Volunteering in Exeter
Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Exeter is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.
Moving to a new city like Exeter can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a challenge to build a social network. Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals, contribute to the local community, and even gain new skills. Exeter has a vibrant volunteering scene with numerous organizations catering to various interests and causes. Here's a guide to help expats navigate the volunteering landscape in Exeter.
Exeter Foodbank
Exeter Foodbank provides emergency food and support to people in crisis. Volunteers help with food collection, sorting, and distribution. You can get involved by helping at the foodbank centre or at supermarket collections. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a few hours a week and others being more flexible.
Website: exeterfoodbank.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations in Exeter
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum of 2 hours per week)
Hospiscare
Hospiscare is a local charity providing care for adults with terminal illnesses. They offer a variety of volunteering roles, from working in their shops to providing support at their day hospice. Volunteers typically commit to a regular shift each week, with hours varying depending on the role.
Website: hospiscare.co.uk
Location(s): Various locations in Exeter
Time Commitment: Regular shift each week (3-4 hours)
St Petrock's
St Petrock's is a charity dedicated to helping people who are homeless or vulnerably housed in Exeter. Volunteers can assist with preparing meals, offering advice and support, or helping with fundraising events. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a regular weekly shift and others being more flexible.
Website: stpetrocks.org.uk
Location(s): St Petrock's Centre, Exeter
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum of 2 hours per week)
Exeter Community Initiatives
Exeter Community Initiatives runs a variety of projects aimed at improving the lives of people in Exeter. Volunteers can get involved with youth work, community development, or supporting victims of crime. The time commitment varies depending on the project, but typically involves a regular weekly shift.
Website: exetercommunityinitiatives.org
Location(s): Various locations in Exeter
Time Commitment: Regular shift each week (3-4 hours)
Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education
The Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education provides education and support for deaf students. Volunteers can assist with classroom activities, after-school clubs, or fundraising events. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a regular weekly shift and others being more flexible.
Website: exeterdeafacademy.ac.uk
Location(s): Exeter Deaf Academy
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum of 2 hours per week)
Devon Wildlife Trust
Devon Wildlife Trust works to protect and enhance Devon's wildlife and natural environment. Volunteers can help with practical conservation tasks, surveying wildlife, or assisting with events. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a regular weekly shift and others being more flexible.
Website: devonwildlifetrust.org
Location(s): Various locations in Devon
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum of 2 hours per week)
Age UK Exeter
Age UK Exeter provides services and support for older people in the city. Volunteers can help with befriending, running social activities, or providing information and advice. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a regular weekly shift and others being more flexible.
Website: ageuk.org.uk/exeter
Location(s): Various locations in Exeter
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum of 2 hours per week)
Refugee Support Devon
Refugee Support Devon provides assistance and support to refugees and asylum seekers in the county. Volunteers can help with teaching English, offering advice and support, or assisting with events. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a regular weekly shift and others being more flexible.
Website: refugeesupportdevon.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations in Devon
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum of 2 hours per week)
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is a historic and iconic landmark in the heart of the city. Volunteers can assist with welcoming visitors, guiding tours, or helping with events. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a regular weekly shift and others being more flexible.
Website: exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Location(s): Exeter Cathedral
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum of 2 hours per week)
Estuary League of Friends
Estuary League of Friends provides services and support for older people in the Estuary area. Volunteers can help with running social activities, providing transport, or assisting with fundraising events. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a regular weekly shift and others being more flexible.
Website: estuary-league-of-friends.co.uk
Location(s): Various locations in the Estuary area
Time Commitment: Flexible (minimum of 2 hours per week)
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


