Volunteer with Saint Francis Hospice

Saint Francis Hospice serves communities across Havering, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, Brentwood and parts of West Essex, supported by hundreds of committed volunteers.

Current volunteer opportunities include:

Shop Volunteer 

• Assist in receiving and sorting donated goods, thanking donors, pricing and displaying items to boost sales.
• Operate the till (handling cash and card transactions), and help maintain a tidy, welcoming store environment.
• Provide excellent customer service and comply with Health & Safety or fire regulations.
• Available locations include Brentwood Superstore, Barkingside, Dagenham, Elm Park, Harold Hill, Hornchurch, Ilford, Loughton, Romford, Upminster, and Wanstead.
  
  

Ward Volunteer

• Offer practical, non-clinical support on the inpatient ward, including serving meals, offering refreshments, running the drinks trolley (evening shifts), restocking supplies, and helping visitors navigate the hospice.
  
  

Gardening Volunteer

• Maintain the hospice’s serene gardens through planting, pruning, weeding and general upkeep at the Havering-atte-Bower site.
  
  

Volunteer Driver

• Assist in transporting patients or equipment between their homes and the hospice facility.
  
  

OrangeLine Volunteer

• Provide essential emotional support over the phone to individuals who are feeling lonely, bereaved or isolated.
  
  

Warehouse Volunteer

• Support the flow of donated goods by assisting with operations at the retail warehouse in Harold Hill.
  
  

Parcel Packing Volunteer

• Play a vital role in the e-commerce team by packing online orders (e.g. from eBay) at the Harold Hill site.
  
  

Survey Support Volunteer

• Encourage visitors to complete a digital feedback survey about their hospice experience, using communication skills and IT interest.
  
  

Laundry Assistant / Domestic Helper

• Assist with laundry, cleaning, meal and beverage service, supporting the housekeeping team at the hospice.
  
  

Administration Assistant

• Provide administrative support to both clinical and non-clinical teams—including People & Culture and Voluntary Services.
  
  

Complementary Therapy Volunteer

• Deliver approved complementary therapies to patients and carers, working alongside the hospice’s palliative care therapy team.
  
  

General Group Helper

• Support Pemberton Place staff in delivering practical assistance to patients, carers or visitors.
  
  

What skills do I need?

No previous experience is required, as full training and induction are provided. Opportunities are flexible to fit different schedules, and every role makes a real difference to people facing life-limiting illnesses.

Interests

• Health and Social Care

Activities

• Administration and Office
• Driving
• Fundraising and Finance
• Gardening
• General Helping
• Local Events
• Retail
• Supporting Charities
• Supporting People and Befriending