Explore volunteering across the UK. Find roles that fit your skills or offer general help. Discover the perfect spot to donate your time.
Learn from others like Henry, an e-learning expert who helped The Sleep Charity. Or Wesley, who made a website for Growing Against Violence. Their efforts boosted the charities.
Join us to give back and impact communities across the UK. Your journey in making a difference starts here.
Introduction to UK Volunteering
Volunteering in the UK is a journey of making a difference. Our country is known for its volunteer spirit. Over the last year, 17.1 million adults in England volunteered. This effort equals the work of one million full-time workers. Without it, the economy would lose £18 billion each year.
If you’re thinking, “I want to volunteer,” there’s a lot you can do. You can find roles in charities, community groups, and conservation. Our platform has helped over 900,000 Brits. It connects you with the UK’s largest volunteer role database.
The Pathways Through Participation project looks at why people volunteer. Reasons range from personal growth to wanting to help out. Now, micro-volunteering lets people take on small tasks that fit their schedules easily.
Companies are also getting involved through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). They encourage employees to volunteer. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) supports the voluntary sector. It was founded in 1919. Today, it ensures volunteering stays important in our society.
Also, digital tools have changed the way we find volunteer work. Social media and digital platforms help with finding volunteers. They also improve engagement and fundraising. Now, it’s easier for anyone to say, “I want to volunteer,” and really make a difference.
- Rich history of volunteerism in the UK.
- Diverse sectors offering volunteer roles.
- Influencing factors for volunteering decisions.
- Rise of micro-volunteering.
- Impact of CSR initiatives.
- Role of digital platforms and social media.
Are you ready to help out? Take a look at the volunteering opportunities in the UK. Join a community that’s all about positive change!
National Charities: Make a Difference Nationwide
When we volunteer for national charities, we impact many lives. We help with big causes that reach people everywhere. The Big Help Out is a perfect example, with lots of young people wanting to join in but finding it hard to find a way volunteer service.
Last year, The Big Help Out made a big splash with over 50,000 events across the UK. From Friday 7 to Sunday 9 June 2024, it’s back. More schools, communities, and businesses can join in. Groups like FareShare and Age UK are gearing up for great volunteer events.
Volunteering can mean different volunteering opportunities things for each of us. We could help with paperwork or join a board. The Big Help Out is growing this year. It aims to include more people who usually don’t get involved. In 2024, about 6.5 million folks joined from June 7th to 9th.
Even famous people like King Charles III and astronaut Tim Peake support The Big Help Out. With an app, finding volunteer work is easy. You can choose what fits your interests and where you are.
There are lots of stories about how volunteering changes things for the better. For example, Guide Dogs praises its volunteers a lot. Thanks to last year’s Big Help Out, many more people joined their cause. It shows that when we come together, we can do big things.
To understand how big national volunteering is, look at this table. It shows important facts about The Big Help Out and other activities:
| Event | Date | Participants | Key Organisations |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Big Help Out | 7-9 June 2024 | 6.5 million | FareShare, Age UK, Sport England, Asda |
| Volunteer Registration | Ongoing | Millions | Big Help Out Platform |
| Thank You Day | One month post Big Help Out | Nationwide | Together Coalition |
Volunteering with national charities is rewarding. It connects us with others and makes our communities stronger. Let’s get involved charity volunteering with The Big Help Out. It’s a chance to make a real difference and help build a better future.
Local Community Groups: Impact Close to Home
Local community volunteering is vital to our neighbourhoods. It brings us closer and makes immediate improvements. Working with groups like Hospice Hope and experts such as Anna from Money a + e, we can see the real impact of volunteerism.
A survey found that 98% of BHF volunteers felt they helped their community. Also, 94% felt less lonely, showing the social benefits of volunteering.
A large 92% saw better mental health volunteering opportunities, especially those giving over 30 hours weekly. Plus, 80% noticed improved physical health, underlining the broad gains from volunteering.
| Benefit | General Volunteers | Specific Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Improved Mental Health | 92% | 98% (30+ hours/week) |
| Reduced Isolation or Loneliness | 94% | 52% (2019) |
| Enhanced Employability Skills | 91% | 98% (16-17 years old), 97% (18-24 years old) |
| Improved Physical Health | 80% | 86% (home stores) |
Stories from our neighbourhoods make volunteering even more attractive. Giving back inspires others, strengthening our community. From advisory roles to physical tasks, volunteering locally drives positive change.
We urge everyone to find volunteering chances nearby. By joining in, we help our community thrive together.
Corporate Volunteering: Engage Your Employees
Corporate volunteering lets businesses get their staff involved in work that matters, outside the usual office tasks. We offer full support to UK firms to weave volunteering into their work culture smoothly. This helps your team contribute socially and see the value of their efforts.
- The project should be well-planned with clear goals
- Enough info about the cause or charity
- No feeling forced by bosses or workmates
- Volunteering time off, paid by the company
Companies like Mitzvah Day thrive in this, thanks to CEO Stuart Diamond. They really make volunteering rewarding for their staff.
Corporate volunteering opportunities makes staff happier and more likely to stay. Happy staff work harder, boosting the company’s success. Plus, volunteer help it’s great for learning new skills, teamwork, and making professional connections.
There’s a lot of different ways companies can volunteer:
- Helping students as tutors
- Supporting online projects
- Leading virtual workshops or clubs
- Using art to fundraise
- Mentoring online
- Writing or creating for charities
- Running online fundraising events
- Translating for charities
- Cooking for the homeless
- Beach or park clean-ups
- City litter picking
- Food donations
- Giving out care packages
- Starting a volunteer babysitting club
- Joining blood donation drives
- Making or giving warm clothes
- Looking after local green spaces
Lastly, businesses with a strong community role often report 77% of shoppers prefer to buy from them. By promoting worthwhile volunteering, companies aid the community, support charities, and build meaningful connections.
Volunteer Stories: Inspiring Contributions
Our platform is full of volunteer stories that touch hearts. These stories show how volunteering changes lives and gives us purpose. It’s amazing to see how these experiences help people grow and feel more connected.
Mariya Shan worked as a Therapy Paramedic for Quetzal Leicester for over 10 months. Her hard work won her the Frank May Volunteer of the Year award for 2023-24. Vlad spent his time as an ‘Appropriate Adult’ for Leicester County Council, helping volunteering opportunities vulnerable people during police interviews.
Emmanuella took part in The Big Sleep to help the homeless. Hanna and Layla helped The Bridge Homelessness to Hope charity. Their efforts show how we can all help solve big social problems.
Kazz helped at Vista’s Head Office for people with sight loss. Abu-Bakr supported Dementia Care at Leicester Royal Infirmary for 18 months. Their work shows the wide range of ways to volunteer.
Anubhooti and Samuel, as Library Champions, not only improved their own skills but also helped others learn. Frankie, as a School Reading Buddy, shows how important it is to help young readers.
Volunteers should try to help out as much as they can. This makes a big difference in their communities. Long shifts at wildlife rescues or helping during the Taal Volcanic Eruption show the dedication of volunteers.
Akua Opong spent ten years volunteering, taking part in many charity events. Her work at the London Stock Exchange Group shows how volunteering helps build work skills. It’s important for companies to support employee volunteering for skill development.
In the end, all these volunteer stories prove how volunteering benefits individuals and society. Let’s celebrate those who volunteer their time to help others. We encourage everyone to find a cause they are passionate about and get involved.
Conservation Volunteering: Preserving Heritage Sites
Helping with heritage conservation volunteering is a fulfilling way to help protect the UK’s precious historical and natural heritage. By joining, you become part of a large group of over 7000 volunteers from the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative. This program has hosted over 500 action camps in about 60 countries worldwide volunteering opportunities.
Our volunteers have key roles, like guiding in Blicking Estate’s South Drawing Room in Norfolk. They also help keep millions of artefacts safe at National Trust sites. Heritage conservation volunteering is vital for protecting these treasures for those who come after us.
We also work with over 100 youth groups and NGOs. Our action camps welcome 10 to 30 volunteers from both near and far. This mix creates a diverse group that focuses on preserving nature and heritage together.
The European Heritage Volunteers and Better World have been key in running these projects. They’ve been coordinating in Europe since 2014 and in Asia and the Pacific since 2015. The Coordinating Committee for International volunteering opportunities Service has also played a crucial role since the start in 2008.
In 2013, 52 projects at 52 World Heritage sites in 32 countries were completed with 43 groups. Most volunteers are students aged 18 to 30, showing the youth’s strong will to save our heritage. These sites are important for the economy too, as they attract tourists who support local businesses.
Working with groups like The Pankhurst Trust and Manchester Museum shows the strong network backing heritage conservation volunteering. A Support programme was started in 2022 with help from Historic England. It offers important training and chances to network for volunteers.
This programme also provides volunteering opportunities an online Resource Hub with free training and two part-time Volunteer Support Officers. They ensure our volunteers get great support. They connect with important groups like Historic England, forming a strong support network for preserving nature and heritage sites.
How to Volunteer: Getting Started Volunteering Opportunities
Are you thinking about volunteering and want to make a difference? This guide is for you. It begins with finding a role that suits your skills and interests. Think about your strengths like public speaking, organising, leading, or communicating. These skills are precious in volunteering. There’s a role for everyone, from pet sitting to writing blogs, that can help your career.
To start, you need to prepare a bit. First, make sure you’re old enough for the role, as some need you to be over 18. You will likely need to send in a CV and a cover letter. Show them why you’re the right choice and what you’ll bring to the table. Organisations value eagerness, hard work, trust, and reliability.
Searching for the right volunteering chance can be easier with help. Platforms like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Do IT, Volunteering Matters, and Citizens Advice list available roles. There are over 300 roles in the NHS alone, starting from age 16. NHS Cadets is one program for young people interested in health and care careers. And if you need more help, GOV.UK has lots of resources, plus phone and webchat support.
Starting volunteering opportunities as a volunteer might seem scary, but being well-prepared helps. Make sure you understand what the organisation needs. Complete any forms they ask for and follow their instructions. Being informed from the start makes volunteering rewarding and impactful.