Volunteer Hub
Christmas Volunteer
Organisation Details
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Sub theme: Culture, Heritage, Museums
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Elizabeth Gaskell's House in Manchester is the former home of the famous author and her family. Her novels include Mary Barton, Cranford, North and South, Ruth and Wives and Daughters and are enjoyed on television, stage and radio.
This beautifully restored home has spectacular period rooms, villa garden and a tea room for visitors to enjoy. We host a year-round programme of special events and activities and our much loved book shop sells a range of new and second hand books.
This beautifully restored home has spectacular period rooms, villa garden and a tea room for visitors to enjoy. We host a year-round programme of special events and activities and our much loved book shop sells a range of new and second hand books.
Description of role: Our Victorian Christmas Experience is one of the highlights of the Elizabeth Gaskell’s House year and helps to generate much needed income for our small independent museum.
In November and December, the House is transformed into a Victorian Christmas experience, enabling people to learn more about how the Victorians celebrated Christmas and to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The House is decorated for the season with Christmas trees in most rooms and a festive meal laid out in the Dining Room. Visitors can also enjoy festive treats in our Tea Room and browse our Gift Shop.
Last year, we welcomed nearly 1000 visitors over the two months, making it one of the busiest events of the year. To make this year’s event even more magical, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team.
We’re looking for volunteers for the following roles:
Welcome Desk Volunteers - As one of the first people our visitors will meet, you’ll play an important role in creating a warm first impression. You’ll welcome visitors, check and sell tickets and answer any questions people have. You’ll be helping everyone get their Christmas visit off to a great start.
Tea Room Volunteers - Help create a cosy festive atmosphere by serving hot drinks and seasonal treats such as cake and toasted crumpets in our Tea Room and Gift Shop. You’ll provide a friendly welcome to visitors as they enjoy their refreshments and browse our selection of books and gifts.
This is a short-term volunteering opportunity running from Sunday 15 November to Sunday 20 December 2026. We know Christmas is a busy time for everyone, so we’re keeping the commitment flexible. We’re asking you to commit to a minimum of 6 shifts. If you’re able to volunteer for more, we’d be delighted to have your help.
• Shifts: Morning – 10am – 2pm, Afternoon – 12.30pm – 4.30pm
• Available days: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Sunday shifts are our priority, so we particularly need volunteers who can help on Sundays. We also welcome volunteers on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
You can choose to do one of the roles or both, it’s up to you. You may on occasion be asked to steward one of our Victorian rooms, but we don’t expect you to have extra training for this. Once you’ve completed your training and paperwork, you will need to choose your shifts by Monday 9 November.
Before you start, you’ll need to attend one of our induction sessions:
• Tuesday 20 October – 11.30am – 12.30pm
• Tuesday 20 October – 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Induction sessions are only available on these dates.
Following your induction, you’ll attend a training session for your chosen role(s):
• Welcome Desk Volunteers: Tuesday 3 November, 11am – 1pm
• Tea Room Volunteers: Friday 6 November, 2pm – 4pm
These sessions will provide all the information and practical training you will need to feel confident in your role before the event begins. You will also be given a training pack which will cover everything you need to know.
No previous experience is required, and we will provide all training.
We’re simply looking for people who are:
• Friendly and welcoming
• Enthusiastic and keen to learn
• Reliable and able to commit to agreed shifts
• Comfortable working as part of a team
• Happy to chat with visitors and provide excellent customer service
Other information - We have a very limited number of spaces in our small car park and is subject to availability. Parking is also available on Swinton Grove, free for up to 3 hours on weekdays and all day on Sundays. Cycle racks are also available on-site.
Travel costs can be reimbursed up to £10 per day.
We provide free tea, coffee and biscuits for all volunteers. Dietary requirements can be accommodated. Volunteers wanting to do a full-day shift can bring a packed lunch.
With regards to a dress code, we’d love it if you’d consider wearing something festive, like a Christmas jumper, but this is not a requirement. We just want you to be comfortable to enjoy your time volunteering with us.
You will also get:
• References for future job or volunteering applications
• Free admission to the Victorian Christmas Experience for two people, worth £19
• Travel expenses reimbursed up to £10 per day
• An invitation to our Christmas volunteer social event in December
• The opportunity to gain valuable experience whilst supporting an independent museum and your local community
In November and December, the House is transformed into a Victorian Christmas experience, enabling people to learn more about how the Victorians celebrated Christmas and to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The House is decorated for the season with Christmas trees in most rooms and a festive meal laid out in the Dining Room. Visitors can also enjoy festive treats in our Tea Room and browse our Gift Shop.
Last year, we welcomed nearly 1000 visitors over the two months, making it one of the busiest events of the year. To make this year’s event even more magical, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team.
We’re looking for volunteers for the following roles:
Welcome Desk Volunteers - As one of the first people our visitors will meet, you’ll play an important role in creating a warm first impression. You’ll welcome visitors, check and sell tickets and answer any questions people have. You’ll be helping everyone get their Christmas visit off to a great start.
Tea Room Volunteers - Help create a cosy festive atmosphere by serving hot drinks and seasonal treats such as cake and toasted crumpets in our Tea Room and Gift Shop. You’ll provide a friendly welcome to visitors as they enjoy their refreshments and browse our selection of books and gifts.
This is a short-term volunteering opportunity running from Sunday 15 November to Sunday 20 December 2026. We know Christmas is a busy time for everyone, so we’re keeping the commitment flexible. We’re asking you to commit to a minimum of 6 shifts. If you’re able to volunteer for more, we’d be delighted to have your help.
• Shifts: Morning – 10am – 2pm, Afternoon – 12.30pm – 4.30pm
• Available days: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
Sunday shifts are our priority, so we particularly need volunteers who can help on Sundays. We also welcome volunteers on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
You can choose to do one of the roles or both, it’s up to you. You may on occasion be asked to steward one of our Victorian rooms, but we don’t expect you to have extra training for this. Once you’ve completed your training and paperwork, you will need to choose your shifts by Monday 9 November.
Before you start, you’ll need to attend one of our induction sessions:
• Tuesday 20 October – 11.30am – 12.30pm
• Tuesday 20 October – 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Induction sessions are only available on these dates.
Following your induction, you’ll attend a training session for your chosen role(s):
• Welcome Desk Volunteers: Tuesday 3 November, 11am – 1pm
• Tea Room Volunteers: Friday 6 November, 2pm – 4pm
These sessions will provide all the information and practical training you will need to feel confident in your role before the event begins. You will also be given a training pack which will cover everything you need to know.
No previous experience is required, and we will provide all training.
We’re simply looking for people who are:
• Friendly and welcoming
• Enthusiastic and keen to learn
• Reliable and able to commit to agreed shifts
• Comfortable working as part of a team
• Happy to chat with visitors and provide excellent customer service
Other information - We have a very limited number of spaces in our small car park and is subject to availability. Parking is also available on Swinton Grove, free for up to 3 hours on weekdays and all day on Sundays. Cycle racks are also available on-site.
Travel costs can be reimbursed up to £10 per day.
We provide free tea, coffee and biscuits for all volunteers. Dietary requirements can be accommodated. Volunteers wanting to do a full-day shift can bring a packed lunch.
With regards to a dress code, we’d love it if you’d consider wearing something festive, like a Christmas jumper, but this is not a requirement. We just want you to be comfortable to enjoy your time volunteering with us.
You will also get:
• References for future job or volunteering applications
• Free admission to the Victorian Christmas Experience for two people, worth £19
• Travel expenses reimbursed up to £10 per day
• An invitation to our Christmas volunteer social event in December
• The opportunity to gain valuable experience whilst supporting an independent museum and your local community
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Customer Service, IT Skills, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: One day / week only
Start date:
End date:
Opportunity times: Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Sunday Morning, Sunday Afternoon
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 6 shifts / 25 hours
Location:
84 Plymouth Grove
Manchester
M13 9LW