Hospice
Fundraising
Here you will find all the latest volunteering opportunities at St Oswald's Hospice.
We update this page with our current volunteering opportunities and role descriptions. If you’d like to apply for a role, please return your completed form to volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org.
Please note, we are only able to accept application forms specifically for the available volunteering opportunities shown on this page. If you’re still interested in volunteering but can’t find a suitable role today, please keep checking back for new opportunities soon.
St Oswald’s Hospice is keen to recruit volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, to ensure that everybody has a chance to contribute to the development of our organisation and get valuable personal and professional experience along the way. Every volunteer application is followed up by an informal interview, during which staff aim to understand volunteer applicants’ skills, experience, achievements and motivations.
You can find our informal interview questions as well as the volunteer journey on this page – we are hoping that providing this form ahead of time will give future volunteers the best opportunity to feel prepared and informed and to provide a warm, inclusive welcome.
Ready to grow your career in Digital Communications and Marketing?
We’re looking for a volunteer to join our creative, fun and fast-paced Communications and Marketing team! From social media to email marketing, websites to analytics, you’ll help us keep supporters, staff and service users in the know with exciting news, events and campaigns that make a difference.
Apply today – we’d love to hear from you!
Download role description Apply nowAre you a skilled and compassionate hairdresser looking to use your expertise in a deeply meaningful way?
Join us to provide gentle trims, simple styling, and beard care in a warm, supportive space. Your skills will help patients feel valued and comforted.
We seek experienced, empathetic hairdressers or barbers who can commit to one day a month, working with individuals facing life-limiting conditions.
A simple trim or soothing scalp massage can brighten someone’s day. If you’re ready for a rewarding experience, we’d love to welcome you to our compassionate team!
Download role description Apply nowAre you a calm, compassionate listener who wants to make a real difference during one of life’s most difficult times?
At St Oswald’s Hospice, we understand the deep impact of loss. Our bereavement team supports individuals and families as they navigate grief — but we can’t do it alone.
We’re looking for volunteers to offer a listening ear and gentle support to people coping with the death of a loved one. You’ll help them explore their feelings and promote healthy grieving in a safe, supportive space.
Why volunteer with us?
We ask for a commitment of around 12 months so we can provide consistent support to those who need us.
Please note: Full training is provided, but you’ll need to attend all sessions in our 9-part programme, which runs over 8 weeks.
Training starts on Wednesday 8th October, with weekly sessions held on Wednesdays from 18:00–21:00 at St Oswald’s Hospice, Regent Avenue, NE3 1EE.
The final session will take place on Saturday 29th November, from 10:00–16:00.
Want to have a chat?
If you’d like to find out more about the role, just get in touch with Brenda Clayton, Head of Bereavement, at brendaclayton@stoswaldsuk.org or call 0191 285 0063.
Please note: Full training is provided, but you’ll need to attend all sessions in our 9-part programme, which runs over 8 weeks. Dates are to be confirmed for 2026.
Download role description Apply nowAre you a qualified podiatrist? Would you like to use your skills to help give compassionate care to people living with life-limiting conditions?
We are looking for someone to offer toenail cuts, general foot and lower limb care, and footcare education for our patients and staff. You will also need to be able to recognise signs of infection and report this to our nursing team.
Your role will help to provide patients with a sense of normalcy and dignity during a challenging time.
If you would like to support the wellbeing of our patients in a warm and welcoming environment, we would love to hear from you!
Download role description Apply nowAre you enthusiastic about gardening? Ready to make a difference to the lives of our patients and families?
We’re looking to expand our volunteer team and would love to hear from anyone with a passion for gardening and skill to share as a Gardening Volunteer!
Download role description Apply nowOur fantastic Facilities Team is looking for helping hands to support a wide variety of tasks right across the Hospice. If you’re a dab hand at DIY and have practical maintenance skills to share or develop, we’d love to hear from you! This role supports our friendly and busy team in keeping our clinical areas, offices and other spaces in good working order as a safe and welcoming place to be.
We are currently recruiting two volunteers for this role.
Download role description Apply nowAre you calm, compassionate, and passionate about helping others feel at ease?
Join our team to support weekly Relaxation Sessions for patients and carers at our Focus on Living Centre. You’ll help create a peaceful, welcoming environment – offering refreshments, a listening ear, and practical support throughout the session.
With guidance from our experienced staff, you’ll gradually gain the confidence to help lead these sessions yourself. Experience with relaxation techniques is helpful but not essential – just bring warmth, reliability, and great communication skills.
This is a meaningful opportunity to support people at a challenging time in their lives. If you’re ready to make a real difference each Monday morning, we’d love to hear from you.
Download role description Apply nowOur fabulous shops are always looking to boost their volunteer power! You’ll be part of day to day shop life – customer service, processing donations and ensuring your retail space is inviting, organised and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you see yourself creatively dressing windows, sorting and preparing stock, or front and centre behind the till, retail volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, gain experience and skills for your CV and of course to generate income for our wonderful Hospice.
If you would like to find out more information about any of our shop volunteer roles, please email us below stating which shop/shops you would like to volunteer at. (Find your local St Oswald’s shop here).
Email volunteer@stoswaldsuk.orgOur Gateshead shop is looking for new volunteers to join the team. From serving customers on the till and sorting donations to creating eye-catching displays and stocking our shelves, there’s a role for everyone! It’s a great way to meet new people, gain retail experience, and support the Hospice.
Have you heard? We’ll soon be opening a new shop in Gateshead! It’s a fantastic time to get involved as our volunteers will play a key role in making the store a go-to spot for local shoppers and donors.
If you’re interested in lending a hand, pop into the shop or email volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org
Address: 31 Jackson Street, Gateshead, NE8 1EE
Tel: 0191 478 7261
Email volunteer@stoswaldsuk.orgOur North Shields shop is looking for new volunteers to join the team. From serving customers on the till and sorting donations to creating eye-catching displays and stocking our shelves, there’s a role for everyone! It’s a great way to meet new people, gain retail experience, and support the Hospice.
If you’re interested in lending a hand, pop into the shop or email volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org
Address: 49 Bedford Street, North Shields, NE29 0SZ
Tel: 0191 258 3763
Email volunteer@stoswaldsuk.orgMight you enjoy helping us by volunteering with our Van Crew? We would love to take on some more Van Assistant volunteers to support our brilliant Drivers. You’ll be involved in the moving and handling of large household items, and making collections / deliveries from our shops around the region.
The role will be based at Kingston Park and will suit someone keen to support us in a physically demanding volunteer role, within a friendly team. Days optional Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm.
If you would like to apply or find out more information about the role, please email us through the link below.
volunteer@stoswaldsuk.orgLocation: Various Locations. Role available in all of our shops. Find your local shop here.
Schedule: Flexible hours, Monday – Saturday
About the Role: Join our team as a Volunteer Book Scanner and help raise funds for St Oswald’s Hospice! In this role, you’ll use an online platform called Shopiago to scan barcodes of donated books, CDs and DVDs – helping to maximise the money we raise. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to volunteer in a non-customer-facing role with flexible hours.
Key Responsibilities:
Why Volunteer With Us?
Who Should Apply? Anyone interested in a simple, flexible volunteering opportunity. This role is perfect if you prefer to work behind the scenes or if you’re looking for a way to make a difference without a fixed schedule.
How to Get Involved: Contact us to learn more and start making a difference today! Email volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org to find out more or pop into your local shop.
volunteer@stoswaldsuk.org Meet Frank, one of our Volunteer Book ScannersLocation: St Oswald’s Hospice Retail Hub, Ouseburn, Ouse Street, NE1 2AG
About the Role: As an eBay Sales Assistant volunteer at St Oswald’s Hospice, you will play a vital role in identifying and listing valuable items from our donations for sale on our popular eBay page. This role involves selecting items with high resale potential, creating compelling listings, and assisting with packaging and shipping sold items. Your efforts will directly support the hospice’s charitable mission.
Key Responsibilities:
•Review and assess donated items to select those suitable for online sale.
• Research and identify items with high resale value, including collectibles, fashion, electronics, and more.
• Create detailed and attractive eBay listings, including writing descriptions, setting prices, and uploading photos.
• Assist with the packing and shipping of sold items, ensuring they are securely packaged for delivery.
Ideal Candidate:
• Strong interest in e-commerce and online sales.
• Ability to identify valuable items and knowledge of market trends.
• Good written communication skills for crafting engaging product descriptions.
• Detail-oriented with an eye for presentation.
• Reliable, with a willingness to learn and adapt.
Benefits:
• Gain experience in online retail and e-commerce.
• Contribute to a meaningful cause by supporting St Oswald’s Hospice.
• Be part of a dynamic and friendly team.
• Enhance your skills in product evaluation, listing, and sales management.
How to Apply: Interested in helping us raise funds through online sales? Contact our team at Ouseburn@stoswaldsuk.org to apply or for more information.
Don’t take our word for it, read about our eBay volunteer Dave’s experience working with us here.
Contact our Ouseburn teamLocation: St Oswald’s Hospice Retail Hub, Ouseburn, Ouse Street, NE1 2AG
About the Role: As a Sorting Volunteer at St Oswald’s Hospice, you will play a crucial role in the initial processing of donations. Working under the guidance of the Retail Stock Team Leader, you will be responsible for sorting, categorising, and preparing donated items for distribution to our network of charity shops. Your efforts will ensure that high-quality stock is efficiently processed and made available to generate funds for the hospice.
Key Responsibilities:
Ideal Candidate:
Benefits:
How to Apply:
Interested in joining our team as a Sorting Volunteer? Contact Ann Traynor (AnnTraynor@stoswaldsuk.org) to apply or for more information.
Location: St Oswald’s Hospice Donation Point, Ouse Street, Byker, NE1 2AG
About the Role: We’re looking for someone to provide a warm welcome to supporters donating their second-hand items at our new Donation Point in Ouseburn!
Key Responsibilities:
Ideal Candidate:
Benefits:
Download role description Apply now
Are you organised, friendly, and love a good chat? Do you enjoy helping things run smoothly behind the scenes? If so, we’d love to have you on board as a Volunteer Administratorwith our Retail Collection Line.
In this volunteer role, you’ll be the friendly voice on the phone and the helpful person behind the emails, assisting with booking collections of donated goods and house clearances. You’ll also support with general admin tasks to keep everything running like clockwork.
What you’ll be doing:
What we’re looking for:
We’ll provide guidance and support to help you feel confident in your role.
By volunteering with us, you’ll be part of a friendly team, gain valuable admin and customer service experience, and make a real difference by supporting St Oswald’s Hospices’ vital work.
Interested? We’d love to hear from you!
To find out more, please contact Brenda Hodgson, Retail Services Manager at brendahodgson@stoswaldsuk.org
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