Volunteering and Recruitment

Make a meaningful difference while developing your counselling practice. Join our new Community Bereavement Service and support people when they need it most.

We are looking for committed and compassionate Student Counsellors to join our exciting new Community Bereavement Service as part of our expanding paid-for services.

This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable bereavement counselling experience within an established and highly experienced team, supporting adults aged 18+ who are navigating grief and loss in many different forms.

What You'll Be Doing

Working within our structured six-session counselling model, you will provide bereavement support through:

• Face-to-face counselling
• Online sessions
• Telephone support

You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, each with their own unique grief journey, helping them find understanding, coping strategies, and hope.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive induction and training
• Ongoing clinical supervision
• Support from an experienced bereavement and counselling team
• Opportunities to develop specialist skills in grief and loss
• Valuable client-facing experience within a respected service.
  
  

Person Specification: (What you need:)

• an accredited counselling qualification (or to be in the 2^nd year of a diploma or degree in counselling)
• experience of offering counselling / listening support
• flexibility to respond to the needs of the service
• awareness of the importance of client confidentiality
• commitment to working in line with the hospice values of compassion, respect, professionalism, integrity and innovation
  
  

Recruitment Process:

Please fill out a volunteer application form and click here to respond to additional questions.

We will be in touch with the next steps.  

Closing date -  9am 28 September. 

Interviews will be held on:

• Monday 12 October
• Tuesday 13 October
• Wednesday 14 October

Mandatory Training Day

Successful applicants must attend a full-day Bereavement Care Training event:

Saturday 7 November
10.00am – 3.30pm

This training will provide essential knowledge and skills to prepare you for your role within the service.

Suggested Time Commitment: 2-4 clients per week (early evening and weekends preferred)

Be Part of Something New

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new community service while developing your counselling skills in a supportive and professional environment. If you are keen to make a meaningful difference to people living with grief, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us bring compassionate bereavement support to our community.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check:

Enhanced check required (With Adult Barring / Child barring)

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 (i.e. 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 (i.e. adults, children or both).

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 shifts across the week, breakfast, lunch and supper.

Tasks include:

• Take patients’ menu choice and deliver meals to (breakfast, lunch or dinner, dependent on shift)
• Change patients’ drinking water - this may include going into isolated patient rooms subject to prior agreement
• Return used crockery / trays to servery
• Offer refreshments to visitors (if appropriate) 
• Check the patient/relative/visitor fridges daily and removing items which are out of date
• Provide assistance to the nursing staff by offering to sit with patients, to chat or offer a little company
• Communicate and collaborate with other volunteer Hosts
• Provide a supportive, kindly and relaxed atmosphere for all Hospice users
• Pass on information and issues to relevant members of staff

You will need:

• To adhere to infection control policies at all times
• To understand that you will be working in an environment where there could be patients with confirmed and possible diagnosis of Covid-19 or other respiratory illness.
• To wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required for isolating patients – as per training and within Hospice policy and guidelines
• To wear only minimum jewellery i.e., stud earrings and wedding ring, and long hair to be tied back.
• To adhere to the Hand Hygiene Procedure
• To be kind and empathetic and have a positive and non-judgemental attitude
• To have good interpersonal skills and work effectively as part of a team
• A commitment to prioritising and respecting each individual patient’s wishes, values and beliefs
• To be resilient and able to work in an environment that can at times, be emotionally challenging

Training and support:

• Induction to the role during first shift with Front of House Supervisor
• Training in use of Personal Protective Equipment
• Ongoing support from the Front of House Team and the Voluntary Services Team
• Organisational induction training including eLearning modules

Health and Safety Considerations in this Role:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Emergency procedures (fire/first aid/escape routes)
• Safe manual handling and equipment use, such as use of the meal trolley
• Individual capability (physically able to perform tasks). The role involves pushing the meal trolley and will require you to undergo wheelchair training; therefore an appropriate level of fitness will be required
• Appropriate clothing, (PPE, long hair tied back, closed toed shoes)
• Awareness of the emotional impact of supporting individuals and a willingness to inform your point of contact should you need 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:

• Work closely with Community Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to understand the needs of the patient/carer being referred and decide if this is a good fit for you
• Attend an initial visit to the patient / carers home on a day and time that suits all parties accompanied by a member of the Community Volunteering team.
• Where appropriate, engage in activities such as life story work, reminiscence, painting, reading, playing games etc, that contribute towards reducing loneliness and social isolation of patients / carers
• Be mindful that you are in an environment where there may be contact with family members and close friends of patients/ carers
• Remain in contact with the hospice and keep us informed of how things are going and any issues or concerns
• Adhere to most recent Infection Prevention Control guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself, patient/carer at all times
• Engage with and support other volunteers in this role by sharing your experience and offering a listening ear

Tasks do not include:

• Hosting patients/carers/bereaved carers in your own home
• Delivering personal care or assisting with personal matters, such as legal appointments

Training and support:

• Community Support Volunteer Training (in person) prior to starting the role which takes place in the hospice every two to three months
• Organisational induction training including a Welcome Day at the hospice
• Ongoing support from Volunteer Manager and the Volunteer Engagement Team

Health and Safety Considerations in this Role:

• You will be made aware of key areas highlighted in the patient/carers home risk assessment
• You will be trained on how to conduct first visits
• You will be given information on individual capability of patient/carer if known
• Awareness of the emotional impact of supporting individuals and a willingness to inform your point of contact should you need support, you will have access to staff and peer support to reduce emotional impact of the role

Lone working consideration:

• This role requires you to work independently. Ensure that you are familiar with the requirement to inform someone of your visit and adhering to the lone working guidelines within our CSV handbook.

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 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:

• Leading skilled exercise or wellbeing sessions as agreed with the Living Well Team
• Setting up activities for group member
• Meeting and greeting people attending group and ensuring the space is set up
• Escorting patients to and from The Street as they arrive/leave
• Ensuring that everyone attending the group is made to feel welcome and included
• Using a wheelchair with a patient 
• Feeding back to Living Well staff any queries/concerns arising out of the group
• Contributing ideas for the development of the group
• Escorting patients around the hospice for example escorting to and from the toilet
• Assisting a staff member with manual handling

You will need:

• Have relevant qualification and/or experience in group subject area
• Be caring and compassionate
• Have good group facilitation skills – able to motivate
• To use initiative
• Be practical
• Have good communication skills
• Respect boundaries & confidentiality
• Be willing to work within the parameters laid down by the hospice
• To comply with the relevant policies and procedures of St Wilfrid’s Hospice
• To wear a name badge when you are volunteering 

To protect both patients and volunteers, you MUST NOT: 

• Give clinical advice or medication
• Counsel clients
• Give out personal contact details
• Witness any legal documentation for the patient or their carer 

Training and support:  

• Full role specific training
• Organisational induction training including a Welcome Day at the hospice
• Ongoing support from Volunteer Manager and the Volunteer Engagement Team 

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 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:

• Holding a collection bucket or card reader at designated venues or events
• Chatting with members of the public and encouraging donations
• Acting as an ambassador for the hospice, helping to raise awareness of our work
• Supporting hospice staff and working alongside fellow volunteers

What skills are required?

• A positive and enthusiastic attitude
• Confidence in approaching and speaking to the public
• Punctuality and reliability
• A passion for supporting your local community

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?

• A full briefing before the event
• A hospice-branded t-shirt, a lanyard with a badge and collection bucket or device
• On-the-day support from a member of the Fundraising Team

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’.

We are seeking volunteers to lend a hand in our Eastbourne, Hailsham, Heathfield, Herstmonceux, Polegate, Seaford and Uckfield shops

Tasks include:    

• Support the manager alongside fellow volunteers 
• Welcome and serve customers, offering a high standard of service 
• Operate electronic till to process purchases 
• Contribute to keeping the shop premises clean and tidy 
• Assist the manager in ensuring stock and cash security 
• Assist in replenishing and displaying of stock and furniture  
• Raise awareness of St Wilfrid’s Hospice and promote Hospice activities 

You will need:  

• To be friendly and welcoming 
• To be self-motivated 
• To have confidence in cash handling (training will be given) 
• To be flexible, reliable and happy working in a team 
• To comply with the relevant policies and procedures of St Wilfrid’s Hospice 
• To undertake training as invited by the manager of the role 
• To wear a name badge when you are volunteering 

Training & Support: 

• Organisational Induction Training 
• Information Governance 
• Site specific induction and training at your chosen shop/location 
• Role specific training including manual handling, and steamer operation. 

Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) Check: Not required in this role 

Health and Safety Considerations in this Role: 

• Slips, trips and falls 
• Emergency procedures (fire/first aid/escape routes) 
• Safe manual handling 
• Individual capability (physically able to perform tasks) 
• Appropriate clothing, (long hair tied back, sturdy shoes)  

Suggested Time Commitment:   Up to three shifts a week, a shift is usually four hours 

If you are interested please fill out an application form stating which location you are interested.  Alternatively you can visit your local shop and ask to speak with the manager.   

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:

• Greeting members of the public as they arrive with donations
• Providing information and explain the benefits of Gift Aid for St Wilfrid’s
• Registering individual’s details, using Cybertill
• Ensuring all donations are moved from Welcome Desk to Donation Centre
• Making decisions about suitability of donations and being able to explain if they cannot be accepted

You will need:

• To be friendly and welcoming with great communication skills
• To be happy to use a computer, full training will be given
• To be flexible, reliable and happy to work in a team

• Awareness of the possible emotional aspect of individuals donating goods and a willingness to inform your point of contact should you need support

• To comply with the relevant policies and procedures of St Wilfrid’s Hospice

Training and support:

• Role specific training including retail induction, health and safety and Cybertill
• Organisational induction training including a Welcome Day at the hospice
• Ongoing support from Volunteer Manager and the Volunteer Engagement Team

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:

• Selecting suitable items for sale from donated stock
• Processing and labelling gift-aided donations to maximise revenue for St Wilfrid’s
• Identifying items unsuitable for sale
• Preparing clothing for sale: sort, hang, tag, cube & steam.
• Preparing bric-a-brac and other miscellaneous donations for sale
• Contributing generally to the efficient operation of the hub

You will need:

• To be self-motivated and able to make decisions independently about suitable stock
• To be flexible, reliable and happy working in a busy team
• To be happy to use a computer, full training given 
• To comply with the relevant policies and procedures of St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

Training and support:

• Role specific training including retail induction, health and safety and Cybertill
• Organisational induction training including a Welcome Day at the hospice
• Ongoing support from Volunteer Manager and the Volunteer Engagement Team

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. 

Help us assess and ensure the safety of electrical items sold in all our retail locations

Tasks include:

• Assess whether electrical items are fit for sale
• Dispose of items not fit for sale
• Test items that are appropriate for sale for safety
• Label and date electrical items that you have tested
• Set aside tested items in the designated area ready for sale
• Keep the PAT testing area tidy and safe

You will need….

• Good attention to detail
• To be active and self-motivated
• To be flexible and reliable
• To be willing to work independently
• To be fit to move electrical items

Suggested Time Commitment: One or two shifts a week of about four hours

Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Check: Not required for this role 

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:  

• Setting up a retail stand to sell donated items at local community events; initially at the Heathfield Country Show and Rural Pastimes Country Show in 2026 

• Working with the St Wilfrid’s retail team to select items that will appeal to each event audience 

• Provide information about St Wilfrid’s Hospice; e.g. handing out leaflets, answering questions, signposting to further information 

• Take payments for goods and report takings to retail/fundraising  

• Collect and return goods to the Donation Centre using the hospice van 

You will need…. 

• To be a confident communicator, able to build relationships with retail and fundraising teams as well as offering a friendly and approachable manner to event visitors 

• To be organised 

• The ability to work independently but also good in a team environment 

• To be willing to take responsibility for delivering the community retail stand within health & safety guidelines 

• To demonstrate behaviours in line with St Wilfrid’s values 

• As well as availability on events day you will need availability the day before to collect goods and a day after to return unsold items, cash payments/card machines and stall  equipment to the Donation Centre 

• A UK Driving License 

Training and support:  

• Full role specific training  
• Organisational induction training including a Welcome Day at the hospice 
• Ongoing support from Volunteer Manager and the Volunteer Engagement Team 

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 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:

• To hold a recognized qualification for massage, reflexology, acupuncture, provision of certificates required. Minimum of level 3 massage required
• To be able to work autonomously
• A minimum of 6 months experience desirable  
• Consult with patients prior to carrying out any treatment
• Understand any contra-indications and precautions to treatments and refer to the CT Team if unsure
• Ensure treatments are carried out with accountability in line with hospice policy and the professional body to which you belong
• Write up notes in a timely manner using hospice record keeping program (SystmOne)
• Manage your own caseload with support, this will include booking appointments
• Provide regular feedback to both the CT Team and the wider MDT regarding your input, sharing any observations or concerns
• Be able to commit to regular attendance at team meetings
• Raise awareness of St Wilfrid’s Hospice and promote Hospice activities
• To undertake training as invited by the manager of the role
• To wear a name badge and appropriate dress when you are volunteering (tunic provided)
• To only carry out treatments agreed by the CT Team
• To only use materials (eg treatment oils) provided by the Hospice
• Not to promote your own private practice, if a patient enquires about private treatment, you must notify the CT Team
• Be up to date with the required mandatory training
• To understand the importance of confidentiality and data security & adhere to this policy
• To comply with the relevant policies and procedures of St Wilfrid’s Hospice

You will need:

• To be flexible and reliable
• To be friendly and confident in communication
• To be active and self-motivated
• To be physically able to carry out the duties of the role
• To be kind and empathetic and have a positive and non-judgemental attitude
• To have good interpersonal skills and work effectively as part of a team
• To be committed to prioritising and respecting each individual patient’s wishes, values and beliefs
• To be resilient and able to work in an environment that can at times, be emotionally challenging

Training and support:

• Hospice volunteer induction training including eLearning modules
• Department specific training as required
• SystmOne
• Induction to the role during first shift with of the Complementary Therapy Leads
• Complementary Therapy Volunteers will always be working alongside the nursing staff and guided by the Complementary Therapy Leads
• Training in use of protective personal equipment
• Ongoing support from the Complementary Therapy Leads and the Voluntary Services Team

Health and safety considerations in this Role:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Emergency procedures (fire/first aid/escape routes)
• Safe manual handling and equipment use
• Individual capability (physically able to perform tasks)
• Appropriate clothing, (PPE, long hair tied back, closed toed shoes)
• Awareness of the emotional impact of supporting individuals and a willingness to inform your point of contact should you need 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.

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: 

• Transferring laundry from In-Patient unit and Living Well to laundry
• Loading and operating washing machines and tumble driers. Unloading machines.
• Operating rotary iron
• Fold clean linen and put in linen store
• Distribute clean linen on IPU and Living Well as required
• To adhere to current Covid procedures
• Pass on information and issues to relevant members of staff

You will need:

• The role involves lifting, pushing a trolley, and standing and walking for the duration of the shift therefore a reasonable level of physical fitness is required
• To adhere to infection control policies at all times
• To adhere to the Hand Hygiene Procedure

Training & Support:

• Organisational Induction Training including eLearning
• Information Governance
• Department specific training, including use of machines

Health and Safety Considerations in this Role:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Emergency procedures (fire/first aid/escape routes)
• Safe manual handling and equipment use
• Appropriate clothing, (long hair tied back, closed toed shoes)
• Willingness to carry out this role independently, but in consultation with the Housekeeping Supervisor/Front of House Supervisor

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.