Volunteering
Join our volunteer team and make a real difference — share your time, skills, and heart to support adults with learning disabilities at Acorn Village
Volunteering at Acorn Village is a wonderful way to give your time, meet new people, and make a real difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities. Our volunteers bring energy, kindness, and creativity to everything they do — from helping with activities and events to supporting our shops, café, and art projects.
Every role, big or small, helps our residents live life to the full and be as independent as possible. In return, you’ll gain new skills, confidence, and friendships while being part of a welcoming community where everyone is valued. Whether you can give a few hours a week or just now and then, your time and enthusiasm can truly brighten someone’s day.
At Acorn Village, we value and support every volunteer as an important part of our community. You’ll receive full training to help you feel confident in your role, along with clear communication and ongoing guidance from a dedicated line manager. We also like to show our appreciation with a range of benefits, including discounts in our café and charity shops, plus regular social get-togethers to celebrate your contributions and build friendships.
When you volunteer with Acorn, you’re not just giving your time — you’re joining a caring, creative, and supportive community that makes a real difference every day.
Ways You Can Volunteer at Acorn Village
There are many ways to get involved as a volunteer at Acorn Village — whether you enjoy being creative, meeting new people, or helping behind the scenes, there’s a role to suit everyone. Every volunteer helps make a real difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities and contributes to our warm, inclusive community.
Join our friendly online sales team to help photograph, list, and package items for our charity’s online shops. It’s a great opportunity to develop digital skills, work behind the scenes, and help raise vital funds that support our residents.
Our 2 charity shops, onsite and in Manningtree high Street, are bright, busy places filled with friendly faces. Volunteers help with sorting donations, creating displays, serving customers, and providing great service — every sale helps make a difference.
Our donations sorting team plays a vital role in keeping our charity shops and online store running smoothly.
Volunteers help unpack, check, and organise the generous donations we receive — from clothes and books to homeware and collectables. It’s a busy, hands-on role that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys being organised, working as part of a friendly team, and discovering hidden treasures along the way!
Every item you sort helps raise funds that support adults with learning disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
Support our residents to enjoy a wide range of creative and social activities — from art and music to cooking, crafts, and community projects. It’s a hands-on, rewarding role where you’ll see the impact of your support every day.
Volunteering in the Walled Garden Café is a rewarding way to learn new skills, meet friendly people, and support adults with learning disabilities to build confidence and independence.
Help keep Acorn Village looking beautiful and welcoming by assisting with gardening, grounds maintenance, or small DIY tasks. If you enjoy working outdoors and being part of a supportive team, this is a perfect way to make a difference.
Why Volunteer?
We’ve spoken to our amazing volunteers, and they’ve told us they choose to give their time to Acorn for many reasons, including:
- Meeting new people and making friends – becoming part of a welcoming, supportive community.
- Feeling they really make a difference – knowing their time directly helps adults with learning disabilities live life to the full.
- Learning new skills – from retail and gardening to creative arts and events.
- Building CV experience – gaining confidence and valuable experience for future opportunities.
- Discovering hidden treasures – especially in our charity shops and donation centres!
- Enjoying something rewarding and fun – every day brings something different.
- Being part of a team – joining a family that believes in people first, disability second.
Whatever your skills or availability, there’s a place for you at Acorn Village — and your time truly makes a difference.
Volunteers are able to access all the wellbeing services available to our employed staff members including access to our Wellbeing Pod, a team of Mental Health First Aiders, spiritual support, a wide-ranging information resource, Mental Health training and a variety of holistic therapies including; free Counselling, Pilates, Reiki, Meditation, Reflexology Massage and injury support.
- Full training/induction period
- Long Service Award
- Discounts in our on-site Cafe and Charity Shops
How to Get Involved
If you’d like to join our friendly volunteer team, we’d love to hear from you! Please read through the Job Descriptions with each Volunteer Role and then download and complete the Application form.
Please then return via email to Recruitment@acornvillages.com.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you find a role that suits your interests and availability. Come and be part of the Acorn Village community — where every volunteer makes a difference!
Important Information
All volunteers at Acorn Village are subject to standard HR and DBS checks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community.
Volunteers are also required to complete any necessary training and read the relevant organisational policies as part of their induction and ongoing development. This helps everyone understand our values, standards, and commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all.
Jo - Day Services Volunteer
" I have been volunteering for more than 2 years now and it is so rewarding helping people be creative so they can express themselves. We have a lot of fun."
Nikki - Cafe Volunteer
"I love the ethos here and I get to see first hand how beneficial Acorn is enabling people with learning disabilities to live their lives to their full potential."