Volunteer this year "EVERY CONTRIBUTION MATTERS"
We are the first and only organisation to provide a benevolent fund to support volunteers! Our often unsung heroes!
BECOME A VOLUNTEER SPECIAL
BE PART OF THE GREAT BRITISH OLYMPICS
Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) is a non-profit organisation and largest provider of year-round sports training and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults of ALL abilities
Special Olympics GB is part of the global Special Olympics International organisation which is the largest disability sports organisation in the world. As a global movement Special Olympics reaches 3.6 million athletes across 200 countries.
athletics
4 July 2026 - 5 July 20269am - 5pm
Coventry Athletics Track, Warwick University, Coventry, CV4 8AH
tenpinbowling
4 July 20269am - 4pm
Hollywood Bowl, Kingston Road, Tolworth, KT5 9PB
tennis
25 July 2026 - 26 July 20269am - 5pm
Chesterfield Lawn Tennis Club, Hawksley Avenue, Chesterfield, S40 4TW
equestrian
2 August 2026 - 4 August 2026 -1am
Wirral Riding Centre, Haddon Ln, Little Neston, Neston, CH64 8TA
multisport
26 August 2026 - 30 August 2026 -1am
Alexander Stadium | Wyndley Leisure Centre, Birmingham
NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK
CELEBRATE, REFLECT & THANK EVERYONE WHO VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are the backbone of the charity sector, why not show your appreciation and do something special to recognise and celebrate the valuable contributions that they make to your charitable organisation.
Monday 1st June - Sunday 7th June Volunteers week will take place. Volunteers' Week is a time to recognise, celebrate, and say thank you to the millions of people who make a difference through volunteering, whether its's formal or informal, big or small, once a week or once a year.
But this week is also about something more, inspiring others to get involved and highlighting the incredible benefits that volunteering brings not only to the people and communities supported, but also to the volunteers themselves.
Volunteers’ Week: A UK-Wide Celebration
Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
Sponsor Volunteers' Week 2026 Your support will help us honour and celebrate volunteers, showcase opportunities, and inspire more people to get involved in volunteering.
"Spencers Story"
After recovering from an injury I sustained at work, I decided to start volunteering in my spare time.
Becoming a mentor to those who have disabilities.
I have gained confidence, new skills, and a sense of belonging.
VOLUNTEER ON A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY WITH THE CIRDAN SAILING TRUST
Challenge and Adventure
The Cirdan Trust specialise in enabling groups of young people and individuals, particularly those who are disadvantaged in some way, to experience the challenge and adventure of life at sea on large sailing vessels. The Cirdan Sailing Trust relies very heavily on volunteers. So what are you waiting for!! If you can offer your support Cidan would be very pleased to hear from you.
Youth Crew
join the experience of living and working on large sailing boats. Cirdan Sailing offer places to young people as volunteers to help crew their five large sailing boats.
The Cirdan Sailing Trust relies very heavily on volunteers.
Vessel refits
Each winter vessels undergo a refit prior to starting the sailing season. Volunteers help us to paint, varnish, clean and a whole load of other jobs we wouldn’t otherwise have the time or money to do. We particularly like to hear from people with specialist skills.
Relief crew
Although all vessels are crewed throughout the season by permanent sea staff and are always in need of additional volunteers to help on a relief basis. Volunteers for the positions of Skipper and Mate require an RYA Yachtmaster with commercial endorsement. All positions are subject to references and DBS checks.
The Cirdan Sailing Trust
Bradwell Marina
Waterside
Bradwell-on-Sea
Essex
CM0 7RB
01621 851 433
VOLUNTEER AND STAND UP FOR NATURE WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST
From beach cleans to event support, gardening to room guiding, there’s a huge variety of ways to volunteer with the national trust. Meet new people, develop your skills and make a difference to a cause you care about.
House Experience Volunteer
Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Lodge Park to life and helping people get the best out of their day.
Outdoor Guide
Outdoor guides will lead a group of visitors around the Bridgeman Landscape at Lodge Park sharing their knowledge of the site. They will be confident talking to groups of people and happy to answer any questions they may have.
Gloucestershire
Mottisfont & SW Hants
Bookshop Volunteer
Do you like a good thriller? Or are you more of a romantic? Our Bookshop Volunteers know where to find the poetry section, or holiday reads, and love helping our visitors to find something they will enjoy.
Hampshire
Car Park and Buggy Driver Volunteer
Want to create a great first and last impression for visitors? Car Park and Buggy Driver volunteers will provide a warm welcome, ensure we maximise the number of available parking spaces, and help visitors to get to and from the overflow car park.
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
JOIN MY CAUSE UK AS A FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER AND GAIN ACCESS TO THE BIGGEST FESTIVALS FOR FREE
FIND FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERING OPPERTUNITIES
It’s simple – you give your time at a festival, and in return – they make a donation to a charity of your choice. You don’t need to raise any money or make a donation yourself. You simply pay 1x refundable deposit which covers you for as many festivals as you wish to volunteer at. All you need to do is complete your shifts & have a great time! You then receive your deposit back after your last event.
Volunteering is a gateway to making unforgettable friends while getting free entry to the UK’s leading festivals! Volunteering with My Cause UK means you become part of a community that is exciting, adventurous and passionate about making a change in the world we live in.
The role you take on depends on the needs of the festival. This can include: stewarding stages, campsites and car parks, running festival eco-bonds, staffing gates, checking tickets and wrist-banding. Make sure you check the festival you’re interested in to see the specific role you’ll be doing.
SPEND SUMMER LISTENING TO
MAROON 5, GARETH BROOKS, PITBALL & SHAMBALA TO NAME A FEW
Join the My Cause UK family, and become a volunteer at some of the UK’s biggest festivals.
APPLY NOW
VOLUNTEER KEEP FIT MEET NEW PEOPLE WHILT STEPPING INTO NATURE
Vauxhall Lakes Practical Team Volunteer
Join our friendly and enthusiastic team of volunteers and staff, and together we will work alongside the wildlife to continue transforming Vauxhall Lakes!
Vauxhall Lakes in Canterbury is an exciting site that has recently come under Kent Wildlife Trust management. Once a Field Study Centre and nature reserve, it has been closed for many years creating wonderful opportunities for wildlife, including beavers who are already creating a rich variety of habitats and boosting biodiversity.
We are now inviting volunteers to be part of the next chapter!
Location: Canterbury
volunteering@kentwildlife.org.uk
01622 662012
Kent Wide
Shoresearch volunteer citizen scientists collect data across intertidal zones along the Kent coast which help to provide invaluable insights into the health of our coastal ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
Shoresearch volunteer citizen scientists collect data across intertidal zones along the Kent coast which help to provide invaluable insights into the health of our coastal ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. Here in Kent, There are opportunity for anyone to get involved in the marine environment and start having fun identifying and recording the animals and algae communities found on our rocky shores. You are guaranteed to meet new and interesting people with a wealth of knowledge and experience!
Take your team outdoors for an environmental corporate volunteering day. Get hands-on with activities like:
· Community garden projects to enhance green spaces
· Wildlife conservation to protect local ecosystems
· Animal rescue and farm support
Make a direct impact by doing some group volunteering at local organisations tackling food insecurity and homelessness. Your team can:
Organise company-wide fundraising and supply drives
Loneliness is a growing crisis. Your corporate volunteering day can help by:
· Visiting care homes to provide companionship
· Running social events for older adults in the community
· Supporting charities tackling social isolation
· Tailored for Your Team: We offer bespoke business volunteering days based on your company’s values and goals.
· Local & Nationwide Impact: Work with major charities and grassroots initiatives.
· Easy Coordination: We handle the logistics so you can focus on making an impact.
· Marketing-Ready Video Content: We can professionally film and edit your team’s volunteering experience so you can showcase your impact internally and externally.Corporate Volunteering Days Tailored to Your Teams
Half of UK Adults intend to take part in local Volunteering activities this year, with one in 10 that's 14% planning to Volunteer for the first time. One Volunteer at a Time. Join Us in Creating a Kinder World. Building a Stronger Community and together we can make the difference.
As we welcome in longer lighter days it is the perfect time to reflect on our lives and think about how we can make a positive impact on our communities. One way to do this is through volunteer work. Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action, spread positive energy, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Volunteering is not only a way to give back, but it is also a rewarding experience for the volunteers themselves. When I engage in volunteer work, I feel a sense of fulfillment and purpose knowing that I am helping others and contributing to a cause that I believe in. It is a way to connect with others who share similar values and passions, building strong bonds and fostering a sense of belonging within a community.
Engaging in volunteer work has a profound impact on our own personal growth and development. It opens our eyes to the struggles and challenges that others face, develops our sense of empathy and compassion, and broadens our perspective on the world. By stepping outside of our comfort zones and immersing ourselves in the struggles and triumphs of others, we learn to appreciate the things we often take for granted in our own lives.
Another important aspect of volunteer work is its ability to bring people together from all walks of life. Regardless of our backgrounds, age, or skillsets, volunteering provides an opportunity for us to come together and work towards a shared goal. The diversity of experiences and perspectives among volunteers enriches the work and fosters a sense of unity and collaboration that is essential in creating lasting positive change.
So, as we move into the year ahead, let’s make a commitment to start it with kindness and contribute to the betterment of our communities. Whether it’s dedicating a few hours of our time every week or participating in larger initiatives, every act of volunteer work counts. Let’s embrace the power of volunteerism and work together to create a world where kindness, compassion, and empathy prevail.
Volunteer Whether it’s a few hours of our time every week or participating in larger initiatives.
Online volunteering
Also known as virtual or remote volunteering, this type of opportunity is increasingly popular as it enables participants to complete a period of volunteering from home. Often all you need is a computer and a stable internet connection. Online volunteering is ideal for those unable to travel but who still want to give their time to a worthy cause.
Virtual volunteering is possible in a range of roles, but duties differ depending on the project.
Find online volunteering opportunities at:
Conservation volunteering
For community projects, get in touch with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), an organisation that works across the UK to create healthier and happier communities by conserving local green spaces.
For animal and environmental volunteering, see organisations such as The Wildlife Trusts and the Woodland Trust. With The Wildlife Trusts you can care for nature reserves and get involved in habitat management and species surveying. The Woodland Trust provides opportunities to support wildlife, plant trees and campaign to protect vulnerable woods.
You could also help out at the Marine Conservation Society. Other voluntary conservation opportunities exist with the National Trust, where you can help to conserve historic houses and gardens.
If you would like to get in involved in conservation volunteering in exotic locations then Pod Volunteer has a range of projects.
Mental health volunteering
Suited to compassionate people with good listening and communication skills, mental health volunteering can provide great experience for those looking to break into health or social care roles.
Both national and local mental health charities are always in need of volunteers. Positions can be found at:
Working with both children and adults you could man helplines, volunteer as an online counsellor, assist with local gardening or craft groups, provide a listening ear during drop-in talking sessions or become a peer mentor. You could also work in a charity shop or fundraise for mental health charities.
Arts and culture groups
You can help with the preparations, work front-of-house or fulfil steward roles. Art festivals usually take place over the summer months, so do some research into what's available in your community.
Volunteering in museums is also a popular option. Both regional and national museums welcome volunteers. The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum (all in London) recruit volunteers all year round. Long and short-term projects are available, and you can help front-of-house or behind the scenes.
We are a group of volunteers dedicated to making a positive impact in our local community. By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to meet new people and make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Fundraising is a critical part of our organization's efforts. We need volunteers to help plan and execute fundraising events, as well as to reach out to potential donors and sponsors.
We need volunteers to help us spread the word about our organization and our mission. This includes creating and distributing flyers, reaching out to local media outlets, and connecting with other community organizations.
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to join our leadership team. Whether you have experience in non-profit management or are looking to develop your skills, we have opportunities for you.
If you have a specialized skill or expertise, we would love to hear from you. From graphic design to web development to legal services, we rely on volunteers with a wide range of talents to help us achieve our goals.
Don't have time to volunteer? You can still support our organization by making a donation. Your contribution will help us continue our work and make a difference in our community.
Volunteers of all ages across the UK. Have continued to give so much energy, commitment and skills to the communities and organisations that they have supported.
Making a world of difference by Volunteering in many different ways, places and spaces.
The Volunteers trust would like to take this opportunity to thank all Volunteers throughout the United Kingdom.
THANKS
You've been so very good to us.
You've been kind in every way.
you've made us treats and helped
on all our special days.
Today we'd like to thank you
for all you've done this year,
and to tell you that you're special
and so very, very dear.
Today we'd like to tell you
in our own special way:
We appreciate the things you've done
More than words can say.
Please donate today and help us reach those who need us most during these difficult times. Please donate whatever you can. "Your donations" will help us to support volunteers through the cost of living crisis throughout the UK.
helping "volunteers" people who give their all to others who are struggling to survive with living cost, running a car and food/clothing etc.
Your donation will enable us to help those who help others.
The Volunteers Trust would like to say a BIG thank you to all of our donators and sponsors! Your generosity is enabling us to help volunteers to keep doing thier amazing work! This money will be used to support Volunteers in many ways! It could be helping a Volunteer who is struggling financially, subsidising the travel costs of a volunteer, paying for driving lessons for a young volunteer and SO much more!
