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 Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer Champion
We are currently looking for a passionate Volunteer with prior volunteering experience who can give 3 hours a week to support the Volunteering team and to report to the Work Experience Coordinator (VAWEC) on a day-to-day basis in a Volunteer Champion role. You will have a friendly attitude and enjoy interacting with a variety of people. The ideal applicant will be passionate about volunteering and happy to work as part of a team. You will have excellent communication skills and will enjoy participating in events with the ability to discuss the benefits of volunteering to communities, organisations, and individuals.
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
Volunteer Admin Support Volunteer
This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to gain knowledge and experience, volunteering in an office environment and supporting the Public Engagement Department in volunteer recruitment. You will need knowledge in GDPR requirements.
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
Peer Support Volunteer
We are looking for an individual who has previous experience volunteering with the ability to listen to and support other volunteers. Previous experience of this type of support would be an advantage. An understanding of GDPR is required.
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
Veteran Outreach Volunteer
We are looking for someone with a friendly attitude who enjoys interacting with a variety of people and especially with military veterans, particularly an older cohort. You will be passionate about volunteering and happy to work as part of a team. You must have excellent communication and organisational skills. No prior experience is required, but you will need a basic knowledge of MS Office although some training will be provided.
You will have the ability to remain calm in the event of an emergency and have a good knowledge of procedures in place to deal with any such events (these are provided for you in the Volunteer Handbook and can be discussed at your induction).
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
Grounds & Gardens Volunteer
We are looking for Volunteers to help maintain the extensive grounds and gardens – 66 acres - that spread around the boundaries of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, also host of the Chelsea Flower Show every year.
What you will be doing
You will be joining the Grounds and Gardens team during the Autumn, from mid-October to end November for bulbs plantingThere is potential for planting up to 400.000 bulbs around the grounds and gardens. You be be assigned other gardening projects depending on assessment and suitability
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 (Christmas Period)
We are looking for Volunteers for the Royal Hospital Chelsea gift shop and Post Office which offers a vital service to Pensioners, Staff, Pensioners' families and the local community. This will be a volunteer role which lasts over the Christmas Period however there may be other opportunities in the new year to volunteer with us again in retail.
What you will be doing
As a Retail Volunteer, you will support the Shop and Post-Office staff members and have the opportunity to support fairs and events throughout the year. Retail Volunteers are not required to undertake Post Office services unless previously trained
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
