What does volunteering involve?

Volunteering is more than delivering a task without payment. It’s about giving the gift of your time, talent and skills.

Every year, our volunteers provide 500,000 working days of support to the NHS and diverse communities across Britain – and everyone’s volunteering journey will be different.

We know that our volunteers do their best work when they're making the most of their unique talents. That's why we're here to help you find the role that suits you and your skills best.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone can volunteer their talents, skills and experience. There isn’t a typical volunteer, people of every age, gender, race and cultural background do it every single day in a number of different languages.

While many people choose to volunteer after they have retired, it’s also a great way for students to gain experience and take a break from their studies. Our short-term voluntary opportunities also mean that you can give as much or as little time as you want.

Throughout your volunteering journey, the team at Royal Voluntary Service will be here to provide support whenever and wherever you need it.

What does a volunteer do?

When you choose to become a volunteer, you’re offering someone your time, talents and life experience. But you’re also getting so much in return: confidence, skills, friendship, as well as the satisfaction of helping others.

You could be a pair of hands in someone’s garden, a friendly face for a patient in hospital, helping to run a yoga club, chatting to someone in their own language… Whatever your “something special” is, we’ll help you match it with the volunteering opportunity that’s right for you.

Volunteers can also help in other ways, supporting projects, clubs and groups by sharing skills such as fundraising, digital and social media, marketing and communications, admin support, recruitment and more.

Once you become a volunteer with Royal Voluntary Service, you’ve got our help and support for life.