Volunteering in London

Living in a new city can be both exciting and challenging, especially for expats in London. Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, integrate into the community, and contribute positively to society. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with locals, learn about British culture, and even gain new skills or improve your English. London boasts a wide range of volunteering opportunities, catering to various interests and schedules.

Literacy Pirates

Literacy Pirates is an innovative charity dedicated to enhancing the reading and writing skills of young people. Volunteers work as Learning Crewmates, providing one-to-one support to children aged 9-13 in after-school learning programs. To get involved, you'll need to fill out an application form and attend a training session. Volunteering sessions typically last for 2 hours per week.

Website: literacypirates.org
Location(s): Primary Schools throughout London
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week

The Felix Project

The Felix Project aims to reduce food waste and food poverty by collecting surplus food from suppliers and redistributing it to charities and schools. Volunteers can help with various tasks, such as driving vans, co-piloting, warehouse assisting, or working as walkers or cyclists. The time commitment varies depending on the role, but most opportunities require a few hours per week.

Website: thefelixproject.org
Location(s): Various locations across London
Time Commitment: Varies by role ( typically a few hours per week)

Royal Parks

The Royal Parks charity offers a range of volunteering opportunities for nature lovers, including gardening, conservation, and event support. Volunteering with Royal Parks allows you to enjoy the outdoors while contributing to the upkeep of London's beautiful green spaces. Time commitments vary depending on the specific role and project.

Website: royalparks.org.uk
Location(s): Various parks across London
Time Commitment: Varies by role and project

Museum of London

The Museum of London offers volunteering roles for those interested in history and culture. Volunteers can assist with visitor engagement, tours, or even curatorial work. The time commitment is flexible and can range from one-off events to regular weekly shifts. The museum provides training and the chance to learn more about London's rich history.

Website: museumoflondon.org.uk
Location(s): Museum of London (Barbican and Docklands)
Time Commitment: Flexible (one-off events to regular weekly shifts)

Crisis

Crisis is a national charity dedicated to ending homelessness. Volunteers can help with various tasks, such as serving meals, teaching classes, or offering professional skills like CV workshops. Crisis offers flexible volunteering hours, making it easy to fit around your schedule. Additionally, volunteers have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of vulnerable people.

Website: crisis.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations across London
Time Commitment: Flexible hours

Friends of the Elderly

Friends of the Elderly focuses on providing companionship and support to elderly people. Volunteers can participate in befriending programs, visiting elderly individuals in their homes or care facilities, or helping with social events and activities. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities for both regular and occasional volunteering.

Website: fote.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations across London
Time Commitment: Flexible (regular and occasional opportunities)

Thames21

Thames21 is an environmental charity working to improve the health of London's rivers and canals. Volunteers can participate in river clean-ups, habitat restoration, and educational workshops. Thames21 offers both one-off and regular volunteering opportunities, making it easy to get involved regardless of your schedule.

Website: thames21.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations along London's rivers and canals
Time Commitment: Flexible (one-off and regular opportunities)

The Trussell Trust

The Trussell Trust is a charity that aims to end hunger and poverty in the UK. Volunteers can help with various tasks at food banks, such as sorting donations, packing food parcels, and providing a welcoming environment for clients. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers contribute a few hours per week.

Website: trusselltrust.org
Location(s): Various food banks across London
Time Commitment: A few hours per week

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is a renowned animal rescue center that cares for lost, abandoned, and unwanted pets. Volunteers can assist with dog walking, cat socialization, and various other tasks related to animal care. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities for both regular and occasional volunteering.

Website: battersea.org.uk
Location(s): Battersea, Brands Hatch, and Old Windsor
Time Commitment: Flexible (regular and occasional opportunities)

Oxfam Shops

Oxfam is a global charity dedicated to ending poverty. Volunteering in one of their shops involves sorting donations, serving customers, and helping with visual merchandising. Oxfam offers flexible volunteering hours, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. Additionally, volunteering in an Oxfam shop provides the opportunity to gain retail experience.

Website: oxfam.org.uk
Location(s): Various shops across London
Time Commitment: Flexible hours

National Trust

The National Trust is a conservation charity that protects and preserves historic places and green spaces. Volunteers can assist with various tasks, such as gardening, guiding tours, or helping with events. The time commitment varies depending on the specific role and location, but the National Trust offers both regular and one-off volunteering opportunities.

Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Location(s): Various historic sites and green spaces across London
Time Commitment: Varies by role and location