Want to try something new, grow your skills, and do some good, all at the same time? Discover different ways to volunteer and boost your job prospects with the icould guide to volunteering.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering is a great way to:
- gain work experience and show your interest in a particular type of work. This can really help give your future job applications that extra edge
- build your skills bank with examples, such as team work or problem solving, that you can include on your CV or talk about at interviews
- try something new to see if you like it. Lots of volunteering roles offer a trial session, so you can quickly get a feel for whether you’d like to become more involved
- gain an inside view as to what a type of work is really like. Even if you’re doing something simple, you’ll often get the get the chance to see what people in other roles are doing
- develop your network. You’ll meet other volunteers and make contacts which could lead to other things
- do something worthwhile and rewarding
There are lots of different ways you can volunteer. In some cases, you need to be over 18 to volunteer but there are options out there for younger people too. Take a look at these ideas to get started.
Volunteering as part of a package
14-24 year-olds can take The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which combines volunteering with other activities.  If you’re 15-17 you can take part in a local social action project for The National Citizen Service and develop new skills at the same time.
General opportunities
Do-it makes it easy for anyone to volunteer in their community and lists over a million opportunities.
GoodGym combines physical tasks that benefit the community and keep you fit. Join a group run and work on a community project or do one off missions. You’ll get the help of a qualified trainer and support to achieve your goals.
Volunteering direct
If you want to support a cause or get experience in a particular job area, try looking on relevant organisations’ websites. And remember it’s not just charities looking for volunteers. Big events and festivals often draw on volunteer support for roles such as marshals, ushers, and car park attendants (and sometimes include free entry or backstage access). Â Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
The Conservation Volunteers  help thousands of people each year reclaim local green places.
At the British Red Cross you can volunteer in emergency response and first aid, charity shops or fundraising.
Interested in bird life? The RSPB welcomes volunteers from bird identifiers to graphic designers.
Volunteer at homelessness charity Crisis and help deliver services, campaigns, fundraising, admin and IT support.
Are you a good listener? Samaritans volunteers support people who get in touch by phone, email, letter and in person.
Cancer Research UK recruits event, media and office volunteers.
Volunteering abroad
VSO provides volunteering placements overseas, mainly in developing countries.
BUNACÂ offers ethical, low-cost volunteering abroad programmes across Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Watch videos on volunteering
See how volunteering helped these people get their current job:
Anna – now an Education Officer, Wood Green Animal Shelters
Natalie – now a Television Producer, BBC
Find out more
GOV.UKÂ has a section on volunteering which includes information about your rights as a volunteer.
NCVO has lots more information about volunteering, including ideas on finding volunteering opportunities, and problem solving for volunteers.
If you’re established in your career and want to share your skills, Reach and Give What You’re Good At connect skilled professionals with charities looking for support.
Inspiring The Future volunteers visit schools to talk about their job, career and education.
Inspiring Governance connects schools and colleges in England with volunteers interested in becoming a governor or trustee.
