Volunteer With Us
Join our volunteer team and help local families build a better home. From a few hours now and then to regular weekly shifts, there’s a role to suit you.
Why Volunteer With HFS?
Our volunteers are at the heart of HFS. Their time, skills and kindness help local households furnish their homes with dignity while keeping quality reused furniture out of landfill.
Make a Real Impact
See the difference you make — supporting local families and reducing waste every time you volunteer.
Join a Community
Become part of a friendly, supportive team where people look out for each other and share a sense of purpose.
Develop New Skills
Build confidence, learn practical and customer-facing skills, and gain experience that can support your CV or personal goals.
There’s a place for you here
Whether you’re new to volunteering or returning after a break, you’ll be welcomed, supported, and valued from day one. Every role makes a real difference, and you’ll see the impact of your time in the lives of local families.
Collection & Delivery Assistant
Help transport furniture between donors and recipients. Full training and support provided.
Half or full days
Store Assistant
Work in our retail store, serving customers, processing sales, booking in collections and maintaining displays.
Half or full days
Warehouse Assistant
Sort, clean, assemble, dismantle and organise donated furniture. Light physical work in a friendly team environment.
Half or full days
Community Outreach
Help spread the word about our services, attend community events, and support fundraising.
Ad-hoc
Don’t see a role that fits? We are always open to new ideas!
Flexible Time Commitments
Whatever time you can give, we’ll work around you.
A Few Hours
Perfect if you’re busy or just starting out. Join us for a 2–4 hour session when you can.
Ideal for: Students, working professionals
Regular Shifts
Weekly or fortnightly shifts where you become part of the core team and get to know staff and customers.
Ideal for: Retirees, part-time workers
Ad-hoc Support
Help with one-off events, busy periods, or specific projects when your schedule allows.
Ideal for: Anyone with changing or unpredictable commitments
Work Placements & Work Experience
We work with education providers and other charities to offer supportive work‑experience placements. These opportunities help people build confidence, learn practical skills and gain experience in a real working environment.
Placements can include customer service, warehousing, retail, admin and more — tailored to each person’s interests, abilities and goals.
If you’d like to arrange a placement or discuss a referral, we’re always happy to talk.
Corporate Volunteering Days
Bring your team together and make a real difference locally.
We offer tailored volunteering days for businesses, community groups and universities. Whether your team wants to help in the warehouse, support a project, or get involved in a one‑off challenge, we’ll create a session that works for you.
Great for: team building, CSR goals, wellbeing days, and giving back to the community.
Get in touch to discuss it further.
Benefits of Volunteering
What you’ll gain from your time with us
Build confidence in a supportive environment
Meet new people and feel part of a team
Stay active and engaged
Boost your wellbeing through purposeful work
Learn practical, transferable skills
Make a real difference in your community
Use your existing skills or try something new
Enjoy yourself and have fun along the way
Volunteer Stories
Hear from our volunteers about their experiences
I started volunteering at HFS in May 2025 and I look forward to my regular day there each week. I have learnt a lot of new things as well as using and sharing my skills and knowledge. No two days are the same. Having worked from home for years, I enjoy "going out to work" once a week and being part of a team that I can have a laugh with.
Suze
I am looking for paid employment and wanted to volunteer my time doing something for the community. HFS have been welcoming and given me a sense of purpose. The team are great and its nice to feel part of something worthwhile.
George
I volunteered for HFS on and off for 6 years. The team have been very supportive over the years and let me go at my own pace. I enjoy working as a warehouse assistant as it is hands on practical work. Even on the days I am not volunteering I can pop in to say hello and have a chat. I see HFS as a safe space for me.
Joseph
Apply to Volunteer
Start your volunteering journey with us today
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about volunteering with us
No. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and provide full training for every role.
We’re flexible. You can volunteer for short sessions, regular weekly shifts, or occasional support when you’re available.
You can volunteer from age 16.
We reimburse reasonable travel costs and provide a subsistence allowance for lunch on fullday shifts.
Yes. We run tailored corporate volunteering sessions for businesses and groups. These can include warehouse tasks, project support or teambuilding activities.
Yes. We work with education providers and other charities to offer supportive workexperience placements tailored to each person’s needs and goals.
Most volunteers are based in our stores or warehouse in Hastings. We’ll match you to the location and role that best suits your interests and availability.
In most cases, yes. We do our best to make volunteering accessible and can discuss any adjustments that would help you feel comfortable and supported.
Volunteering is usually allowed while receiving benefits, but it’s important to check your specific circumstances with your work coach or benefits adviser.
Most roles do not require a DBS check. If a specific role does, we’ll let you know during the application process.
All volunteers receive an induction, rolespecific training and ongoing support from our team.
Get in touch — we’re always happy to help you find the right role.
Contact Us
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join our incredible team of volunteers and help transform lives in your community.