Volunteering is a great way to make use of your free time and make a difference in your community, make new friendships and connect with others, and get to know people and places you might not otherwise engage with. Whether you are an experienced volunteer or are looking to get started in time for your New Year’s resolutions, London has a wide range of opportunities for every skillset and schedule. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of organizations looking for volunteers, as well as some additional resources where you can stay up to date on London-based volunteering opportunities.
The Feminist Library is a Peckham-based, volunteer-run archive of feminist literature, which provides support and material for feminist research, activism and community projects. They are looking for volunteers (of any gender!) for a variety of roles – you can email their Volunteer Coordinator (volunteer@feministlibrary.co.uk) or attend their weekly drop-in session for more information.
FoodCycle fights food waste, food poverty and loneliness by creating spaces for people from all walks of life to meet and socialize over meals cooked from surplus food. They have a variety of different openings available, such as Cooking Volunteer, Food Collection Volunteer, Hosting Volunteer and Check-in/Chat Volunteer – you can be sure to find a role that matches your skills and interests.
Little Village supports families with children under five living in poverty across London. They run a baby bank network, give advice to and signpost parents in need, and work on campaigns to highlight the effects and causes of systemic poverty. You can volunteer either individually or as a corporate team, with responsibilities including working on deliveries, sorting and packaging donations, or working remotely, for example sorting stock at home or liaising over the phone.
Just Like Us is an LGBT+ young people’s charity, and their Ambassador Programme is a great volunteering opportunity if you are 18-25 and identify as LGBT+. As an Ambassador, you will speak in schools to help tackle anti-LGBT+ bullying, take part in workshops on topics such as leadership and wellbeing, and write for media outlets like Gay Times. If you are over 25, you can volunteer to be a mentor to an LGBT+ young adult and share your skills and experience.
For more opportunities, make sure to keep an eye on Team London Volunteering, HandsOn London, and Do-It, where you can find a continuously updated list of volunteer roles, categorized by location, skillset and interest. Finally, don’t forget to take a look at the LSE Volunteer Centre for more information, events, and both UK-based and international volunteering opportunities!
Blog written by Gerda Kovacs. Gerda works as an Advice Assistant for the LSESU Advice Service.
THE LSESU ADVICE TEAM
The LSESU Advice Team is based on the 3rd floor of the Saw Swee Hock Building and we provide free, independent and confidential advice to all LSE students on academic and housing matters. We also administer the Hardship Fund, the Childcare Fund and the Graduation Gown Support Fund (GGSF).
Our service is currently operating using a hybrid working pattern. We are still open and can be accessed by emailing su.advice@lse.ac.uk. You can also book a telephone or Zoom appointment with an adviser through Student Hub.