Volunteer with us
What would you like to discover about volunteering today?
We urgently need volunteers for our befriending service
If you are a good listener, able to show empathy and understanding as well as able to spot the positive things in life – you’d be perfect for this role
Why I volunteer
“If someone is thinking about volunteering for Epilepsy Action, I will say do it. It’s great and there are many ways to volunteer. Especially as the smallest thing you can do can have such a positive impact on someone’s life.” Dan
Why volunteer with us
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and when you sign up with us you’ll be joining our inspiring community of volunteers. You’ll be able to connect with other volunteers across the UK, share your experiences and shape the work that we do.
Watch the video to hear what our volunteers think.
You will also contribute to our vision for improved healthcare, support, and public awareness of epilepsy as well as advocating for change and helping to develop our vital services.
If you are ready to make a real difference, then come and join our amazing volunteering community.
What will you gain from volunteering?
As a volunteer with Epilepsy Action, you’ll bring positive changes to the people you support, as well as developing your own skills and understanding. You’ll feel a real sense of pride knowing that you are making a difference in people’s lives.
Find a role that suits you
We know that volunteering isn’t ‘one size fits all’ and that’s why we have a variety of roles to suit all different lifestyles and levels of commitment.
Volunteer roles supporting people
If you enjoy meeting new people and providing support, these roles are ideal for you. They require regular commitment but the impact is incredible. There are roles that you can do from home or in your local community.
Befriending volunteerTalk and support volunteerOnline counsellor volunteer
Volunteer roles supporting better health
If you or someone you know has epilepsy and you want to improve health outcomes, these roles will be just right for you. You’ll be volunteering from home, picking the time and days that suit you.
Volunteer roles supporting the community
If you want to help raise awareness and promote our work online or in your local community, these roles are the perfect match. Depending on the role, you could be supporting at a one-off event, volunteering regularly or volunteering on an ad-hoc basis.
Action team volunteer
Think you don't have time to volunteer?
Think again! Join our Action team!
If you want to volunteer but you’re not sure where to start, our Action Team is an easy and flexible way to try a range of opportunities at a time that suits you.
- Quick and easy manageable tasks
- Minimal time required
- Maximum difference made
What we can offer you
Assemble - Our volunteer portal
As a volunteer, you’ll join our amazing volunteering community and you’ll have access to our dedicated volunteer portal, Assemble. Assemble makes it quick and easy to manage your volunteering with all you need to know stored in one safe space.
Volunteer stories
Contact us
We hope you find a role that interests you.
If you want to chat about an existing application or have any questions about volunteering, get in touch
volunteering@epilepsy.org.uk or call 0113 210 8795
We look forward to meeting you soon!
Sign up nowVolunteering 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.