Volunteering support for young people
Benefits of volunteering
Volunteering gives young people the chance to learn important life and work skills while making a real difference in their communities.
It builds confidence, resilience and leadership and strengthens teamwork and communication skills employers value.
Volunteering also opens up new experiences, encourages empathy and social responsibility, improves mental wellbeing and creates lasting connections. It can lead to education and career opportunities, making it a powerful way to grow and succeed.
Student volunteering week
Student Volunteering Week 2026 runs from 9 to 15 February across the UK. Celebrating the impact of student volunteers and inspiring more young people to get involved.
This national initiative offers opportunities to make a positive difference in communities while gaining valuable skills for personal and professional growth.
Universities, colleges and student unions will host events and projects focused on this year’s themes:
- community engagement
- sustainability
- personal development.
Activities include environmental projects, mentoring, fundraising and social action campaigns. This will help students build confidence, develop leadership skills and form meaningful connections.
Student volunteering week is a chance to give back, learn and grow. Shaping a brighter future for both students and their communities.
Student volunteering week opportunities
Scout adventures volunteer program 2026
- Roles: Outdoor activity instructor, youth engagement, event support
- Benefits: Free accommodation, meals, training, uniform, weekly allowance (£35 UK / £45 international), visa sponsorship.
- Duration: 4 to 12 months
- Explore more on the Scholarship Expo website.
Royal voluntary service
- Roles: NHS Volunteer Responders, companionship for isolated individuals, hospital ward assistance
- Flexible volunteering options for students across the UK.
- Explore roles at Evo student
British Heart Foundation
- Roles: Event volunteering, shop volunteering, fundraising, digital and customer support
- Great for students interested in health and charity work.
- Explore roles at Evo student
The Brain Charity
- Roles: Support for individuals with neurological conditions (ADHD, dementia, stroke)
- Opportunities for advocacy and community engagement.
- Explore roles at Evo student
Bridging Barriers Volunteer Internship Programme
- Roles: Marketing, fundraising, project management, UX/UI design, HR, data analysis.
- Duration: 3 to 6 months (remote/hybrid)
- Benefits: Mentorship, skills training, networking
- Learn more at Bridging barriers
Action tutoring
- Roles: Tutoring disadvantaged pupils in English and Maths
- Flexible online and in-person options
- Explore roles on the Manchester University website
Volunteer FDIP Programs
- Roles: Environmental sustainability, social work, education, wildlife conservation
- Includes work-exchange options (WWOOF, Workaway, HelpX) for free accommodation and meals.
- Learn more at Volunteer FDIP
Volunteer World UK Projects
- Roles: Wildlife conservation in Scottish Highlands, husky care in Wales.
- Duration: 2 to 16 weeks
Explore programs at Volunteer World
Play Action International
- Roles: Building playgrounds and supporting children in East Africa
- Often promoted during Student Volunteering Week
- Explore roles on the Manchester University website
HelpStay UK opportunities
- Roles: Farm work, hostel support, cultural exchange projects
- Benefits: Accommodation and meals in exchange for service
- Learn more at Help stay
Volunteer Week 2026
Volunteer Week 2026 (1 to 7 June 2026) celebrates the amazing difference volunteering makes to people, communities, and society. Across the UK, this week highlights the value of giving time and skills to help others. It is a chance to thank volunteers and encourage more people to get involved in activities that create positive change.
For young people, volunteering is more than helping others. It is a way to grow and succeed. It builds key skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving, which employers look for.
Volunteering also boosts confidence, resilience and purpose, helping young people overcome challenges and discover new opportunities. For those from disadvantaged backgrounds, these experiences can be life-changing.
By promoting Volunteer Week, we can inspire young people to join activities that strengthen communities and open doors to education, training and jobs.
Volunteering creates friendships, improves wellbeing and offers pathways to careers. Together, we can make sure every young person has the chance to contribute, learn, and thrive.
What is the Youth Leadership Programme?
The Youth Leadership Programme is a brand new volunteering initiative for young people aged 16-21 (or up to 25 with SEND) in Tower Hamlets.
The programme will offer x8 young people exciting volunteer roles centred on social action through arts, sports, the environment, and community projects.
Over the course of 12 weeks, each volunteer will take part in a part-time programme that includes free training, mentoring, and hands-on experience delivering projects in the local community and youth centres.
The programme is designed to help young people build confidence, grow essential skills, and lead a project that creates real impact.
Volunteering opportunities
British Red Cross
Find out more on the Red Cross website.
Crisis
Find out more on the Crisis website.
London Marathon
Find out how you can volunteer for the London Marathon.
Volunteer at major events in London
Find out more about helping out at events in London
Scout Adventures
Find out how you can volunteer with Scout Adventures
Diabetes UK
Find out more on the Diabetes support website
Visually Impaired Children Taking Action (VICTA)
Find out more on the VICTA website
Cancer Research
Find out how to volunteer for the winter run
Blue Cross
Find out about Blue Cross opportunities
NSPCC
Find out more on the NSPCC website
Salvation Army
Find out more on the Salvation Army
The British Heart Foundation
Find out more on the British Heart Foundation website.