Volunteer in our shops
Search for a role near you
Try something new and support vital life-saving research. We have over 550 shops across the UK that need your help.
Every shirt you steam, book you sell, or shopper you serve will help us bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
What should you expect?
Volunteering in our shops is varied, exciting and rewarding. No two days are the same and you have the chance to flex different skills regularly.
Here are some of the tasks you could help with:
- Helping our customers
- Rotating stock, sorting, steaming and tagging pre-loved items
- Setting up window displays to keep the shop looking its best
- Serving at the till to process those all-important sales
What our shop volunteering roles will offer you
Volunteering is easy and flexible and can be designed to fit around your personal and work commitments. Here are a few things you will gain from your shop volunteer role:
- Join a fantastic team, be part of your local community and make new friends.
- Build your confidence. Our friendly team will be there to support you all the way.
- And most importantly, help change lives for people affected by cancer.
- Build on existing or gain new skills.
How to sign up to volunteer
Step 1
Browse our shop list to find one that suits you.
Step 2
Fill in the application form and we will be in touch to arrange a store visit.
Step 3
Come in, meet the team and talk to the Shop Manager about your availability.
Hear from our volunteers
Watch Margaret's story:
Paul
Blackheath Shop Volunteer
“I started volunteering because I wanted to keep busy, but also to help support a charity who continue to change the lives of so many. My day-to-day activities include serving at the till, sorting through donations and signing customers up to Gift Aid, to name a few!”
Leslie
Enfield Shop Volunteer
“My fellow volunteers supported my impairment and knew that I needed to be facing them when they were talking to me. To alert me of an emergency, they would flash lights as I wasn’t able to hear the fire alarm. They really made me feel included in all aspects of the shop.”
Search for roles near you and complete the shop volunteering application form.
You need to be 18 or over to register to volunteer online
If you are aged between 16 and 17 you may still be able to volunteer in our shops but you must be on a recognised scheme, for example the Duke of Edinburgh. All you need to do is pop into your local store and speak to the shop manager.
If you’re not part of a scheme, you can still support us by volunteering at an event or by setting up your own fundraising project. All our opportunities will give you the chance to learn plenty of new skills.
Volunteer Hub
Already a volunteer? Visit the volunteer hub to find resources and keep up with the latest updates.
The Volunteer Hub is a dedicated area for our volunteers. Here you can keep up to date with the latest volunteering information, read news from across Cancer Research UK or tell us about your experience with us.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Cancer Research UK Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and the wellbeing of our volunteers is important to us.
A workforce that is diverse and inclusive will help us to reach our full potential as an organisation by supporting our people to reach theirs. We have committed networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met.
We are keen to learn more and be more inclusive, so please tell us if you have any ideas on how we can make that happen.
Email us at: volunteering@cancer.org.uk.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Take a look at our FAQ page if you have any questions still unanswered.
Want to speak to one of the Volunteering team?
Contact us by email at volunteering@cancer.org.uk or call our Supporter Services team on 0300 1231022.
Our opening hours are 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday