Volunteer | Royal Hospital Chelsea

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

Event Ushers and Support

This volunteering opportunity will involve being part of our busy events diary and supporting the events team in delivering first class events to our external clients. We are looking to increase the number of events we deliver in order to generate vital income. Our events need to be carefully controlled and professionally delivered in order to protect the Pensioners, the heritage buildings and to ensure that clients leave wanting to return.

The Events team are looking to work with volunteers who are keen to support us in running a wide range of events, from carol services to weddings and conferences. Your role will contribute to the great service that we provide to the Chelsea Pensioners and our community and partners where you will support us in the meeting and greeting of guests, crowd management, informing guests of the RHC history and supporting on other event tasks such as overseeing set up in spaces and ensuring the historic fabric and heritage items are protected.