Carers pushing Chelsea Pensioners in wheelchairs at a lively outdoor event

Volunteer

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Volunteer

Volunteer for our historic organisation and help shape our future

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is the home of the iconic Chelsea Pensioners – retired soldiers of the British Army.   Since 1692 we have offered care and comradeship for veterans in recognition of their loyal service to the Nation.

The Royal Hospital community encourages Chelsea Pensioners to support each other, just as they did in the British Army.  This includes spending time together socially, taking part in activities and going on excursions together, accompanying fellow Pensioners to external medical appointments and visiting comrades in hospital. 

With their shared experience of the service ethos and military campaigns, the Chelsea Pensioners can be of enormous help to each other – the bonds of shared experience go beyond the spoken word.  This can benefit their mental health and wellbeing significantly, particularly when dealing with the effects of PTSD and dementia.  

Chelsea Pensioners, staff and volunteers work together as a team to support the routines and services of the Royal Hospital and contribute to the community to which they belong.

Diverse volunteering opportunities

We offer a wide range of volunteering roles within the Royal Hospital Chelsea, catering for various interests and skill sets.  Our dedicated volunteers play a vital part in providing a greater quality of life to our veterans.  They give up their time to befriend Pensioners, help them with activities, take them to hospital appointments, support them with admin and more.  We would not be able to do all we do here without their valuable skills, knowledge, energy, and commitment.  

Whether you are passionate about supporting and caring for our veterans, or preserving our history and heritage, you can make a positive impact in your community.  

Why not play a part in an exciting period of change and expansion by becoming a volunteer for the Royal Hospital Chelsea? You’ll have the opportunity to be a part of unique community and work alongside the celebrated Chelsea Pensioners.

Current Opportunities

There are currently no volunteering opportunities available.

Volunteering is a great way to make use of your skills, give back to your community, and gain valuable experience whilst meeting new people and having fun.

Many of our Volunteers have a passion for our veteran community and make a huge and much-valued contribution.

Our current volunteering opportunities are advertised below.  If you don’t currently see something that would suit your particular skill set and would like to contribute to our charity by volunteering, please email Volunteers@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk.

Volunteers at the Royal Hospital Chelsea have the opportunity to develop their skills, receive one to one support, and claim expenses.  Once we have received your completed application form, you will meet with our team to discuss how we can progress this.  If we decide to proceed, we will then contact the referees you provided on application and you will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  Once our safe recruitment processes have been completed, we will send you a date to attend our induction session and shortly after, we will invite you to complete training for your specific role and provide you with a volunteering start date.  Please see the attached (document) the ‘Volunteer Journey ‘for our current process on becoming a volunteer at the Royal Hospital Chelsea,.  We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully welcoming you as a volunteer in the near future.

Why volunteer with us?

Make a difference 
Whether you’re an enthusiastic researcher, enjoy helping with events or educational projects in the wider community, have an interest in history and heritage, or are keen to support our veterans, we have a role that will match your interests and talents.  

Be part of a supportive community
We value comradeship and community. When you volunteer with us, you will be part of our warm and inclusive team.  You will have the opportunity to meet new people, learn from one another, forge lasting friendships with people who truly care. 

Gain valuable experience 
Expand your skills, learn from other volunteers, staff and Pensioners as part of our unique organisation. 

Sharing our values
As a member of the team, you will be committed to supporting both the organisation and the Pensioners. You will strive to meet our core values of Nurture Belonging, Respect Individuals, Encourage Pride and Enjoy Life.

For more information about our culture, please see our Mission, Vision & Values. 

Join our volunteer team today

If you feel your values fit with our own, please apply to join our team of volunteers.

We have volunteer roles in these areas:

  • Pensioner care and support
  • Heritage
  • Hospitality and Events
  • Connecting with outside veterans and the wider community

 If you’re interested in joining team of volunteers, then please review our current vacancies above.

Don’t miss out on this unique chance to be a part of something truly special.  Volunteer with us and help shape the future of the Royal Hospital.  

Contact Us

Email:  Volunteers@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk  
Phone: 020 7881 5432
Write to: 
Volunteering
Human Resources Team
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Road, London.
SW3 4SR

As a volunteer you’ll receive one-to-one support and your expenses will be covered.

Other opportunities

If you’re interested in our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, please get in touch by emailing appeal@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

We’re also committed to building our work experience and graduate programme.  If you would like to join us on a work experience placement, please email WorkExperience@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk