We know how important it is to give back. People choose to volunteer for many different reasons, and we value every one of them.
Our volunteers often tell us how rewarding their experience is, and they take great pride in being part of a team that supports such a vital service. We appreciate that each volunteer brings unique skills, which is why we offer a variety of roles to suit different strengths and interests.
Take a look at the volunteering opportunities below to find the one that inspires you!
We always welcome volunteers to help service and expand our network of collection boxes located across the county. This role supports our mission by ensuring donations reach those in need.
Key activities:
- Collect, replace, and bank the contents around 2-3 times a year.
- Keep track of collections and monies banked via our online App.
- Ensure boxes are properly labelled.
- Identify potential outlets to display new collection boxes.
- Cleaning and maintaining the collection boxes (you will be provided with all the information and resources to do this).
This is an incredibly flexible way to support us as you can work around your other commitments, calling at your locations when it is convenient to you.
Assist in our charity shops by providing excellent customer service, handling donations, and helping with sales. This role is vital in raising funds to keep our helicopters flying and our critical care cars responding.
Our vibrant network of shops is expanding across the county, with current locations in Barnstaple, Bideford, Budleigh Salterton, Crediton, Dartmouth, Exeter (x2), Exmouth, Honiton, Kingsbridge, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Paignton, Plymouth, Sidmouth, South Molton, St Marychurch, Tavistock, Topsham (x2), and Totnes. We also offer a range of unique specialty shops to bring something special to the table:
- Dartmouth and Topsham: Discover vintage treasures and an eclectic variety of items, perfect for one-of-a-kind finds!
- Okehampton: Browse our dedicated bridal section for beautiful wedding attire at fantastic prices.
- Exeter (Cowick Street): Check out our exclusive Mishap fashion collection, where style meets sustainability.
- Exmouth: Visit our outlet store, where everything is priced at £5 or less—great deals guaranteed!
Key activities:
- Sort and display donated items.
- Assist customers with purchases and enquiries.
- Help process sales, including Gift Aid.
- Keep the shop clean, welcoming, and organised.
With us, you’re in control, you decide where, when, and for how long you’d like to volunteer. From a few hours a week to a regular schedule, we’re flexible to fit your lifestyle.
Beyond our 22 charity shops, we have a thriving online presence through eBay and our Shop DAAT website, where customers can discover unique, preloved treasures right from home. You can bring your digital skills to life by supporting Devon Air Ambulance’s e-commerce efforts!
Key activities:
- Sorting and quality-checking donations to ensure only the best items go on sale.
- Researching quirky and valuable items to uncover their true worth.
- Creating engaging listings by uploading photos, content, and descriptions.
- Capturing great photos of items to help them shine online.
- Assisting with packing and shipping sold items.
Our eBay Team also welcomes volunteers with expertise or hobbies in specific areas that require a lot of time to sort and research – anyone with the skillset to assist with any of the following, would significantly increase the number of items we could process:
- Watches and jewellery
- Cameras and binoculars
- Pokémon cards and gaming
- Stamps (philately)
- Books, especially vintage, first editions, or obscure titles
Locations: Barnstaple (Shop DAAT) & Exeter Marsh Barton (eBay)
With us, you’re in control, you decide where, when, and for how long you’d like to volunteer. From a few hours a week to a regular schedule, we’re flexible to fit your lifestyle.
Provide administrative support at our Head Office to help keep operations running smoothly – all vital in generating much needed funds.
Key activities:
- Support specific projects or departments as needed.
- General administrative tasks such as the weekly lottery post and large mail outs.
- Supporting the fundraising team to get packs ready for events and keeping marketing materials and the merchandise store tidy.
- Counting money that has been donated via our collection boxes
- Cover reception to allow the staff member to complete other tasks at Head Office
Location: Pinhoe, Exeter.
Choose hours that suit your routine, whether you’d like to volunteer weekly or on an occasional basis.
Here’s a great way to get out and about! We always welcome volunteers to help support and plan community events that raise awareness and funds to keep our helicopters flying and our critical care cars responding.
Key activities:
- Supporting the fundraising team, attending events, and providing ‘hands on’ help.
- Assisting in the setting up and packing down of event equipment.
- Marshalling at large events.
- Being the face of DAA out in the community, talking about what we do and raising awareness.
- Shake a bucket at our supermarket collection days.
- Having lots of fun!
There is also the opportunity to organise and manage your own stall at local events if you wish. We will of course provide you with all the relevant equipment and merchandise.
Sign up for events that fit your availability. Events happen all year round, but the summer months tend to be busier so ideally your support at one event per month would be hugely appreciated.
Engage with local groups to raise awareness about our mission and encourage community support. This role is invaluable in ‘spreading the word’ about what we do, how people can get involved, and raising vital funds. If you thrive on connecting with an audience and enjoy inspiring others, this is the perfect opportunity to make a real impact.
Key activities:
- Deliver DAA presentation to local groups, associations, and schools.
- Inspire and motivate others to become supporters and volunteers.
- Share your insights and passion for DAA.
- Sourcing new local groups and opportunities.
- Attend local cheque presentations.
You decide when and how often you’re available for talks. We’ll match you with events that fit your availability and location.
Play a key role in supporting our warehouse operation in Marsh Barton, Exeter, ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of stock across the county. This position offers a valuable opportunity to develop your logistics knowledge within our retail operation.
Key activities:
- Driver’s mate assisting with deliveries and collections to and from DAA premises across the county.
- Loading and unloading of the retail van.
- Moving stock around the warehouse.
- Help to keep a safe and organised environment.
Please note, warehouse and logistic tasks require a degree of manual handling, as donations come in all shapes and sizes. Volunteers need to be physically fit and able to move heavy / bulky items.
Location: Marsh Barton, Exeter
With us, you’re in control, you decide when, and for how long you’d like to volunteer. From a few hours a week to a regular schedule, we’re flexible to fit your lifestyle.
Provide strategic direction and oversight to support our mission at the highest level.
Key activities:
- Attend board meetings and contribute to strategic planning.
- Oversee financial, legal, and operational decisions.
- Help ensure the charity’s activities align with its mission and values.
Trustees typically commit to quarterly meetings, with occasional extra meetings or tasks as needed.
Volunteering for the Duke of Edinburgh Award offers young people invaluable benefits, providing opportunities to build transferable skills, gain practical life experience, and engage meaningfully with their community.
Through volunteer roles in our charity shops, DofE participants learn essential skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and customer service, qualities that can be applied across future jobs and academic pursuits. Additionally, the experience fosters confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility as young volunteers contribute to a meaningful cause.
Please note, however, that there are specific restrictions on tasks and volunteering hours for those under 16 to ensure a safe and appropriate experience. Currently, DofE volunteering opportunities with us are offered exclusively in our charity shops, where participants can support our mission and learn through hands-on involvement in a structured, supportive environment.