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Duke of Edinburgh & Work Experience

The hospice offers Duke of Edinburgh placements for people aged 14 upwards and we welcome your application to volunteer in one of our 36 shops.

We also have opportunities for work experience either at one of our shops or at the hospice in a range of departments.

Both DofE and work experience placements are popular, so we recommend that you submit your application as early as you can. We are unable to process applications that are submitted less than four weeks before the required start date.

01/05/2026 – We are no longer able to accept any more Work Experience applications for the Summer Term as we have now allocated all our available placements.

Apply for a placement Email our team

Volunteering at our shops

By completing your placement in one of our shops, you will be able to develop new retail-focused skills, including:

  • customer service
  • sorting donations
  • merchandising & displays
  • researching specialist items for e-commerce
  • barista & catering work at Moments Coffee Shop
  • improving communication
  • commitment & teamwork

Please be aware that shops can only offer a certain number of Duke of Edinburgh placements so if you can offer time after school rather than just a Saturday we may find it easier to accommodate you.

See all shop locations & opening times

Seasonal Volunteering

Ideal for anyone aged 16+ who can spare a few hours to support the hospice.

Opportunities to volunteer over:

  • July to October
  • Christmas holidays
  • Easter holidays
Try Seasonal Volunteering

Not just St Elizabeth Hospice shops

As well as our St Elizabeth Hospice shops, we have exciting volunteering opportunities at Moments Coffee Shop & Zest.

Moments offers experience for catering, customer service & barista roles at Ipswich & Stowmarket.

Meanwhile, our Zest shop is not your traditional charity shop. Full of trendy designer clothes, vintage items, homeware and new goods, it is a shop that prides itself on sustainability and supporting our young adult service.

Discover Moments Coffee Shops Discover Volunteering at Zest

Continue volunteering with us

If your application is successful you will be joining a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who aim to improve life for people living with progressive and life limiting illnesses.

St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity which provides its services free of charge. We rely heavily on the support and generosity of the local community and our shops are a vital part of that.

Many students choose to continue volunteering for the hospice after their Duke of Edinburgh placement has been completed, if you would like to do this please speak to the volunteer team at the end of your placement.

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