Finding a challenge is easy, just visit www.do-it.org.uk enter your postcode and a list of challenges in your area will be displayed.
Don’t forget that often your colleagues may already be involved in their community or may know where help is needed so please do ask around at your location.
Specific Opportunities
Here is just a selection of the volunteering opportunities available:
You’re History
History buffs and outdoors types take note: the National Trust welcomes volunteers of all levels of ability into its varied sectors, be it surveying treasured old buildings or caring for unspoilt coastlines, stewarding at country houses or telling historical tales to visiting children.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteering Tel. 0870 609 5383
Mad for music?
Indulge your passion whilst helping to combat poverty across the globe. Oxfam GB are looking for volunteer event organisers and promoters to join one of the UK’s largest live music networks.
www.oxfam.org.uk. Tel: 01865 472369
A Load of Rubbish
Tired of litter-strewn streets? Put your money where your mouth is and volunteer for Encams (formerly The Tidy Britain Group) who run a number of campaigns including ‘Just Bin It’ and ‘Countryside Offensive’.
www.tidybritain.org.uk Tel. 01942 612639
Running Wild
If the wind in your hair and woodland creatures appeals, offer the Wildlife Trust your support. Whilst element facing activities such as community gardening and nature reserve supervision are on offer, those who prefer to keep cosy indoors can stretch their IT, admin and finance skills without investing in an anorak.
www.wildlifetrusts.org Tel. 0870 036 7711
Changing Places
For rewarding, manual activity at a local level, Groundwork may well be the volunteering route for you. This environmental action group works within communities to salvage derelict land and waste ground, transforming them into gardens, allotments and even sports facilities. Parks, canals and pathways are revamped and local residents encouraged to connect with nature.
www.groundwork.org.uk out at a city farm or community garden, visit www.farmgarden.org.uk Tel. 0117 923 1800
Water Babies Wanted
Determined to make a splash? Volunteer to teach life-saving skills today!
Game On
Whether you’re fanatical about football or an athletics aficionado, you can support local sport through coaching, refereeing, driving or management. Quick click www.sportengland.org to access the Sports Gateways online database that lists opportunities in your immediate area or call 08458 508508. Alternatively, if you’d like to become a local sports leader, visit www.sportsleaders.org for information on the award schemes available.
Pets in Need of Vets
Does your heart melt at the mere mention of kittens or pups? Want to help pets whose owners cannot afford private vets fees? PDSA is the country’s leading veterinary charity and engages volunteers in activities spanning retail, research, fundraising and grounds keeping.
www.pdsa.org.uk Foster an abandoned cat or dog whilst the RSPCA or Cats Protection searches for a suitable home or make a friend for life as a dog walker for Dogs Trust.
www.rspca.org.uk, www.cats.org.uk and www.dogstrust.org.uk
Good Samaritan
Are you a good listener? The Samaritans’ need volunteers like you to help maintain its 24/7 emotional support service.
www.samaritans.org Tel. 08705 627 282
Rock DJ
Fancy yourself as the next Chris Moyles or Sara Cox? Fast-forward your ambitions with a stint on hospital radio.
Summer holiday
Need a holiday?
Help disabled people have fun away from home with the Winged Fellowship Trust
Hospice Help
Just an hour or two of your time could make a monumental difference if it’s spent helping out at a local hospice or palliative care centre.
www.hospiceinformation.info Tel. 0870 903 3903
Remember, if you have any queries at all If you are interested in giving your time and don’t know where to start then please contact the Community Team on 0151 794 1052 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it