Are you passionate about supporting your community and making a positive impact? At Bethany Christian Trust, our shops play a vital role in supporting our mission of ending homelessness in Scotland, one person at a time. Join us and become one of over 80 Bethany Shop volunteers, where every hour that you give helps fund life-changing support and services for vulnerable people across Scotland.
Who can volunteer at a Bethany Shop?
At the Bethany Shop, every volunteer helps make a real difference.
Whether you have specific skills to share or simply some time to give, we welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to be part of our mission of ending homelessness in Scotland.
There’s a wide range of roles available to suit everyone, and however you choose to help, your contribution directly supports the work we do across the country. Whether you can give a few hours a week or commit full-time, we’ll work with your availability and make you feel supported. We’ll provide full training and guidance, as well as other learning opportunities.
For young people aged 16 and over, we offer placements that support the Duke of Edinburgh qualification and provide meaningful hands-on experience.
We believe that everyone has something to offer, and that together, we can do something powerful.
#WhatsYourReason
What type of roles are available?
With six shops and a dedicated bookshop in Edinburgh, as well as locations in Gullane and Glasgow, we offer a wide range of exciting and meaningful volunteering opportunities. Whether you’re interested in working behind the scenes in the stockroom or prefer a more customer-facing role on the shop floor, there’s something to suit every personality and skill set.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life and range in age from 16 and up, bringing with them a wealth of diverse experiences and perspectives. This diversity strengthens our team and creates a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone can contribute in their own unique way.
If you’re looking for a rewarding, flexible, and meaningful way to make a difference, we’d love to welcome you to our team!
How you can get involved
Step 1 – Find the right opportunity
Follow the Volunteer Opportunities link above and choose the role that suits you best! We have seven general shops across Edinburgh, Gullane and Glasgow, and one specialist bookshop in Edinburgh.
Each opportunity has a role description and information about availability. You can email volunteers@bethanychristiantrust.com to find out more about the role, or pop into your local Bethany Shop to chat to our friendly team!
Step 2 – Submit your application
Fill in the short online application form and let us know your preferred shop location availability, and a bit about your interests. Our team will be in touch to confirm receipt of your application and outline the next steps in the process.
Step 3 – Meet the shop manager
If your application is successful, the shop manager will invite you for a friendly, informal interview to get to know you and discuss the role in more detail.
Step 4 – Attend an induction and training session
You’ll be introduced to the team and shown how everything works in the shop. We’ll make sure you feel confident, informed, and ready to get started. You’ll be shown all available roles within the shop, but we are keen for volunteers to focus on the things they enjoy!
For example, if you love fashion, your eye for detail is perfect for sorting and pricing clothes, or helping make displays look their best.
Step 5 – Welcome to the team!
Volunteers are vital to our organisation, and we are so grateful for the time and commitment they dedicate to our mission.
By joining us, you’ll be a valued part of the Bethany Shop team from day one, and we regularly show recognition for all volunteers through regular events. We’ve also won several Inspiring Volunteer awards, celebrating and championing the achievements of individuals and teams.
