The UK is a mosaic of diverse communities, each with its unique needs and challenges, and volunteering provides an avenue to bridge the gaps and create positive change. Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation, social justice, education, or healthcare, there are student volunteering opportunities in the UK that are tailored to your interests and skills.
We’ll explore a wide range of initiatives and organisations, from local community projects to national campaigns, where students can lend their time, talents, and enthusiasm to create a lasting impact. Volunteering not only provides a sense of fulfilment but also offers invaluable experiential learning, enhancing your resume and broadening your perspective.
Join us as we delve into the world of student volunteering in the UK, where the spirit of service and the pursuit of knowledge come together to create a brighter and more compassionate future for all.
Royal Voluntary Service
Royal Voluntary Service was one of the largest single mobilisers of volunteers during the pandemic to support response and they have also built an army of volunteers for NHS England and NHS Volunteer Responders. They offered help to over 2.5 million people who were at risk from COVID-19. Their impact on the community is commendable and you will be able to help and learn so much by volunteering for them regardless of which course you are studying.
Through Royal Voluntary Service you can volunteer in a variety of different roles. You can choose to offer companionship to socially isolated people, provide help to people who are recovering from illness and even work at hospital wards and or vaccination sites to assist them.
Click here to learn more about the roles.
British Heart Foundation
British Heart Foundation funds over £100 million towards all heart and cardiovascular diseases and everything that causes them. This includes dementia, stroke, diabetes, and more that are constantly researched.
Their research over the past decades has helped improve the lives of people who have respiratory and heart diseases and this is done through 3D-printed hearts, internal defibrillators, and regenerative medicine to name a few. Click here to view more of their research and contribution.
There are several volunteering opportunities that they provide like event volunteering, shop volunteering, and fundraising to name a few. They have an array of roles in different departments like digital, customer, events, and more so you will be able to find something that aligns with your interest!
Click here to learn more about the roles.
The Brain Charity
The Brain Charity is a great student volunteering opportunity in the UK as they are committed to providing support and care for anyone who suffers from neurological conditions like ADHD, stroke, dementia, cluster headaches, and more. Any neurological problems can deter people’s ability to function properly due to the brain being the most important part of the body.
It can be overwhelming and hard to cope with such sudden changes which is why Brain Charity is there to offer any and every kind of support needed.
Located in Liverpool, the brain charity has over 80 volunteers and around 60% of them have gone through a neurological condition themselves. So if you want to positively contribute to helping people regain their confidence from something that can be so challenging, then brain charity is the right place for you. They have a lot of roles open and if you are someone who has a neurological condition yourself, then they will offer you roles that best accommodate your needs,
Click here to learn more.
Mind
Mind aims to provide advice and support to anyone who is going through mental health challenges. They are committed to standing up against any injustice in healthcare, work, law, and all of which contribute towards improving the lives of people who have mental health problems.
They bring together communities of like-minded individuals who care about mental health so that they can make a real difference.
They have plenty of volunteering opportunities where you can volunteer at the shop, cheer on runners and cyclists at events and races, and more. Click here to find out more about the roles and how you can contribute.
The Trussel Trust
The Trussel Trust aims to support food banks nationwide and they provide emergency food and help people in poverty. From April 2022 and March 2023 alone, they have provided almost 3 million food supplies to people in need and they have over 1300 food centres across the UK aiming to support the people in the best way they can.
They also encourage the food banks to provide the right support that the people need so that they can tackle the root cause and provide the best support.
They have different volunteering opportunities like in food banks where you can help with packing, sign posting, and raising awareness as well as home-based support teams to assist with administrative support, project management, and more. Click here to learn more about the roles
Save the Children
Save the Children works with children from over 115 countries including the UK. Their long-term ambition is to ensure that no child dies from any preventable causes before their 5th birthday, all children learn from quality education and to prevent any violence towards children.
They work towards improving children’s health, education, and hunger all around the world and have had a great impact over the past several years.
They have volunteering opportunities within shops, local fundraising groups, and even from home. Click here to view the roles and how you can take part.
London Wildlife Trust
If you have always loved animals and want to contribute to nature in a good way, then London Wildlife Trust will have the right opportunities for you.
They aim to protect, restore, and create wild places for nature, engage people to connect with nature, and stand up for it. They have conservation policies about the major issues that wildlife and nature are facing currently in London like foxes, magpies and crows, nature reserve, and more.
Click here to learn more about volunteering opportunities and how to get involved.
In conclusion, the world of student volunteering in the UK is a world of opportunities waiting to be explored. From environmental conservation to education and healthcare initiatives, students can make a meaningful impact while gaining invaluable experience.
As you embark on your volunteering journey, remember that it’s not just about giving back to the community; it’s also a pathway to personal growth, skill development, and lasting connections. Your journey in student volunteering promises not only to enrich the lives of others but also to be a transformative and unforgettable chapter in your own story.