Volunteering Opportunities
Discover local volunteering opportunities!
You can find the latest roles on our Volunteer Centre Islington Simply Connect volunteering platform. If a hyperlink doesn’t redirect to the page, it might be possible the role is no longer active. If you can’t find a suitable role, feel free to attend to one of our volunteering advice sessions.
Opportunities by type of activity
Administration, Receptionist, Management | Arts, Activity Enabler | Children & Families, Mentoring | Cook & Food, Catering, Driving | Computers, Website Development, Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing | Customer Service, Retail, Charity Shop | Fundraising, Finance, Law | Green initiatives, Gardening | Health, Wellbeing, Mental Health, Befriender | Residential | Sports, Physical Activity, Walk, Exercise | Teaching, Reading
One-off volunteering opportunities – If available and interested, register your interest ASAP.
FESTIVE OPPORTUNITIES
If you are aware of any volunteering opportunity during the festive period (December 2023 – January 2024), please, send us an email to volunteer@vai.org.uk and we can add those details.
Basket Brigade UK
Basket Brigade UK is a loving, charitable organisation who deliver baskets of food (and love) on December 23rd every year to those who could really do with a helping hand at this time of year.
The day itself, December 23rd 2023, is like no other. Hundreds and hundreds of people (usually about 700) come together for one day and help create about 1500 baskets of food (and love) which they later deliver to those in need. It is a hard working but FUN day and it is so rewarding to those who volunteer.
Find out more here. https://www.basketbrigade.org.uk/get-involved/
The Food Chain
The Food Chain was formed on Christmas Day in 1988, and ever since then holding a Christmas Day lunch has been a big priority for us. Christmas Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a community that The Food Chain is so proud to be a part of.
On December 25th we open our doors to up to 60 Service Users who have been with us through the year and who we know would otherwise be spending Christmas Day alone. Christmas can be a difficult and isolating time for many people but we hope that by providing a friendly, relaxed and nurturing environment we are able to ensure that Christmas at The Food Chain can be a joyful experience.
As there is no public transport on Christmas Day, we rely on the generosity of volunteer drivers to pick up our Service Users from their homes on Christmas morning.
Find out more here. https://www.foodchain.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Christmas-Day-Driver-Volunteers-2023-1.pdf
Cards For Good Causes
Volunteering with Cards For Good Causes is a great way to make new friends, gain experience, get involved in your community and help to raise vital funds to support local and national charities across the UK. Take a look at just some of the charities we support here.
There isn’t just one way to be a volunteer. We have a range of roles that flex around the time you have to offer and the skills you want to use. You might work at your local Christmas pop-up shop, doing everything from helping to set up, day to day running of the shop to local promotion and social media. You may also be able to support us remotely using marketing, copywriting or IT skills.
However much time you can spare between September and December we would love to hear from you so please fill in the form below and we will be in touch for an informal chat.
Find out more here. https://www.cardsforcharity.co.uk/volunteer
Centre Point – Emergency Food Voucher Programme Volunteer
As part of the Advice, Information and Money (AIM) Service, you will play an integral part in supporting young people who are experiencing financial hardship. Through the scheme, young people can request a voucher to support with the cost of food and baby items. As the Emergency Food Voucher Programme volunteer, you will be helping the AIM Team to expand the delivery of this much needed support so that we can reach even more young people.
Your role will focus on assessing applications against set criteria, then distributing voucher codes on a duty basis, as well as establishing and maintaining records of the scheme.
Find out more here. https://centrepoint.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/current-volunteering-opportunities/emergency-food-voucher-programme-volunteer
Crisis at Christmas
Crisis works at Christmas and all year round to help people experiencing homelessness find their own stable home and access education and training. Every Christmas, local volunteers come together to provide warmth, companionship and vital services to our members (people experiencing homelessness) at one of the toughest times of the year.
In London, volunteering opportunities normally take place over multiple days and are based in community venues and hotels.
Find out more here. https://mycrisisvolunteering.crisis.org.uk/roles/list
De Paul
De Paul provides a safe place, a chance to thrive, and a brighter future for a young person experiencing homelessness.
Nightstop hosts, drivers, and chaperones keep young people safe and off the streets. Supported Lodgings hosts provide a home environment so young people can develop the skills they need for independent living. Mentors support young people to achieve and thrive.
Find out more herev. https://www.depaul.org.uk/volunteer/
Kith & Kids
Kith & Kids provides activities, opportunities, information and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
The Social Development Project uses creative workshops and outings to support the development of independent living skills in enjoyable ways. Such skills range from making a cup of tea, understanding money, travelling from A to B on public transport, to overcoming fear of groups.
When required: 5 days at Xmas and Easter, 10 days in the summer
Find out more here. https://clarahost.clara.net/www.kithandkids.org.uk/social-development-projects.html
The Felix Project
Volunteer with The Felix Project and join thousands of fellow Londoners in the fight against food waste and hunger. We are London’s leading food redistribution charity. We would love to welcome you to the Felix family.
To become a Felix volunteer, you can choose to attend an online info session to find out more about Felix and how to get involved, to have your next steps emailed to you, or to come in for an in-person info session where you will have the opportunity to do a taster shift!
Find our more here. https://thefelixproject.org/help-us/volunteer-london
The Passage
The Passage vision is of a society where street homelessness no longer exists and everyone has a place to call home. The organisation’s mission: prevent street homelessness by intervening quickly before people reach crisis point; end street homelessness by providing innovative and tailor-made services that act with compassion and urgency’; and, advocate for those who feel they are not heard by amplifying their voice to bring about real systemic change.
Find out more here. https://passage.org.uk/volunteering-vacancies/
The Soup Kitchen
Established in 1986, The Soup Kitchen is a resource for the homeless, elderly, lonely and vulnerable in London. We provide free nutritious meals, clothing, toiletries and a sense of belonging to over 150 of our friends each day. Additionally, we recently launched Europe’s first ever on-site mental health drop-in centre within a soup kitchen to address our guests’ mental health needs. With the help of hundreds of volunteers each year, our aim is to provide a nourishing meal in a safe and warm environment that welcomes everyone.
Find out more here. https://soupkitchenlondon.org/volunteer/
Administration, Receptionist, Management
Finsbury Park Trust – Volunteer Receptionist
Holloway Neighbourhood Group – Service User Support: Reception and Activities
International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) – Islington Community Coordinator Volunteer
Islington BAMER Advice Alliance – IBAA Admin Volunteer
London Canal Museum – Front of House Volunteer
Marx Memorial Library – Volunteer Steward & Visitor Experience Assistant
Medaille Trust – Volunteer Administrative Assistant (women)
Medaille Trust – Drop-in facilitator Volunteer (women)
Newington Green Alliance – Event Management Volunteer
Newington Green Alliance – Community Conference Team Member
Refugee Therapy Centre – Volunteer Administrative Assistant
Somali Speakers Women’s Group – Administrative Support Volunteer
Arts, Activity Enabler
Art Explora – Arts at Home Volunteer
Finsbury Park Trust – Volunteer Handyman
Holloway Neighbourhood Group – Art and Crafts Activities Volunteer
Children & Families, Youth, Women, Mentoring
IntoUniversity – University Student Mentor
Laamiga – Volunteer Female Mentor
Light Project Pro International – Volunteer Employability Mentor
Ministry of Stories – Writing Mentor
National Childbirth Trust – NCT Islington Community Builder
National Childbirth Trust – NCT Islington Community Volunteer
Newington Green Alliance – Women’s mutual coaching community session leader/organiser
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice – Home Support Volunteer
Refugee Education UK – Volunteer Educational Mentor
Sense – Virtual Buddy Volunteer
Cook & Food, Catering, Driving
FEAST With Us – Cooking Volunteer (North/North West London / Camden Town)
Light Project Pro International – Food Bank Delivery Driver 2023
Manor Gardens Welfare Trust – Islington Food Partnership: Food Hub Connector
Manor Gardens Welfare Trust – Islington Food Partnership: Food Hub Volunteer
Stuart Low Trust – Friday Evening Tea & Food Servers Volunteer
Stuart Low Trust – Friday Evening Food Preparation Volunteer Role
Whittington Park Community Association – Lunch Club and Activities Assistance
Computers, Website, IT, Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing
Families in Harmony – Communications and Media Officer
GrassRootsWeb – Volunteer Web Designer
Imece Women’s Centre – Social Media Volunteer
Islington BAMER Advice Alliance – IBAA Websites Volunteer
Key Changes: Positive Mental Health Through Music Ltd – IT Volunteer
Key Changes: Positive Mental Health Through Music Ltd – Social Media Volunteer
MRS Independent Living – Digital Support Volunteer
Newington Green Alliance – Community Communications Volunteer
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice – Volunteer eBay Assistant
Customer Service, Retail, Charity Shop
Age UK Islington – Wellbeing Caller
Light Project Pro International – Volunteer Outreach Worker 2023
Marie Curie – Retail Volunteer – Archway
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice – Volunteer eBay Assistant
Oxfam Highgate – Fashion & Home Sales Assistant Volunteer
Oxfam Upper Street – Bookshop / Music Shop volunteer
Oxfam Upper Street – Intern Bookshop and Music Shop
Oxfam High Street – Shop Assistant
Oxfam High Street – Jewellery Specialist Volunteer
Shelter – Holloway Road Shelter Charity Shop Volunteer
Stuart Low Trust – Meeting & Greeting Volunteer
The Big Issue – Magazine Distribution Office Frontline Volunteer
Wandsworth Oasis – Shop Volunteer
Whittington Health Charity – Charity Merchandise Stall Volunteer
Fundraising, Finance, Law
Albert Kennedy Trust – Fundraising Event Volunteer
Centre for Justice Innovation – Community Advice Volunteer
Citizens Advice Witness Service – Witness Service Court Volunteer – Highbury Corner Magistrates Court
Newington Green Alliance – Fundraising Volunteer
Refugee Therapy Centre – Book-Keeper
St Mungo’s Volunteer Services – Bucket Collection Volunteer
Green initiatives, Gardening
Climate Ed – Workshop Facilitator
Energy Garden – Community Garden Volunteer
Islington Ecology Centre – Nature Conservation Volunteer
WaterAid – WaterAid Speaker Volunteer
Volunteer in a park: Islington Community Rangers
Volunteering in an Islington park is a great way to meet new people, improve your physical and mental wellbeing, gain practical skills and give back to your local community. Help with a range of tasks, such as pruning shrubs, creating bug hotels, planting, cultivating soil, composting, litter picking, weeding and sweeping.
There is no need to book – you can just turn up. Tools, equipment, protective items, and safety instructions will be provided. Please bring outdoor clothing, gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots.
| Date | Meeting place | Time |
| Friday 1 December | New River Walk, N1 | 11am – 1pm |
| Saturday 2 December | Wilmington Square | 10am – 1pm |
Health, Wellbeing, Mental Health, Befriender, Champions
Age UK Islington – Enablement Volunteer
Age UK Islington – Future Matters Volunteering
Circles of Protection – People with Learning Disabilities are looking for befrienders
Healthwatch Islington – Volunteer Health Champion
HIAS+JCORE – Befriender for Young Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Islington Council – Hate Crime Prevention Champion
Islington Mind – Integrated Community Support Volunteers
Islington Mind – Structured Intervention Support Volunteers
Key Changes: Positive Mental Health Through Music Ltd – Session Assistant
Light Project Pro International – Volunteer Welfare Assistant 2023
Marie Curie – Information & Support ‘Voices’ Volunteer
Newington Green Alliance – Community Outreach Volunteer
Peter Bedford Housing Association – Community Based Wellbeing and Support Volunteer
Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project – Befrienders and administrators
ScotsCare – Family Befriender Volunteer
St Luke’s Community Centre – Over 55’s Support Volunteer
Residential
Free to Be Kids – Residential Project Kitchen Crew
Free to Be Kids – Residential Project Group Leader
Free to Be Kids – Residential Project Driver
Sports, Physical Activity, Walk, Exercise
Caledonian Junior ParkRun – ParkRun Marshall
Eye Matter – Sighted Guide
Islington Bereavement Service – Peer Support Bereavement Volunteer
Islington Mind – Hand in Hand Project Peer Travel Buddy
Travel Hands – Flexible Walking Volunteer
We Swim – Pool Volunteer
Teaching, Reading
Action Tutoring – Volunteer tutor (English or maths)
Coram Beanstalk – Reading Helper
IntoUniversity – Academic Support Tutor
Light Project Pro International – Mathematics Volunteer
Light Project Pro International – Volunteer Teaching Assistant
Light Project Pro International – Volunteer Teaching Assistant (Art)
Literacy Pirates – Literacy Support Volunteer (Crewmate)
Number Champions – Primary School Teacher (past or present) to mentor volunteer maths tutors
Number Champions – Primary School Volunteer Maths Tutor (for six to eight year olds)
The Access Project – Volunteer Tutor
Trusteeship, Governance
St Luke’s School Trust – Trustee
The Metropolitan Police (Islington Police Station) is looking for Community-Based Volunteers. The British Transport Police is also looking for young people, aged 13-17 years old, to become Cadets and those aged 18 years and over to become Cadet Leaders. Become part of this unique experience and join your the policing family and volunteer in their local community.
