Volunteer for us

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. With their support, we can reach even more Deaf and Disabled people and provide vital services that change lives.

If you are looking for a meaningful and rewarding way to make a real difference, why not start your volunteering journey with AoD today? 

Giving your time is just as valuable as giving money – and it truly means the world to us. 

Developing Skills and Opportunities

At AoD, we want every volunteer to feel valued and supported. Each volunteer will complete a skills and experience checklist to identify what they can offer, what they’d like to learn, and how they’d like to develop through their volunteering journey – including potential steps towards paid employment.

We recognise that formal qualifications don’t always determine someone’s potential or suitability for a role. Our aim is to remove systemic barriers and enable volunteers to achieve beyond perceived limitations. We want everyone to recognise their own strengths and discover new skills and experiences through their time at AoD.

Several people stand around a person climbing an indoor rock wall, while another person assists them. A digital timer on the wall shows 32.67 seconds.

Latest volunteering vacancies

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    Our Place Volunteers 

    Our Place runs daily activities, peer-led groups, discussions, and training sessions. We’re looking for volunteers who understand the lived experiences

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  • A man in a blue shirt and tie speaks to a woman holding a cup in an office setting, with a clock and a digital display visible in the background.

    Reception Volunteers 

    Our new Centre for Independent Living, opened in August 2022, needs friendly volunteers to welcome visitors and clients, answer phone

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Volunteering FAQs

Thinking about volunteering with us? Here are answers to the most common questions.

Yes! Our volunteer roles are flexible. Some roles may ask you to volunteer for a set number of hours per week, but there’s usually flexibility about when you complete them – we know life is busy.

For roles supporting Disabled people, we ask for a minimum six-month commitment to make the experience valuable for both of you.

There are lots of ways to get involved –here are some of the most popular roles:

  • Reception Support:

Welcome visitors to the Centre, check emails, answer phone calls, and record information in our Salesforce CRM. 

  • Direct Support: 

Support Disabled people one-to-one or in a group setting. This could include areas such as Welfare Benefits, Direct Payments, Youth or Employment Support. 

  • Communications Volunteer: 

Help us share our message by writing stories, promoting AoD activities, raising awareness about Disabled people, and even creating short videos. 

  • Skills-Based Volunteering:

Have a particular skill or area of expertise? Tell us about it, and we’ll match you with a role where you can make the biggest difference. 

One to one support roles: 18+

Other roles: 16+ (with parental/guardian consent if under 18)

There’s no upper age limit – we welcome volunteers of all ages.

Yes, all roles require a DBS check.

DBS checks are free for volunteers

You can register your certificate on the DBS Update Service for free

I have a criminal record – can I still volunteer?

Yes. If a DBS check is needed, you’ll be asked to tell us about your criminal record once you’ve been offered a role. We make decisions on a case by case basis and may suggest other suitable roles if necessary.

Volunteering shouldn’t affect your benefits, but we recommend you check with your Jobcentre or employment adviser to be sure.

No – we’ll reimburse you for reasonable, agreed out of pocket expenses (travel, meals, etc.).

Most roles include an informal chat with the Centre Coordinator. This helps us get to know you and gives you a chance to ask questions and make sure the role is right for you.

No – we don’t ask for references for volunteer roles.

Yes – you can request a reference at any time. We’ll confirm your volunteer dates and the role you did.

We aim to get volunteers started within four weeks. If your role requires a DBS check, it may take a little longer – but we’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

You’ll receive a local induction and, depending on your role, additional training may be provided.

You’ll have a named Volunteer Manager who provides ongoing support, guidance, and regular supervisions to discuss your progress and any extra support you need.

Still have questions? Email us at info@aod.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteer Interest Form Online

Join Action on Disability and be part of a growing movement for equality and inclusion. By getting involved, you’ll help remove barriers so Disabled people can enjoy greater independence, control, and choices in their lives.

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    Become a Member

    Join us today and be part of our growing community. The more members we have, the stronger our voice and influence to make real change for inclusion and equality.

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    Become a supporter

    If becoming a member isn’t for you, you can still make a big difference by supporting our work. Every supporter helps us continue promoting inclusion and protecting the rights of Disabled people.

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    Work with us to make a real difference. Together, we can support Disabled people to have more control, better access, and equal opportunities in their everyday lives.

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  • A group of people wearing outdoor gear and high-visibility vests huddle together reading a map in a countryside setting with trees and fields in the background.

    Volunteer for us

    We’d love you to join our team! Volunteers play an important part in everything we do, from helping at events to supporting our projects that promote inclusion and independence.

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  • A group of people, some standing and one in a wheelchair, gather and smile as a woman cuts a red ribbon at an indoor event decorated with blue bunting.

    What’s on

    Explore our latest events and activities. AoD offers regular opportunities for Disabled people to meet others, get involved, develop skills, and take part in our community.

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  • A group of people sit in a hall facing a raised stage where two speakers stand under purple lighting, with a projected screen behind them displaying text.

    Disabled Members Forum

    Join our Disabled Members Forum to discuss local issues, identify barriers, and work together to strengthen equality, access, and independent living in our community.

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  • A group of fifteen people pose together indoors, standing and crouching on a large floor graphic with various icons and letters.

    Disabled Youth Board

    The Disabled Youth Board gives young Disabled people a space to speak up, influence change, and work together for greater equality and inclusion.

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