Volunteer with Jeremiah's Journey

What is the role? Jeremiah’s Journey is looking for retail assistant volunteers to help with the day-to-day running of our charity shop, ReStore. 

Hours: Ideally we would ask for 1 day/morning or afternoon a week during shop hours Mon-Sat (days and times can be arranged to suit the volunteer)

Location: ReStore, 44 Devonport Road, Plymouth, PL3 4DH

What this role could include:

• Helping our customers
• Rotating stock, sorting, steaming and tagging pre-loved items
• Creating window displays to keep the shop looking its best
• Serving at the till
• Creating promotional and social media materials
• Administration
• Keeping the shop tidy, clean and well organised
• eBay and Vinted sales

What do I need for this role?

• Aged 18+
• Retail/Window dressing experience (not compulsory)
• Good communication and organisation skills
• Able to answer questions confidently or signpost to other team members
• Attention to detail and creativity
• To work in a tidy manner
• Confident handling cash
• A willingness to give time, whether regularly or occasionally

Mandatory free training provided:

• Volunteer Induction
• Role specific 

What is the role? This role involves supporting the service delivery team when they see children, young people and their parents/carers during our 1:1 and assessment delivery.

Hours: Ad hoc - we will work alongside you to deliver 1:1's and assessments at a time convenient both for you and our families.

Location: This is mainly based at HQ building, 237 Union Street, Plymouth, PL1 3HQ, however we may ask you to attend at a school/community hub around your area of residence.

What this role could include:

• Facilitating sessions with children/young people and their families
• Supporting the service delivery team
• Helping to set up/maintain the room for 1:1's and/or assessments
• Gathering/Creating resources
• Completing the required record-keeping systems and case notes
• Phoning families - check in calls/reminders about GJG
• Working alongside schools/Community hubs

What do I need for this role?

• Experience required - early years/teachers/social workers and/or mental health experience - CAHMS/psychologists
• Aged 18+
• An empathetic nature
• Compassionate
• A willingness to listen
• Warmth and openness
• Respect for children, young people and their families with their individual beliefs, coping mechanisms, religious and spiritual beliefs
• Good communication skills
• Basic IT skills/knowledge
• Commitment to completing the relevant training for the role
• An awareness of confidentiality and ability to work within our data protection and confidentiality policy
• An awareness of the importance of safeguarding and a willingness to undertake the mandatory safeguarding training and enhanced DBS check
• Commitment to completing the required record-keeping systems and case notes

Mandatory free training provided:

• Volunteer Induction
• Level 2 Safeguarding and Prevent
• Children and Young People's Mental Health - Level 2
• Mental Health First Aid - Level 2
• Understanding Autism - Level 2
• You will be required to undertake a minimum of 2 shadow assessments and will be observed for 1 assessment, before undertaking your own independently.  

What is the role? This role involves supporting the service delivery team when they see children, young people and their parents/carers during our Grief Journey Group (GJG) provision. The group takes place one evening a week in 7-week blocks throughout the year. 

Hours: Wednesday evenings 5:30-7:30pm for 7 consecutive weeks, 3 times a year (January, May and October). We will send out the dates in advance to ask people their availability and whether they will be available to support with the next GJG programme. 

Location: HQ building, 237 Union Street, Plymouth, PL1 3HQ

What this role could include:

• Talking to children/young people and their families
• Supporting the service delivery team, children and young people with GJG activities
• Helping to set up/run the activities
• Creating and gathering resources
• Being available every Wednesday evening 5:30-7:30pm for 7 consecutive weeks
• Phoning families - check in calls/reminders about GJG

What do I need for this role?

• Experience required - early years/teachers/social workers and/or mental health experience - CAHMS/psychologists
• Aged 18+
• An empathetic nature
• Compassionate
• A willingness to listen
• Warmth and openness
• Respect for children, young people and their families with their individual beliefs, coping mechanisms, religious and spiritual beliefs
• Good communication skills
• Basic IT skills/knowledge
• Commitment to completing the relevant training for the role
• An awareness of confidentiality and ability to work within our data protection and confidentiality policy
• An awareness of the importance of safeguarding and a willingness to undertake the mandatory safeguarding training and enhanced DBS check
• Available to attend 7 consecutive weeks

Mandatory free training provided:

• Volunteer Induction
• Level 2 Safeguarding and Prevent
• Grief Journey Group specific training

What is the role? Jeremiah’s Journey relies on charitable donations, both large and small. We are looking for volunteers in the community to help us raise vital funds and awareness so we can continue supporting children, young people, and families who have experienced bereavement.

Hours: Ad hoc - we will send out the event dates to you in advance and you can sign up for which events you are available to attend. 

Location: Plymouth and the immediate surrounding area.

What this role could include:

• Supporting fundraising and community events, from planning through to delivery
• Helping to organise, promote, and attend events such as coffee mornings, sponsored activities, and awareness days
• Representing Jeremiah’s Journey at events, stalls, and in the local community
• Engaging with members of the public, supporters, schools, and local organisations
• Assisting with event set-up, pack-down, and on-the-day logistics
• Supporting donation collections and promoting fundraising initiatives
• Helping to share information about Jeremiah’s Journey and the support we provide

What do I need for this role?

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence talking to new people (or a willingness to build this)
• A friendly, reliable, and enthusiastic approach
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Confident handling money
• Basic organisational skills (training and support provided)
• A willingness to give time, whether regularly or occasionally

Mandatory free training provided:

• Volunteer Induction
• Essential Skills for Volunteering
• Any role specific training (if required) 

What is the role? Jeremiah’s Journey are looking for volunteers to help attend events such as WI/Rotary, hospital radio and/or Podcasts, to raise awareness/profile and advocate for the work that we do and offer in Plymouth and the surrounding area. 

Hours: Ad hoc - we will send out the event dates to you in advance and you can sign up for which events you are available to attend. 

Location: Plymouth and the immediate surrounding area

What this role could include:

• Speaking at events such as WI/Rotary, Hospital radio and/or Podcasts
• Collecting and putting away event equipment and materials
• Advocating for Jeremiah’s Journey and raising awareness of our work
• Providing contact information for any questions that can’t be answered on the day
• Handling money
• Leaflet and/or poster distribution
• Cheque presentations

What do I need for this role?

• Confident speaking to groups of individuals
• Enthusiastic and friendly individuals
• Good communication and organisation skills
• Confident in handling money
• Able to answer questions confidently or signpost to the office, if required
• A willingness to give time, whether regularly or occasionally

Mandatory free training provided:

• Volunteer Induction
• Essential Skills for Volunteering
• Any role specific training (if required) 

What is the role? Jeremiah’s Journey are looking for volunteers to help attend events wearing the iconic Jeremiah Bear mascot costume and for chaperones to help guide Jeremiah Bear around. 

Hours: Ad hoc - we will send out the event dates to you in advance and you can sign up for which events you are available to attend. 

Location: Plymouth and the immediate surrounding area.

What this role could include:

• Wearing the bear mascot costume
• Chaperoning Jeremiah Bear
• Attending events from schools to festivals and adjusting the ‘character’ of the bear to fit the event
• Collecting donations
• Stopping for photos/helping take pictures for individuals
• Collecting and putting away collection materials
• Advocating for Jeremiah’s Journey and raising awareness of our work
• Cheque presentations

What do I need for this role?

• Confident speaking to groups of individuals
• Enthusiastic, energetic and friendly individuals
• Good communication and organisation skills
• Confident in handling money
• Able to answer questions confidently or signpost to the office, if required
• Able to stand for periods of time
• A willingness to give time, whether regularly or occasionally

Mandatory free training provided:

• Volunteer Induction
• Essential Skills for Volunteering
• Any role specific training (if required) 

What is the role? Jeremiah’s Journey is looking for office support volunteers to help with the day-to-day running of the charity. This role could include answering phone calls and emails, helping to prepare activities and resources, and assisting with general admin tasks.

There may also be opportunities to help with creating promotional materials, cash handling, ordering supplies, and general office upkeep.

Hours: Ad hoc - during office hours Mon-Fri (days and times can be arranged to suit the volunteer)

Location: HQ building, 237 Union Street, Plymouth, PL1 3HQ

What this role could include:

• Answering the phone/emails
• Helping to prepare activities and resources for children, young people and their families
• Creating promotional and social media materials
• Collecting and putting away event equipment and materials
• Ordering
• Cash handling
• Administration
• General office upkeep

What do I need for this role?

• Good communication and organisation skills
• Able to answer questions confidently or signpost to other team members
• Attention to detail
• To work in a tidy manner
• Creativity
• Be confident handling cash
• A willingness to give time, whether regularly or occasionally

Mandatory free training provided:

• Volunteer Induction
• Essential Skills for Volunteering
• Any role specific training (if required) 

What is the role? Jeremiah’s Journey is looking for social media/marketing volunteers to help increase our social media presence and engagement, generate great content and help promote upcoming events and activities. 

Hours: Ad hoc - during office hours Mon-Fri (days and times can be arranged to suit the volunteer)

Location: HQ building, 237 Union Street, Plymouth, PL1 3HQ

What this role could include:

• Researching, creating, editing and designing social media posts for our channels
• Thinking of innovative ways to drive online engagement
• Identifying target audiences
• Keeping our website up to date
• Responding to comments and DMS across our social media accounts
• Creating and executing content calendars
• Forming online connections with other organisations

What do I need for this role?

• Excellent written communication skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Creative writing and design abilities
• Good computer and digital skills
• Understand the resource constraints of a small charity
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to transform small snippets of information into interesting and engaging social media posts

Mandatory free training provided:

• Volunteer Induction
• Essential Skills for Volunteering
• Any role specific training (if required) 

What is the role? The Youth Council Board at Jeremiah’s Journey brings together young people aged 12–18 who have experienced bereavement and want to use their voice to influence change. Children and young people are at the heart of everything we do, and this role ensures their lived experience shapes our services, decisions, and impact in the wider community.

Hours: Youth Council meetings take place approximately every 5–6 weeks, with additional optional activities, projects, or events. Dates are agreed in advance and designed to fit around school and other commitments.

Location: 

What this role could include:

• Acting as a voice for bereaved children and young people within Jeremiah’s Journey
• Working with JJ staff, trustees, volunteers, and external organisations to suggest improvements to services and policies
• Sharing views on the impact of bereavement on wellbeing, development, and everyday life
• Helping to shape and improve JJ’s core services so they better meet young people’s needs
• Taking part in Youth Council meetings, discussions, and votes in a fair and democratic way
• Leading or supporting projects, workshops, events, or consultations led by young people
• (Optional) Sharing personal experiences of bereavement to inform learning and change — only if you feel comfortable
• Supporting youth-led workshops during school holidays (e.g. social media, fundraising, policy, leadership)

What do I need for this role?

• Be aged between 12-18
• Lived experience of bereavement and a desire to help improve support for others
• Willingness to listen to others and respect different views
• Ability to work as part of a team and take part in discussions and decisions
• An interest in learning new skills such as leadership, communication, advocacy, or project planning
• Reliability and a commitment to the Youth Council’s Code of Conduct
  (Training, guidance, and ongoing support are always provided

Youth Council members can apply for roles such as:

• Team Leader
• Deputy Team Leader
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Social Engagement Lead

These roles are selected democratically by the Youth Council, with support and guidance from JJ staff to help develop leadership skills.

Why volunteer for this role?

• Build confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills
• Gain experience that supports future education, work, or volunteering
• Make new friends and connect with other young people with shared experiences
• Have a real say in shaping services for bereaved children and young people
• Learn how decisions are made through democratic processes
• Make a meaningful difference locally and help influence change in the wider community

Support from Jeremiah’s Journey

• Induction training including team building and communication skills
• Ongoing guidance and support from JJ staff at all meetings
• A safe, supportive environment under JJ’s safeguarding policies
• Opportunities to learn new skills through workshops and projects
• Recognition and celebration of your contribution
• Support with references and future volunteering opportunities

Mandatory free training provided:

• Volunteer Induction
• Essential Skills for Volunteering
• Any role specific training (if required) 

We offer work experience and placement opportunities alongside our Grief Services Team, giving insight into how we support children, young people, and families experiencing bereavement.

These opportunities may involve observing or supporting aspects of our work such as 1:1 support, assessments, and Grief Journey Group sessions. To find out more about what these roles could include, please refer to the relevant opportunities listed above.

Due to the sensitive nature of the work we undertake, we are unable to accept applications from anyone under the age of 18.

If you are applying for work experience or a placement, please ensure you complete the work experience/placement section of the application form.

We offer charity engagement–based work experience and placement opportunities, providing insight into the wider work of the charity beyond our grief services.

These opportunities include roles such as Retail Assistant (18+ only), Fundraising and Events, Guest Speaker, Bear Mascot/Chaperone, Office Support, and Social Media and Marketing (16+ for these roles). Please refer to the relevant role descriptions to find out more about what each opportunity could involve.

If you are applying for work experience or a placement, please ensure you complete the work experience/placement section of the application form.

We offer corporate volunteering opportunities for organisations and teams who would like to support our work and make a positive difference together.

If you are interested, please complete the application form, providing as much detail as possible about what you are looking for. This may include the number of people involved, preferred dates, and whether your team could offer any specific skills, expertise, or training that may benefit the charity and our work.

Once we receive your application, we will be in touch directly to discuss your ideas and work with you to create a corporate volunteering opportunity that meets both your organisation’s goals and the needs of the charity.