There are many different ways you can help support our work.

You can become a Volunteer- either within our Family support activities or at Fundraising events; donate money as a one off or regular giving;  get your workplace, school or community group involved through raising awareness of creating a fundraiser; or even hold your own fundraiser or take part in a sporting event or Kiltwalk on behalf of Team Jak- the list is endless and the world is your oyster!

Team Jak will support you all the way in whatever you choose to do.

And if you can’t make that day but would like to know more about our Volunteering opportunities or how you could donate to Team Jak please contact- margaret@teamjak.org.uk.

We are always looking for folks to raise awareness and hold their own in aid of Fundraisers and we will support you through this process by giving you collection tins, leaflets, banners, t-shirts, sponsor forms and even help you set up an online fundraising page through Enthuse.

Or why not check with your workplace if they do charity of the year that you could nominate us for, or even if they have payroll giving where you sign up monthly to donate whatever amount you can to Team Jak.

Or if you are able we’d love you to become one of our regular monthly givers and we can help you set up your standing order for a monthly amount of your choice.

We also have our Bonus Ball if you like the chance to win which is drawn weekly.

Volunteer with Us

Team Jak rely on the support of our fabulous volunteers to help us carry out both our fundraising and support work. 

Criteria for Volunteering

Depending on our currently available volunteering opportunities, our basic criteria for volunteering at Team Jak is as follows:

• At least 16 years of age (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult and will only be required for specific activities)

• Able to commit to regular support over a sustained period

• Able to pass a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check or Disclosure as appropriate

• Able to provide satisfactory references

• Willing to work to Team Jak’s policies and procedures, especially Health and Safety, Child Protection and Equality

We ask our potential new volunteers to apply and attend one of our volunteer evenings so we can get to know each other.  

We also hold an Individual Interview and seek 2 references.

Once you have completed references and pvg and Child Protection, Health and Safety and where applicable Food Hygiene training, we then try to match you with suitable volunteering opportunities that will benefit all of us.

Current Volunteer Roles

We have a number of volunteering opportunities currently available at Team Jak, Jak’s Den Livingston, and at our pop-up Dens in Aberdeen & the North of Scotland, Fife & Dundee and Lothian & Borders.

Have a look at what some of our Volunteers think of Volunteering for Team Jak. 

Volunteer with our Family Support team

Our Family Support team support children to access different creative opportunities and experiences, to challenge themselves and to explore their interests and feelings, in a secure setting within Jak’s Den or via home and hospital outreach. Co-ordinators, with the support of volunteers, facilitate sessions based on the interests of our warriors, siblings and angel families, whilst keeping every child safe. 

At the end of each session, we take notes to help evaluate our impact, which our volunteers are encouraged to take part in, to give us feedback, and influence and plan for the next visit. 

Please note, we require our volunteers opting for this role or that of outreach to complete a 6 week Befriending course before volunteering

Volunteer administrators

If you have skills in office based tasks, we may be able to find a role for you. We have a variety of ongoing projects that could benefit from volunteers to support us with the admin work. This could be a regular or one-off project for you.

Front of house welcomers

Volunteering at the Den can be rewarding for everyone. Jak’s Den is open most days of the week. As a front of house welcome you could be doing anything from welcoming visitors, playing with the children while they are in the Den, to making tea and coffee and talking with parents. We're looking for friendly volunteers who can help us welcome our visitors to Jak’s Den and tell them about what we do. You will be the first face of Team Jak and meet, greet and help sign families and guests in and out.

If you are outgoing and happy to chat this could be the role for you!

Maintenance volunteers

Maintenance is covered by our staff, along with some corporate and community volunteer teams, who help us keep our Den and garden looking their best. If you are able to assist us with basic maintenance, such as cleaning, store management or gardening, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer with our fundraising team

Volunteers help our fundraising team in two key ways - community fundraising and administrative support. This could include support at Team Jak events, helping at awareness stalls and at community events, placing and managing collecting cans in local businesses, bag packs and bucket shakes, or helping prepare all the resources required for these events back at Jak’s Den.

How to apply

To apply to volunteer at Team Jak, please contact us. We will then send you an application pack and ask you for some more information, including your availability.

We will also ask you to come along for an Interview at Team Jak HQ so we can get to know each other better. 

If we are a good match, then we move on to references and other required checks including PVG forms and we will ensure you have completed a full Induction and CP, H & S, Food Hygiene training as mentioned above before you begin your volunteering journey with us.    

• If you are volunteering for working directly with our families within Jak’s Den we require you to complete a 6 week befriending course prior to commencement.    

• Read our privacy policy for volunteer applicants.