Volunteer With Us

CornerstoneSH is built on the dedication and kindness of our volunteers. If you have spare time and want to make a real difference to those experiencing homelessness in the North East, we’d love for you to get involved.

We offer flexible volunteering opportunities to fit around your schedule, with a range of roles to suit different interests and skills. Whether you’d like to learn new practical skills and work as part of a team in our workshop, or support our Homeless Response Teams within our homeless hubs in Bishop Auckland and Hartlepool, there’s a place for you here.

Join us today and help us continue making a positive impact in our community.

Support Our Workshop Team!

We’re looking for a friendly and motivated person to support our Workshop team and help keep our workshop running smoothly each day. If you enjoy being part of a close-knit team, take pride in your work, and want to be part of a charity that makes a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Working closely alongside our Workshop Lead and fellow team members
  • Helping to create high-quality products in an efficient and cost-effective way
  • Supporting events and assisting with deliveries when needed
  • Keeping our workshop clean, organised and welcoming
  • Communicating positively with staff, volunteers, customers and service users
  • Sharing ideas and best practice to help us continually improve
  • Remaining flexible and supportive to meet the needs of the service

What We’re Looking For:

  • Someone who enjoys teamwork and brings a positive attitude
  • A friendly, respectful and professional approach
  • A willingness to follow our policies and uphold our values
  • Someone open to learning and happy to participate in training and development

Want to See What We’re All About First?

You’re warmly invited to come along to our volunteer drop-in every Tuesday from 1pm – 4pm. This is a great chance to have a look around, meet the team and get a feel for what we do before deciding to join us.

Get in touch

Retail & Project Support Assistant!

We’re looking for a friendly, motivated and community-focused person to help support the smooth running of our vibrant Community Hub and retail space. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with people, being part of a team, and making a real difference in the local community.

As part of our team, you will help create a warm, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome. You’ll be involved in day-to-day tasks, supporting activities, engaging with clients, and helping our community hub thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Welcome clients and support them to make use of our hub facilities
  • Assist with general day-to-day hub operations, including taking orders and helping with deliveries
  • Help set up and support community activities and drop-in events
  • Keep the hub clean, safe and inviting, and report any maintenance needs
  • Work closely with the team to create a positive and supportive atmosphere
  • Help promote hub activities, events and retail products
  • Signpost individuals to relevant support services when needed
  • Assist with donations, including requests and collections
  • Support general administration tasks

Working With Our Team:

  • Communicate and collaborate with retail and community support staff
  • Maintain confidentiality and ensure privacy for all service users
  • Keep accurate records as guided by the Community Navigator
  • Follow all Cornerstone policies and procedures, including health & safety and equality standards
  • Work within Cornerstone’s professional code of conduct

Your Growth & Development:

  • Take part in team meetings and regular professional development reviews
  • Be open to learning new skills and completing relevant training
  • Stay informed about updates in policy and best practice
  • Be flexible and able to support occasional hours outside normal patterns

Training Provided:

Full training and induction will be provided, including:

  • Safeguarding
  • Retail skills
  • Health & Social Care essentials
  • Raising a concern
Get in touch

Hartlepool and county Durham

Tenant Support Volunteer

Are you someone who enjoys helping others build confidence and independence? Join us as a Tenant Support Volunteer and play a meaningful role in supporting individuals as they create safe, comfortable homes and become more active members of their community.

In this rewarding role, you will work alongside our dedicated team to empower tenants in developing independent living skills, settling into their spaces, and taking part in activities that enrich their lives.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Supporting tenants in learning and developing everyday living skills
  • Helping prepare rooms for new tenants to create a welcoming environment
  • Ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and upkeep of the accommodation
  • Assisting with the planning and delivery of community events and activities
  • Reporting maintenance needs and supporting routine building checks
  • Working closely with Tenant Support Officers and our Housing Manager
  • Maintaining accurate, confidential records and providing respectful support at all times

What We’re Looking For:

  • A friendly, patient and supportive approach
  • Willingness to work within our policies, values, and confidentiality guidelines
  • Respect for equality, diversity, and inclusive practice
  • Commitment to maintaining a safe and positive environment

Your Growth Matters Too

As part of our team, you’ll receive ongoing guidance, training opportunities, and regular support. We encourage your professional development and are committed to helping you strengthen your skills and confidence.

Get in touch

Willington, County Durham

Volunteer Admin Support

Are you someone who loves being organised, enjoys helping others and wants to make a positive difference in your community? We’re looking for a friendly, proactive Volunteer Admin Support to join our welcoming team at our Willington Head Office.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support our mission while gaining valuable office experience and working alongside a passionate and supportive team. Whether you’re looking to build your skills, return to the workplace, or simply give back – we’d love to hear from you!

What You’ll Be Doing:

Workshop Support:

  • Processing customer orders received through phone or hub.
  • Assisting with enquiries and providing warm, helpful customer service.
  • Communicating between departments to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Maintenance Administration:

  • Helping organise documentation.
  • Scheduling maintenance appointments and keeping systems up to date.

Supporting Staff & Volunteers:

  • Assisting with planning and organising quarterly staff and volunteer events.
  • Providing admin support to volunteers.

General Hub Support:

  • Helping with day-to-day hub operations and maintaining a welcoming environment.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Great organisational and multitasking skills.
  • A keen eye for detail and ability to handle confidential information.
  • Ideally, some previous admin experience.
  • Confidence using basic technology and communication tools.

Personal Qualities:

  • Friendly, proactive, and happy working both independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexible and calm in a lively working environment.
  • Passionate about supporting others and contributing to meaningful work.
Get in touch