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Volunteering in Manchester

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Getting involved through volunteering is a fantastic way to build connections in Manchester. Here are some organizations where you can lend a hand.

Moving to a new city like Manchester can be both exciting and daunting. Volunteering is a fantastic way to integrate into the local community, meet new people, and make a positive impact. It provides a common ground for interaction, fosters a sense of belonging, and helps build a network of like-minded individuals. Whether you're interested in education, environment, healthcare, or community development, Manchester offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities to suit various interests and schedules.

Mustard Tree

Mustard Tree is a charity dedicated to tackling both the causes and consequences of poverty and homelessness. Volunteers can help with various tasks, from sorting donations to providing support and mentorship. To get involved, fill out the volunteer application form on their website. The time commitment varies, with opportunities ranging from weekly shifts to one-off events.

Website: mustardtree.org.uk
Location(s): Ancoats, Little Hulton, and Eccles
Time Commitment: Flexible

Manchester Central Foodbank

Manchester Central Foodbank provides emergency food and support to people in crisis. Volunteers are needed to help with food sorting, packing, and distribution. To get involved, contact the volunteer coordinator through their website. Volunteering slots are available on weekdays, with a minimum commitment of one shift per week.

Website: manchestercentral.foodbank.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations across Manchester
Time Commitment: One shift per week

Manchester Mind

Manchester Mind is a mental health charity that offers a range of services to support better mental health. Volunteers can assist with various roles, from administrative tasks to facilitating support groups. To get involved, complete the volunteer application form on their website. The time commitment varies depending on the role, with opportunities for both regular and occasional volunteering.

Website: manchestermind.org
Location(s): Various locations across Manchester
Time Commitment: Flexible

City of Trees

City of Trees is an innovative and exciting movement set to re-invigorate Greater Manchester's landscape by transforming underused, unloved woodland and creating a new generation of community orchards. Volunteers can help with tree planting, maintenance, and community engagement. To get involved, register your interest on their website. Volunteering events take place throughout the year, with flexible time commitments.

Website: cityoftrees.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations across Greater Manchester
Time Commitment: Flexible

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centers, treating over 44,000 patients a year. Volunteers provide valuable support in various roles, from helping on wards to assisting with fundraising events. To get involved, apply through their website. The time commitment varies, with opportunities for both regular and occasional volunteering.

Website: christie.nhs.uk
Location(s): Withington, Manchester
Time Commitment: Flexible

Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum is the UK's leading university museum, with a collection spanning millions of years. Volunteers can assist with various tasks, from visitor engagement to behind-the-scenes work. To get involved, contact the volunteer coordinator through their website. Volunteering opportunities are available on weekdays and weekends, with a minimum commitment of one shift per month.

Website: museum.manchester.ac.uk
Location(s): The University of Manchester
Time Commitment: One shift per month

Greater Manchester Youth Network

Greater Manchester Youth Network is a youth organization that supports young people's personal and social development. Volunteers can help with youth work, mentoring, and community projects. To get involved, complete the volunteer application form on their website. The time commitment varies, with opportunities for both regular and occasional volunteering.

Website: gmyn.co.uk
Location(s): Various locations across Greater Manchester
Time Commitment: Flexible

Wood Street Mission

Wood Street Mission is a children's charity helping families living on a low income in Manchester and Salford. Volunteers can assist with sorting donations, distributing items, and supporting families. To get involved, contact the volunteer coordinator through their website. Volunteering opportunities are available on weekdays, with a minimum commitment of one shift per week.

Website: woodstreetmission.org.uk
Location(s): Manchester City Centre
Time Commitment: One shift per week

Manchester City of Sanctuary

Manchester City of Sanctuary is a charity dedicated to building a culture of welcome and support for refugees and asylum seekers. Volunteers can help with various tasks, from befriending to language support. To get involved, complete the volunteer application form on their website. The time commitment varies, with opportunities for both regular and occasional volunteering.

Website: manchester.cityofsanctuary.org
Location(s): Various locations across Manchester
Time Commitment: Flexible

Canal & River Trust

The Canal & River Trust is a charity that looks after and brings to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales. Volunteers can help with various tasks, from towpath maintenance to community engagement. To get involved, search for opportunities on their website. Volunteering opportunities are available throughout the year, with flexible time commitments.

Website: canalrivertrust.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations across Greater Manchester
Time Commitment: Flexible

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


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