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Work experience and volunteering

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Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference? Through volunteering or work experience opportunities you can bring joy to people’s lives, while you gain experience and develop new skills.

 

There’s plenty of variety - you could help with gardening, maintenance, kitchen support or get involved in social activities like arts and crafts, games or music sessions. The majority of volunteering or work experience roles exist in our vibrant retirement communities but there’s also plenty of ways you can make a difference in our supported living services. Whatever you choose, the rewards are priceless: personal growth, new friendships and the chance to make every day brighter for someone else.

Work experience opportunities

Thinking about a career in care and support, or just want to explore something new? Our work experience placements in retirement communities are a great way to learn, gain practical skills and build your CV. 

 

Perfect for students, recent graduates or anyone considering a career change, these unpaid placements usually take place during holidays or as part of courses like Health and Social Care. You’ll work alongside our teams, see how we make a difference every day and discover if this path is right for you. 

Volunteering opportunities 

Love crafting, gardening, or leading activities? Our volunteer opportunities in retirement communities are a great way to share your skills and make a real difference. Whether you’re looking for a regular commitment or a one-off placement, we offer flexibility to fit around your schedule.

We offer a variety of volunteer roles to fit different skills and interests, including befriending, leisure and social activities, gardening and maintenance, kitchen/catering, housekeeping, administration, driving and event support. You can also get involved through group and family volunteering opportunities. Your time and energy will brighten lives, create connections and bring joy to our residents.

A group of three people is walking along a wooden pathway in a landscaped garden. The first person, a woman with short grey hair, is gesturing with her left hand. The second person, a woman in smart casual attire, is smiling and looking at the first woman. The third person, a man dressed in all blue, is walking beside them.

We're proud to have received the 2025 Age-Inclusive Volunteering accreditation from Rest Less which recognises our commitment to creating volunteering opportunities that welcome and benefit individuals of all ages.

The Rest Less volunteering logo, it reads "2025 - Age inclusive volunteering - Rest Less"

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Our retirement communities

Find your nearest service and get in touch to start your volunteering journey today.

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Team stories

Discover what it’s like to volunteer or work with us – read real stories from our people and teams.

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A resident and a Sanctuary Supported Living staff member are sitting on a soft couch together with a laptop on the coffee table

Careers FAQs

Answers to some of the most common questions about careers with Sanctuary Supported Living.

Explore FAQs