A volunteer role for everyone!
What would you like to know about volunteering?
Find a role that suits you
We know that volunteering isn’t ‘one size fits all’. Whatever your interests and however much time you can commit, there is a role for you.
Volunteer to support people with epilepsy
Share your time to support others and positively impact lives, either face to face or virtually
Volunteer your skills, knowledge and experience
You’re an expert through experience. Share your skills with us.
Advisory panel volunteersCampaign volunteersHealth information volunteersAdmin and project volunteersVlogger volunteers
Volunteer in your community
Make a difference by volunteering in your local community. Through events, fundraising or raising awareness.
Community champion volunteer (NI)Bradford 10km event volunteerLondon marathon event volunteerFamily support volunteer (NI and Wales)
Action Team!
Small actions have big impacts!
Looking for a flexible and convenient way to volunteer? Then join our Action Team.
From just 10 minutes a month, you can help us create a world without limits for people with epilepsy. This micro-volunteering role means you can do as much or as little as you like. The tasks we set are flexible and can be done from home at a time to suit you. Want to find out more?
Action Team
Corporate volunteering
Let’s take action together! The perfect volunteering opportunity for virtual teams.
Are you looking for an interesting and unique CSR day for your team? We offer corporates a range of volunteering opportunities, including:
- Corporate day of action
- Skills sharing
- Event support
- Fundraising
For more information or to discuss opportunities contact volunteering@epilepsy.org.uk
What you can gain from volunteering
As a volunteer with Epilepsy Action, you won’t just be bringing positive changes to the people you support – you will also be able to expand upon your own experiences and knowledge. Here is just some of what you can gain from volunteering with us.
We know that giving your valuable time to volunteer is a lot to ask. As such, we want to ensure your volunteering experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here is what you can expect when you volunteer with us.
What our volunteers say
Find out what our current volunteers have to say about being part of our volunteering team.
“It give me a real sense of being able to give back, and almost a reason why I have epilepsy – so that I can volunteer and help others. It’s also a good starting point to raise the profile of epilepsy and Epilepsy Action: talking to friends/acquaintances, for instance, who may ask how you spend your time, what you’ve been up to the past week etc.”
Talk & Support Group Volunteer
“It’s fun, it brings you closer together with others and you get a chance to learn more.”
16-30 Advisory Panel Member
“It gives me a sense of purpose and satisfaction to know that I am helping Epilepsy Action achieve its goals, especially as Epilepsy Action has always supported me. It’s nice to be able to give something back.”
Health Information Volunteer
“Epilepsy Action has given me a purpose and empowered me. I recently resigned from my job due to stress and anxiety but I have had such fantastic support from people who work at Epilepsy Action and feel great about myself and my abilities. I feel as though I am able to use my skills for a great purpose. I also love the support that Epilepsy Action give people who are struggling.”
Befriender
Volunteer stories
Volunteering FAQs
We get asked a lot of questions about how you can volunteer and what is involved, so we have tried to answer as many of these as possible.
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What happens during my induction?
When you are confirmed in your role, you will be able to access Assemble, our volunteer portal. There are lots of short ‘How to…’ videos to help you find your way around. You’ll be able to access and read our volunteer handbook, maintaining positive boundaries guidance and all our volunteer policies. You will also be able to start completing any mandatory or optional training relevant to your role. There may be other things to do as part of your induction but your volunteer supervisor will be in touch to make sure you know what is expected and help you take the first steps on your volunteering journey with us.
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I am receiving welfare benefits - can I volunteer?
Yes, you are welcome to volunteer with us and it won’t affect your benefits. We do reimburse volunteers for any out of pocket expenses but this does not count as payment. Depending on the type of benefit you receive you might need to let your work coach, Jobcentre Plus or local council know about your volunteering. The Citizens Advice Bureau provides helpful guidance on making sure your volunteering doesn’t affect your benefits.
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What if I can't see an opportunity near to me?
All our opportunities are advertised here. If there is something that is missing or you’d like more information about possible future roles, email us at volunteering@epilepsy.org.uk
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What checks do you need to undertake for me to volunteer?
Some of our volunteer roles require references, we will ask for these on the application form. Some of our volunteering roles also require a Criminal Records Check. If this is a requirement this will be clearly written on the role description.
You can find out more about what is involved in criminal records checks.
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What if I have a criminal record?
Epilepsy Action recognises the contribution that people with a criminal record can make to our organisation and we welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. A prior criminal conviction does not necessarily prevent you from volunteering, but we need to be aware of this information in order to assess your suitability for the role. You can find out more in our Policy statement on recruiting ex-offenders.
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Can I volunteer in more than one role?
Yes of course, that’s fine. We have volunteers that support us in more than one role, and we really appreciate the time that they offer us. Quite often volunteers will have a primary role and will also undertake tasks as part of our Action Team.
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Can I volunteer if I live outside the UK?
If you are living in the UK and are an Irish citizen, EU/EEA citizen with settled or pre-settled status, or a refugees and asylum seekers then you are able to volunteer with us. If this doesn’t apply to you but you are working or studying in the UK you may still be able to volunteer with us if your visa allows this.
You should always check the conditions of your visa to ensure you have the right to volunteer in the UK. If you have any doubts or questions you can find out more on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
We only accept applications from people who are currently living in the UK, this also applies to our remote volunteering roles and we are unable to sponsor visa application.
Contact us
If you want to chat about an existing application or have any questions about volunteering, please get in touch.
volunteering@epilepsy.org.uk or call 0113 210 8795
We look forward to meeting you soon!