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Our volunteers play a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission. At times, we rely on them as much as we rely on our own employees. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help in our busy services and as part of our central team. Volunteering opportunities are diverse with positions currently available in Bedford and from home.
Volunteering is a hugely rewarding way to not only support a local charity but also gives you that feeling of achievement that money simply cannot buy. It’s a great way to help people in your own community and is often a brilliant way to make new friends. By dedicating your time and energy to help, you can make a meaningful difference.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, we encourage you to fill in the form below. We will be in touch with you shortly to discuss the opportunities that are available and answer any questions you may have. We will then schedule an informal interview, check your ID, and carry out an enhanced DBS check.
Thank you for your interest in supporting SMART.
We look forward to working with you!
Please send any questions and queries to volunteering@smartcjs.org.uk.
Serving meals: Our kitchen serves hot meals to those in need every day, and we rely on volunteers to help us prepare and serve food.
Donation sorting: We receive a lot of donations, and we need volunteers to help us sort and organize them so that we can distribute them to those in need.
Administrative support: If you have skills in areas such as data entry, social media management, or graphic design, we would love to have your help with our day-to-day operations.
About You
We are looking for people who have experience in at least ONE of the following areas:
Housing/social/affordable housing sectors
Fundraising, bid and/or grant application experience
Subject matter expertise in homelessness or rough sleeping
Networks and contacts e.g. business networks, academia, public sector organisations (Local Authorities, NHS) or voluntary sector organisations in Bedford
Hours: Attendance at four board meetings a year. There is an expectation that trustees will wish to become actively involved in the charity which requires attendance at fundraising and other key events.
Salary: This is a voluntary role. In line with the Charity Commission regulations, no payment will be made for Trustee positions.
Location: Travel to Bedford for meetings and for key events.
How to apply
Download and read the information pack and complete the application form. Send your completed application and up to date CV (no more than 3 pages) by email to the Deputy CEO, Jen Robus at jen.robus@smartcjs.org.uk.
Currently, there are no volunteering opportunities at Rogers Court
Our Emergency Shelter is in Bedford town centre and needs volunteers to help throughout the week but especially at weekends and in the evenings. The role will involve duties such as supporting a new resident moving into or out of their bedroom, sitting with a resident and having a friendly conversation when they are feeling lonely and need someone to listen, some basic administration work, and helping people tidy their rooms plus a few other things to help the team.
Perhaps you have a particular set of skills that you would like to offer SMART? Maybe working from home is more your thing. Maybe you’re a whizz at digital marketing, or a dab hand at administration, or you’re a super-talented film maker. Whatever your skill set is, please get in touch as there may well be some work that you could support us with. If that’s the case, we’d love to hear from you. Please email volunteering@smartcjs.org.uk and one of us will be in touch.
You do not need to be an expert on our charity to help with any of these opportunities. Training and resources are always provided by our Volunteering and Fundraising Manager.
No matter how you choose to get involved, your contribution as a volunteer is invaluable. Not only will you be helping people, but you will also be joining a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. For events where we require volunteer support please see fundraising events below.
Wonderful Volunteers Needed!
SMART have been invited to carry out a supermarket collection on Wednesday 13th December (8.30-4.30) at Morrisons Supermarket on Ampthill Road in Bedford.
This will be LOTS of fun as it’s during the lead up to Christmas so there will be plenty of festive cheer (and sweets!)
Can you help for an hour or two, please? Please contact volunteering@smartcjs.org.uk to register your interest.
Wonderful Volunteers Needed!
SMART has several really exciting events coming up and we’re looking for some brilliant, kind and enthusiastic volunteers to help out. Please can you like and share this post far and wide so that we might find some people to help us?
Thank you very much!
Fundraising Events & Activities in November & December
If you are interested in volunteering with us, we encourage you to fill in the form below. We will be in touch with you shortly to discuss the opportunities that are available and answer any questions you may have. We will then schedule an informal interview, check your ID, and carry out an enhanced DBS check.
Thank you for your interest in supporting SMART.
We look forward to working with you!
Please send any questions and queries to volunteering@smartcjs.org.uk.
