Navigator: London's Student Lifestyle Magazine
Top promo banner

Find your next volunteer opportunity

Hutton House building entrance
Image Credit: Aisha Javaid

Volunteering and engaging with vulnerable members of society is a privilege. It is a tremendous opportunity to reduce stress, gain professional experience, network, strengthen your community, learn a new skill, make a difference, and so much more!  

We all know that actions speak louder than words, so let’s explore some great associations to help us engage in some community services.

“Volunteering is valuable to yourself and to those you help.”

Pillar Nonprofit Network

This organization integrates a network approach, in which it offers volunteer opportunities, collaborative events, and employment in the non-profit sector. Along with non-profits, it also endorses social enterprises and social innovators. Pillar proposes volunteer opportunities with placements in a variety of fields such as arts, finance, graphic design, cooking, and more.

Hutton House

Hutton House Association is a registered charity devoted to fulfilling the aspirations and hopes of adults living with disabilities. Volunteers play a vital role in assisting people with disabilities accomplish their goals. Improving your communication skills, acquiring job-related skills, and learning about disability issues are a few benefits of volunteering with this association.

London Food Bank

The London Food Bank heavily relies on volunteers to facilitate their non-profit, charitable organization. Aiding over 25 various agencies, the organization is characterized as an imperative feature of the city. Processing, distributing, serving, and inspecting food and food-related products are a few objectives of volunteers.

Canadian Red Cross

This Canadian humanitarian charitable organization helps train volunteers in disaster assistance, emergency response, and disaster response. Their society is one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world. Integrity, accountability, and adaptability are a few of the values the organization is based on. Volunteers are expected to either provide support and/or service. They can expect to find themselves in positions like psychosocial support worker, transportation driver, and safety and wellbeing responder. They also provide a selection of training and educational programs to help you succeed as a volunteer.

Habitat for Humanity

Help construct affordable homes with low-income families for this non-profit housing organization. Building and servicing their retail store, ReStore, and assisting in administration work are prominent functions of volunteers. Develop new skills and become an integral element of the Habitat mission with your commitment.

ReForest London

Nature lovers, this is your calling! This non-profit organization’s aim is to sow, cultivate and maintain our urban forest by engaging with the community. As a volunteer, a few of your roles include tree planting, being a community liaison, and transporting materials for events.

Happy young adults wearing masks and taking a selfie while volunteering
Credit: LEOPATRIZI

Humane Society of London & Middlesex

Sometimes you gotta “paws” what you’re doing and enjoy some time with a furry friend! The Humane Society provides education, advocacy, and shelter for animals in need. Volunteer activities vary from frequently socializing with pets to helping organize adoption events throughout the city. Regular visits and long-term commitment are one of the main requirements for volunteers at this location.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of London and Area

A few rewards of being a mentor include expanding your network, enriching your resume, and improving your communication and leadership skills. Become a caring adult to a young person who faces adversity by sharing experiences and offering guidance.

Meals on Wheels London

Meals on Wheels is a healthy food delivery service for adults with disabilities and seniors (55+) seeking nutritional aid during short-term or long-term assistance. From delivering meals to driving clients to eateries and back home, volunteers guarantee a reliable facility for those in need.  

Remember, offering social services may require you to undergo extensive training, a police vulnerable sector check, and provide additional references. It is important to thoroughly research the association you wish to volunteer with and the criteria they desire.

Volunteering is valuable to yourself and to those you help. There are countless sources from your college or university, online, and within your community to help you get involved.

Now, go explore and join volunteer positions that interest you.