Volunteering Opportunities

Please download and complete the application form below, and return by email to recruitment@avenuesgroup.org.uk. If you have any questions, please contact 0203 535 0509.

Volunteer Application Form

Not necessarily. We value past experience and utilising expert skills, but we do also value support from people who are just willing and able to get stuck in.

It depends on the opportunity you are volunteering for. Hours are flexible to suit your lifestyle, although we would ask for a regular commitment and the suggested hours are stated in the more detailed role descriptions.

It depends on the opportunity you are volunteering for, for example, our charity shop in Fareham or at one of our Serendipity Community Groups across Hampshire.

We will reimburse all reasonable out of pocket expenses. All volunteers are asked to do is keep expenses to a minimum and to supply receipts. Our expense procedure will be explained as part of your induction.

Are you stuck for something to do in between your studies? Or looking for work experience?

Why not do something exciting and become a volunteer for Autism Hampshire? It will look great on your CV and we can offer you fantastic opportunities that could make a real difference to your career.

Are you interested in working with autistic people? Would you like to be involved in providing opportunities for autistic adults to meet up with each other? Apply to become a Serendipity community group volunteer.

Click here to find out more about the groups.

Purpose of the role

To support the running of the Serendipity social groups. These groups are for autistic adults (18+) who are looking to increase their social opportunities and meet other autistic people.

Time commitment

Groups run 1.5 to two hours per session and meet weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Whilst we value regular commitment, you will join a team, so you do not need to be available for every session.

Tasks

• Welcome new members to the group and help them settle in.
• Support members to participate in group activities.
• Help make suggestions about new group activities.
• Help send feedback about the group to Autism Hampshire staff.
• Keep an accurate record of attendance at the group.
• Report any concerns to Autism Hampshire staff.

If you would like to become a Serendipity Community Group Volunteer, please click here to view more details or contact the team via serendipity@autismhampshire.org.uk.

Join our team at Autism Hampshire's charity shop in Fareham and make a meaningful difference in your community. Helping out at our shop in Fareham, you'll play a vital role in supporting our mission while gaining valuable skills and experiences.

About the Role:

Donations and Customer Service: Interact with donors, receive donations, and assist customers with inquiries and purchases.

Stock Management: Sort, label, price, and replenish stock to maintain a well-organised and appealing shop floor.

Cash Handling: Operate the till with confidence (training provided) and process transactions accurately.

Shop Maintenance: Keep the shop clean, tidy, and inviting for customers through light cleaning and restocking duties.

About You:

• Customer-Focused: Enjoy engaging with customers and providing excellent service.
• Team Player: Work effectively as part of a friendly and supportive team.
• Reliable: Demonstrate dependability and commitment to your role.

Benefits:

Community Involvement: Volunteering is fun, rewarding and a great opportunity to meet new people, be more involved with your community and make a real difference.

Skill Development: Learn transferable skills, enhance your CV, and gain retail experience. We can even provide a reference to a future employer.

Flexibility: Hours are flexible to suit your lifestyle, although we would ask for a regular commitment.

Skills:

No prior experience necessary - enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key. We value support from people who are willing and able to get stuck in.

Full training provided with free refreshments offered whilst volunteering.

Join our team today and help us create a brighter future for autistic individuals and their families. Register your interest now to get started on this rewarding journey.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your suitability for the role, please don't hesitate to reach out. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets.

Other questions?

What training is provided? Basic health and safety training is provided with other training depending on an individual’s role and responsibility.

Is there a minimum time commitment? There is no minimum time limit. However basic training can last approximately 16 hours so we would ask volunteers to consider this before getting in touch. We would happily welcome volunteers who do not have regular shift and would like a more ad hoc arrangement.

Is there a discount in store? All our volunteer team benefit from 25% discount from all donated goods.

Are expenses covered? Yes, we provide volunteers with public transport or parking expenses (within reason).

Are there any age limits? People can volunteer with us from the age of 16 with restrictions and a permit to work from the council. This can be applied for with the parent/guardian consent. For more information visit www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/safeguardingchildren/childemployment

Could you be a trustee for Avenues?

Autism Hampshire is a subsidiary of Avenues - a specialist provider of adult social care, supporting people with complex needs to enjoy life. We always want to do things better, and as part of our development we are now looking for new trustees.

Our trustee group has to reflect the diversity of the people we support and the communities in which we work, and we welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

We would particularly like to hear from people with lived experience of disability, encouraging people who are accessing support services, and neurodivergent people.

Do you have experience in any of the following?

• Care Sector Financial Experience to join our Board and Finance Committee
• Health and Social Care Experience (outside Avenues) to join our Board and one committee (to be decided).
• People management and organisational development to join our Board and the People, Culture and Reward Committee
• Risk Management (specialising in a quality, compliance and regulatory environment) to join our Board and our Audit and Risk Committee.

If so, we'd like to meet you, apply today and to find out more about us and the role please download the attached trustee pack and role profile.

Still unsure if this role is for you? We are happy to offer an informal chat with our Head of Governance so feel free to contact us and we can organise this.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of an organisation that instils its values at all levels of the business, ensuring the people we support are at the forefront of our decisions.

Our people love working here, and most trustees stay for many years, becoming as passionate as we are.

This opportunity will be useful for anyone wanting to learn more about being a trustee, full training and support will be provided, and wishing to develop a more rounded skill set. It can also be a fantastic opportunity for someone with many years of experience to share their skills.

As part of our recruitment process, the successful candidates will meet and be interviewed by different stakeholders including people we support and Chairs of Committees as well as our CEO, current Group Boards Chair and other trustees of the board.

Closing Date: 28 July 2025

Interviews are planned week commencing w/c 18^th August and w/c 25^th August (subject to any changes due to availability of stakeholders).

To apply, visit Avenues Careers website here.