Be inspired to make a difference this year. (Picture: Getty Images)
As 2024 gets underway, it’s natural to want to improve yourself and become a more rounded person — and there’s no better way to do that than by volunteering.
Approximately 14.2 million people in the UK volunteer each year, while more than one in five Brits (23%) report volunteering at least once a month.
The benefits of volunteering can’t be overstated. The vast majority of volunteers (90%) feel as if they make a difference through their contributions, while more than three quarters of volunteers (77%) report that volunteering helps their mental health and wellbeing.
The best websites for volunteering
In-person volunteering
Volunteer in-person forces you to go out of your comfort zone and connects you with people in the community who you’d have no reason to interact with otherwise. Unsure where to get started? Here’s some places to start looking:
Become a first-aider
Through St John’s Ambulance, you can become fully trained in First Aid, and then you can volunteer with the organisations at large events or as part of a shift.
Help the homeless
National charities like Shelter and Crisis will always have a regional branch you can volunteer with, while grassroots organisations and community centres also likely operate soup kitchens, food banks, and community cafes
Take care of animals
The RSPCA, Dog’s Trust, Blue Cross, and Cat’s Protection all offer hands-ons volunteering opportunities at their local hospitals or rehoming centres — or you could volunteer to be a dog walker if you’re wanting to get your steps in.
Volunteer in a charity shop
If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of customer service, all major charities have their own charity shops, and are often very open to new volunteers. Just take a walk down to your local high street!
Contact your local food bank
These are often based in community centres and church halls, but you usually don’t need to be part of the regular congregation to help. You can also find volunteer opportunities via the nationwide Trussell Trust network.
Become a fundraiser
Another great opportunity if you’re a people person, being a fundraiser means you directly persuade others to a donate to a worthy cause, and can see your impact in real-time!
Support a local sporting event
Many free events, such as Parkrun, are only able to operate thanks to volunteers. Helping at the starting line could be a great first step if you’re not ready to attempt your first 5K, too.
Volunteering at home
If in-person volunteering doesn’t quite suit you, then don’t fret. Micro-volunteering means there’s plenty of organisations which allow you to volunteer from home.
Volunteer with the United Nations
From translation work to creating social media and blog posts, you can volunteer with one of the most recognisable organisations in the world from the comfort of your own sofa.
Volunteer with Translators Without Borders
If you speak multiple languages, volunteering with this organisation is your chance to give back. As well as translation work, you can also help with subtitling and voiceover work.
Volunteer with Mind
If you’re passionate about mental health, you can join the charity’s Youth Voice Network to have your say about important issues related to mental health — or, you can review information Mind has about various mental health conditions to make sure its accurate.
Volunteer with the Smithsonian Transcription Center
Maybe you’re a bit of a history nerd and like transcribing historical documents. Through the Smithsonian Transcription Center, you can help preserve real history.
Volunteer with Bookmark
Through a secure online platform, you can help encourage young people to read by reading them stories or playing with them for approximately an hour a week. You can also do this volunteering in-person at a primary school if that’s more your speed.
Volunteer with Age UK
Age UK operates a remote befriending service that involves chatting to the elderly over the phone. It is a great way to enrich your own life and to help combat loneliness among the elderly.
And if making new friends, bettering yourself, and improving your mental health isn’t enough to convince you, it’s also worth noting that, especially for 18-24-year-olds, volunteering can be invaluable for your CV.
In fact, 69% of young people say volunteering improved their employment prospects, so no matter what your motivations are, volunteering is an invaluable addition to your new year resolutions.
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Do a good deed this year.