In the community
Fundraising volunteers are vital to make the work we do possible.

Volunteers at a bucket collection
Francis House Children’s Hospice opened in 1991 and is a lifeline to countless families from across the north west of England.
Volunteers can help by organising or assisting at events, at bucket collections, bag packs, managing our collection boxes and even public speaking. Check out our latest opportunities further down the page.
Why do we need volunteers?
Our volunteers are very important to us and make a big difference by:
- Bringing knowledge, life skills and ideas
- Providing a presence in the local communities that we serve
- Performing tasks that enable us to save money, allowing us to spend more on services that support families
- Helping us to raise vital funds and contributing towards the £13,150.00 we need everyday.
We are also looking for people to join, or start local fundraising groups. If you have time to spare and would like to find out more contact our fundraising office on 0161 443 2200.
Get in touch











Collection box volunteers
Our collection boxes can be found out in the community and provide us with a valuable source of income. A Francis House collection box on the counter of a shop or pub demonstrates that the business and public are supporting our Hospice and that means a lot to us!
Volunteers look after a number of the charity boxes on our behalf and we need reliable supporters to help us manage their drop-off and collection. We have boxes in almost 100 different locations from Oldham to Altrincham, Uppermill to Urmston, Rochdale to Romiley and all around Greater Manchester.
The generosity of many people means that the boxes need swapping every 3 or 6 months. If you can help in any way please get in touch, equally if you have a suggestion for a new location we would love to hear it!
Call Julie Williams on call 0161 443 2200 or contact fundraising@francishouse.org.uk
"It was always my aim when I finished work that I would do some volunteering because I didn’t want to be sat around doing nothing."
Cheryl Thompson

Current opportunities
Volunteers help us at collections at football matches, supermarkets and other collections as well as marshalling at events, packing our Easter chicks, delivering and collecting items, and managing stalls.
Current vacancies include:
Bucket Collections (Dates and times flexible)
Various bucket collections at Morrisons supermarkets around Greater Manchester.
Run Heaton Park
Two volunteers required to help our Fundraising Officer at this bi-monthly Sunday running event. Help to put up and take down banners and flags along the course. As a representative of Francis House you’ll help answer questions, take donations and assist with a potential bucket collection at the end of race.
Easter Chick Appeal
Volunteer drivers required to deliver our chicks to local schools and businesses.
Group of 15 volunteers stuffing crème eggs into knitted chicks at Francis House (9.30am – 4.30pm) x 2 during March and April.
Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton 9th March 2025 (10am-4pm)
Brookside Miniature Railway charity fun day needs a band of volunteers to help with ticket sales and ensure that people get on and off the train safely. There will also be a bucket collection, tombola or raffle and an information stand.
Francis House Open Day – Monday 12th May 2025 (10am – 4pm)
Two volunteers required to serve refreshments to the visitors.
Great Manchester Run Cheering Squad – 18th May 2025 (Various times between 9am – 2pm)
Volunteers required to wear Francis House T-shirts, hold banners and cheer on our 100 plus runners along the 10k and half marathon course.
Didsbury Festival Saturday 8th June 2025 (10am – 5pm)
Two people at a time required to set up and run a stall in Didsbury Park selling merchandise plus a raffle or tombola. Hours flexible and we can work on a shift rota.
Festival of Christmas Trees – October 2025
Group of 8 people to put up 40 artificial Christmas trees with lights at Quayside MediaCity.
Francis House Open Day – Saturday November TBC 2025 (10am – 4pm)
Two volunteers required to serve refreshments to the visitors. One volunteer to sell Christmas cards and merchandise.
Festival of Christmas Trees Pop Up Shop – November to December (10.30am – 4.30pm)
Volunteers required to work a shift in our festive pop-up shop at Quayside MediaCity.
Christmas Tree Collection (January 2026)
Drivers (with or without vans) to collect used Christmas trees from the Greater Manchester area and deliver them to Wythenshawe Park for chipping. Volunteers are also required to help chip the trees. This is an ideal opportunity for corporate group as we need up to 10 volunteers every day over 4 days. Dates required 9th & 10th January.

Volunteers help out with Christmas tree recycling
What can you get from volunteering?
As well as helping us to continue to support the families in greatest need, you will:
- Meet new people and be part of an enthusiastic team
- Learn or develop new skills
- Spend your time doing something worthwhile and gain a sense of achievement
- Enhance the prospect of getting a job
- Gain experience from working with our fundraising team
- Help raise money to make a real difference to children and young people with life-limiting conditions.