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, preserving our history and heritage, or getting your hands dirty in the garden, 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

MTI Café Volunteer


We would love to welcome you as part of our volunteering team to assist operations in our Café at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Day to day, you will be serving customers, preparing snacks and hot and cold drinks. You will also help us to keep the café area clean and tidy. For volunteers who would like to get more involved there are opportunities to help in the kitchen by preparing food, including for internal events. The café offers a vital service to staff, Pensioners and Pensioners' families and we are looking for volunteers with a friendly attitude who enjoy interacting with a variety of people. You will be passionate about volunteering and happy to work as part of a team. Cash handling and till operating is also a part of this role.

How to Apply
Online: To apply online, please visit our Volunteer Portal and complete the online application form.

Paper Application Form: If you wish to complete a paper registration form, please download and complete the Volunteer Application Form along with the Equality Monitoring Form.
Completed application forms should be sent to Volunteers@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

 

Retail Volunteer


We would love to welcome you as part of our volunteering team to support the activities in our new Shop and Post Office at the Soane Stable Yard.

We are looking for volunteers with a friendly attitude who enjoy interacting with a variety of people, who are passionate about volunteering and happy to work as part of a team.

How to Apply
Online: To apply online, please visit our Volunteer Portal and complete the online application form.

Paper Application Form: If you wish to complete a paper registration form, please download and complete the Volunteer Application Form along with the Equality Monitoring Form.
Completed application forms should be sent to Volunteers@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

Visitor Experience Volunteer - Front of House


This is an exciting time to become one of our first Visitor Experience volunteers as the Royal Hospital restores the Soane Stable Yard and opens a Visitor and Outreach Centre with new displays telling the history of the Royal Hospital and Chelsea Pensioners.

Front of House Volunteers will engage with the Visitor Experience and Public Programmes Team, and a team of volunteers to offer visitors an outstanding visitor experience.

How to Apply
Online: To apply online, please visit our Volunteer Portal and complete the online application form.

Paper Application Form: If you wish to complete a paper registration form, please download and complete the Volunteer Application Form along with the Equality Monitoring Form.
Completed application forms should be sent to Volunteers@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

 

Visitor Experience Volunteer - Visitor Events


This is an exciting time to become one of our first Visitor Experience volunteers as the Royal Hospital restores the Soane Stable Yard and opens a Visitor and Outreach Centre with new displays telling the history of the Royal Hospital and Chelsea Pensioners. This project has been part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Visitor Events Volunteers will engage with the Visitor Experience and Public Programmes Team, and a team of volunteers to offer visitors an outstanding visitor experience.

How to Apply
Online: To apply online, please visit our Volunteer Portal and complete the online application form.

Paper Application Form: If you wish to complete a paper registration form, please download and complete the Volunteer Application Form along with the Equality Monitoring Form.
Completed application forms should be sent to Volunteers@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

 

Community, Engagement, Outreach Volunteer


Community Engagement and Outreach volunteers will work with the Community Engagement and Outreach Manager and freelancers to ensure these visits, workshops and activities are delivered to the highest standards.

How to Apply
Online: To apply online, please visit our Volunteer Portal and complete the online application form.

Paper Application Form: If you wish to complete a paper registration form, please download and complete the Volunteer Application Form along with the Equality Monitoring Form.
Completed application forms should be sent to Volunteers@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

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
  • Grounds and gardening
  • 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  

Write to: 

Volunteering
Public Engagement Team
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Road, London.
SW3 4SR

Once we have received your completed application form, you’ll meet with our Volunteer and Work Experience Co-ordinator or Manager and the team member you will be working with.  If it’s decided to proceed, we will require two character references and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  You’ll then receive an induction before starting your volunteering. 

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 volunteers@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