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JDRF has now rebranded to Breakthrough T1D.
Our name has changed, our mission has not.

Volunteer

Whether you can offer an hour, days or months, your contribution will make a huge difference to over 400,000 people in the UK who live with type 1 diabetes.

Bear mascot at cycle fundraiser finish line

Why volunteer for Breakthrough T1D?

Are you thinking about giving your time, energy or skills to help create a world without type 1 diabetes?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to build your skills, meet new people, create lasting friendships and have fun, all while making a real difference to the those living with type 1 diabetes.

By giving your time you’ll be helping to move us closer to our vision of a world without type 1 diabetes.

No matter your reasons for volunteering, your connection to type 1, or the level of experience you’ve had before volunteering with us, all of our volunteers are ambassadors for Breakthrough T1D and are equally as vital in driving forward the work we do.

Whether you’re cheering on Breakthrough T1D runners at the London Marathon or helping our major donors’ team to administer significant donations to fund our work, volunteering will give you an opportunity to:

  • Gain new skills
  • Build on existing experience and skills
  • Meet other volunteers with a connection to type 1
  • Create lasting friendships
  • Have fun

Our volunteers’ passion and dedication inspires us every day. Whether you can give an hour occasionally or a day a week, we will appreciate every minute.

About our volunteering opportunities

Become part of our events crew, share your professional expertise or sign up to become a Community Ambassador. If you don’t see a role that fits your skills or motivations, let us know and we can discuss a unique opportunity for you.

View volunteering opportunities

Volunteer stories

Volunteer FAQs

Find frequently asked questions about volunteering with Breakthrough T1D below or if you can’t find what you need, contact our volunteering team by emailing volunteering@breakthrought1d.org.uk.

  • How old do I need to be to volunteer for Breakthrough T1D?

    We welcome people of all ages to get involved with Breakthrough T1D UK. If you are under 25 you can sign up to be part of our Youth Ambassador Programme, or if you’re older we’d love you to get involved in whichever Breakthrough T1D role you’re interested in.

  • Do I need to have a connection to type 1 diabetes?

    We have a number of roles that don’t need you to have a connection to type 1 diabetes, such as being part of our events crew, offering your professional experience and expertise or by taking on fundraising support or administration roles in our offices in six locations across the country.

  • How much time do I need to give?

    How much time you decide to give is entirely up to you, but is often dependent on the role that you are interested in. However, we are very flexible with volunteering opportunities as we understand that everyone who volunteers has other commitments too. As an example, if you’d like to become part of our events crew, we will send you our latest calendar of events – you then decide which events fit around you and tell us when and where you’d like to help.

  • Will I receive training?

    If you sign up to become a T1 Speaker you’ll be supported with a training workshop to prepare you to feel confident in the role. All our other roles involve an induction where you’ll learn all about Breakthrough T1D and how far we’ve come and ‘on the job’ training if required. For example, as an events team member, you may receive a briefing on the day so you’ll be clear about what we expect and what your responsibilities will be. You’ll also receive support from our Volunteer Officer or your very own Staff Buddy.

  • Will you pay expenses?

    We believe you should not be out of pocket for giving your valuable time and support to us. We cover all reasonable expenses, including travel and £5 for lunch if your support at any one time lasts over four hours.

  • Once I have chosen a role will this be the only way I can volunteer?

    Not at all, if you would like to change your role with us or take on an additional role we will be happy to arrange this for you.

  • I’m not sure how I want to help but I would like to get involved

    If you’ve browsed our volunteering roles but are still unsure about what you would like to do just answer a few questions and complete your details on our volunteer sign-up form and one of our team will contact you to chat through your options and ideas.

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