Put simply, The Fire Fighters Charity would not be able to support thousands of beneficiaries every year at its centres and in communities across the UK, without the support of volunteers.
Last year volunteers donated a cumulative total of approximately 100,000 hours of their time to support the fire community and to help raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.
Volunteers contribute to the innovation, effectiveness and efficiency of the Charity, and in some cases, provide us with vital links across our community.
Volunteering at one of our Centres for just 3 to 4 hours a week or fortnight makes a big difference. You will be part of a friendly local community, have use of the gym and be supporting your local Fire and Rescue Service.
These roles are thoroughly rewarding and offer tremendous value to staff and beneficiaries alike.
So, whatever your background, if you are interested in volunteering for the Charity we would love to hear from you.
Current Opportunities
Our volunteer vacancies include:
Four Trustee vacancies available
Join our Board of Trustees and help influence the direction of The Fire Fighters Charity.
Administration Support Volunteers
Charity Head Office in Basingstoke, Penrith, Littlehampton and Devon
We are looking for Administration Support Volunteers at our head office in Basingstoke and across our 3 health and wellbeing centres at Harcombe House in Devon, Jubilee House in Penrith or Marine Court Littlehampton.
Our busy clinical and community teams are crying out for administration volunteers who can make their day even just a teeny bit easier – the role is interesting and varied as no two days are the same.
The role includes:
- Accurate data input on our Charity CRM system
- Data updates/changes
- Telephone calls and sending emails
- Assisting with department activities
- Project support
In return we offer:
- An opportunity to learn new skills
- Varied and interesting duties
- Flexible hours
- A friendly environment
Visitor Services Volunteers
Penrith, Littlehampton and Devon
Our rehabilitation and recovery centres are looking for people from the local community to join their already successful volunteer teams. Each centre has a team of volunteers who, working in pairs, offer our new beneficiaries a warm welcome, a briefing session on what to expect during the course of their programme and a tour of the facilities before they settle into their stay.
Living Well Groups Coordinators
Social isolation after retirement can affect many of us, but can be even more keenly felt after leaving the Fire and Rescue Service.
Our monthly Living Well Groups have a very strong social element; they offer a relaxed environment to chat over a cuppa, have a positive wellbeing focus and enable members to reconnect with each other, the Fire Service and with the Fire Fighters Charity.
Each group has two volunteer Living Well Coordinators who, guided by what the group want, help organise the content for each session and invite other organisations/charities along to talk about topics of interest. Demand is so high that we are looking to develop Living Well Groups across the whole of the UK.
The role would ideally suit someone with a fire and rescue service background, although full training and support is provided.
Coffee Shop & Snack Bar Volunteers
Harcombe House, Devon
Harcombe House is a specialist health and well-being centre where serving and retired Fire and Rescue Service personnel can seek professional support after physical, emotional or social trauma.
For some, the Coffee Shop & Snack Bar may play an important part in reconnecting with every day life, so it is essential that the coffee shop runs efficiently and maintains the same calm friendly atmosphere that reflects the rest of the Centre.
Volunteers receive training, including using a barista-style coffee machine and are fully supported by the hospitality team.
Estates and Facilities Volunteer Groups
Penrith, Littlehampton and Devon
We are currently recruiting serving and/or retired FRS volunteer groups who can demonstrate they have the skills to match our estates and maintenance projects scheduled throughout the year.
Groups may vary in size from 2 to 10 volunteers dependent on the scope of the project; individual volunteers willing to join a group will also be considered. In return we offer travel expenses and up to 5 days full board.
Collection Volunteers
Nationwide
Our Collection Volunteers give two to three hours of their time two or three times a year to support our year-long fundraising partnerships nationwide. Why not team up with a friend and help raise funds for our firefighting heroes.
Garden Volunteers
Harcombe House, Devon
We are looking for volunteers to help cultivate and maintain the beautiful gardens that surround our Devon well-being centre. Ideally, you will have some gardening experience as much of our outside space is designed to relax the senses.
Lake Maintenance Volunteers
Harcombe House, Devon
Our three modest lakes provide a tranquil retreat for our beneficiaries and their families and in order to keep them looking shipshape we are looking for volunteers who can help us with basic lake maintenance such as; minor bank repairs, aquatic planting, nesting reed rafts etc.
Event Volunteers
Nationwide
The Charity organises, or is involved with, events across the UK. These range from national events such as London Marathon or regional events like the British Firefighters Challenge, to local fundraising activities. The role is great fun, varied, sociable and makes for a perfect opportunity for families or friends to get together. See examples of what event volunteers do to support us below:
- Event marshals
- Cheer volunteers for sporting events
- Event registration/administration
- Information/secure baggage area
- Event photography
Full training and ongoing support is provided where necessary.
If you are interested in any of the volunteer roles above, or possess skills/experience you believe we may be interested in, please call or email Kate Harrison: 01256 368 866 / 07880 725296 KHarrison@firefighterscharity.org.uk or complete the form below.