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Volunteer

One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time

For over 45 years, volunteers have been an integral part of Bendrigg. Over 200 people each year volunteer at Bendrigg either on a residential or day basis, across all departments. So, whether you are looking to give something back, gain some work experience, complete your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or try something new, there is a volunteer opportunity for everyone. We welcome volunteers of all abilities, and over a third of the volunteer hours given each year are from volunteers with additional needs or disabilities themselves.

Look at what you helped achieve.

Volunteers annually
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Volunteer hours
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Disabled volunteers
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Volunteer support
£ 0

Residential volunteers

Residential volunteers work directly alongside a group on their activity residential for the full length of their stay, usually between two to seven nights. You’ll provide support to the Bendrigg Tutors during activities and at meal times, helping with everything from dishing up supper to using your paddle power in the canoe.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to increase knowledge and experience of working alongside people of various abilities, often challenging your own perception of disability which can be extremely rewarding.

Residential volunteers stay in our dedicated volunteer accommodation block which includes your own lounge space and kitchenette.

Apply to volunteer now

Day volunteers

If you can’t commit to a residential week or weekend, then day support is just as valuable. Whether you want to come on your own or with a group of co-workers, friends, or family, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Types of day volunteering opportunities vary and can be tailored to your specific skills and interests. This may include (but is not limited to!) supporting our:

  • Office team – greeting visitors, general administrative tasks, social media and more
  • Maintenance team – gardening, grounds and building maintenance, activity projects and painting
  • Domestic and catering teams – cleaning, cooking, serving food and baking
  • Fundraising team – giving talks, supporting or hosting fundraising events, raising awareness
  • Management and governance by becoming a trustee!
Apply to volunteer now

Testimonials

What people have to say about Bendrigg

"Thank you so much for the wonderful week I have just had as a volunteer at your beautiful centre, I felt connected with the people I helped look after, and the warm welcome I received, the week flew by and I miss the centre already. I really appreciate your time and concern in allowing me to gain experience, in a vocation I wish to continue, I can feel in my heart it was something I was destined to do. I appreciate this chance that was given to me and you all will be forever in my thoughts.”
Siobhan Noblett
Residential volunteer
"In 1992 I was studying to become a youth and community worker at Bradford and Ilkley community college. I needed to do a long-term placement and somebody recommended Bendrigg. At the time I didn’t realise how much my life would change as a result. From the moment I walked through the door I was made to feel special and welcome, the place exudes energy and friendliness. I realised at this moment how steep my learning curve would be around the issue of working with disability. During my time at Bendrigg I was trained in working with groups to really push the boundaries of what is possible. I was taught the moment a guest comes through the door they are the most important person and we have a very limited time to work with them to identify their potential; this place gets them to believe that anything is possible.”
Paul Oxborough
Residential volunteer
“Bendrigg Trust was THE best place to conduct my Duke of Edinburgh residential as not only did it enhance upon skills I already acquire, but it also allowed me to develop vital skills which I now believe will aid me in later life and the career path I wish to take. The Duke of Edinburgh Award predominantly tests an individual’s physical ability. Bendrigg allowed me to not just test my physical ability but also my mental ability. Patience, communication and organisation are just three of the many skills in which I developed through interacting with the children and giving my assistance in various activities. Although the days are tiring, the facial expressions of the children and the enthusiasm of the tutors makes everything so worthwhile and allowed me to feel rewarded for the whole duration of my visit. The children are able to be involved in activities which may only be a dream to them in reality. The feeling of seeing children succeed in these activities is indescribable. For me, this is the most valuable feeling in which I will remember for years to come and is the main reason I would highlight when suggesting Bendrigg to other individuals doing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.”
Holly Peacock
Residential volunteer
“Not only was volunteering at Bendrigg incredibly enriching I was also hugely impressed by the range of activities on offer at Bendrigg. There was something for everyone, no matter what their ability level. Furthermore, it is very inspiring how the staff at Bendrigg are always going the extra mile to ensure everyone has a great time.  People are at the heart of this organisation and that is abundantly clear in everyone’s enjoyment of the centre.”
Esme
Residential volunteer
Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm

Sat and Sun closed

Registered Charity Number

508450

Important Links
Contact

Bendrigg Trust

Bendrigg Lodge
Old Hutton
Kendal
Cumbria, LA8 0NR

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