety considerations in this Role:
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Enhanced with adult barring check required.
This post involves working in Regulated Activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and is subject to an enhanced DBS with Barred list check (ie adult/child or both).
It is a criminal offence to apply for or accept a position working with adults at risk and/or children if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity with the relevant group (ie adults, children or both).
This role description is not meant to be exhaustive and will be regularly reviewed.
We are not currently recruiting into this role so please do not fill in our application at this time
Please watch this space for our next round of recruitment, in the meantime find out more about the role below:
The bereavement service offers 1:1 brief intervention support (typically a 6 session model) to recently bereaved.
What are we looking for?
Key responsibilities:
Apply and more information:
If you have passion and commitment in supporting people through their bereavement please keep an eye on this space for more information about upcoming opportunities
Please be aware this post involves working in Regulated Activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and is subject to an enhanced DBS with Barred list check (ie adult/child or both).
It is a criminal offence to apply for or accept a position working with adults at risk and/or children if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity with the relevant group (ie adults, children or both).
We are looking for volunteers to help out at our events!!!

Tasks can include: (supported by the Fundraising Team)
• Marshalling and stewarding events
• Bucket and goblet collections at events
• Attending fetes and fayres
• Preparing hospice goods for events
• Prepare display boards
• Prepare supporting literature or letters related to events
Training & support:
• Pre-event briefings with the Fundraising Team
Health and safety considerations in this role: you will be advised by a member of staff prior to each event, the specific considerations applicable but should consider the following:
• Slips, trips and falls
• Emergency procedures (fire / first aid /escape routes)
• Safe manual handling and equipment use
Time commitment:
Supporters are vital to the running of events for S t Wilfrid’s and we appreciate the time you give us, the times and lengths of events vary. You will be contacted about further events run by the hospice.
Once you apply, your details will be forwarded to Fundraising Department.
Enabling people to live well at the end of life
We want to see a community where people talk openly about dying, live well until the end of life and where nobody dies alone, afraid or in pain.
Enabling people in Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield and all the points in between to live well at the end of life.
Our Values:
Compassionate
Professional
Progressive
Respectful