There is often a misconception amongst the youth of today that voluntary work is mainly for middle aged and middle class people and mostly made up of women or those who have retired and have got plenty of time on their hands but they’d be very much mistaken. There are thousands of young volunteers, many of whom will be under 18, who will be out and about as you read this giving their time and their skills voluntarily. And, whilst it is true that some organisations and certain voluntary roles require you to be older, there are plenty of opportunities for younger people to get involved in volunteering and many charities will actively try to attract the younger element citing a younger person’s energy and enthusiasm along with their fresh approach and willingness to come up with new ideas and ways of doing things as a healthy complement to the more mature and established views offered by the more experienced volunteer.
What to Look For As a Young Volunteer
Just like anybody else who is involved in volunteering, younger people must first identify those causes and projects that they’re attracted to, that they can offer a firm commitment to and ones which will allow them to best demonstrate the skills and personal qualities they have to offer. It’s also important to choose a role which can provide you with a real training opportunity in order to increase your skills base which will inevitably look favourable on your CV as it’s quite common for younger people to have to rely heavily on any experience they can think of in order to get their first break on the career ladder and a carefully managed period of voluntary work is always considered highly valuable by prospective employers, especially when you’re just starting out. It demonstrates commitment, a willingness to learn, an ability to work as part of a team and an appreciation of a particular cause – all qualities that are highly desired by employers.
Doesn’t It Cost Too Much and Will it Take Up Too Much Of My Time?
These are probably the three most frequent objections cited by youngsters when questioned about voluntary work. However, there are plenty of opportunities out there which rely on people of all ages to make a contribution and the charities and organisations behind these initiatives are getting keener to ensure that they try to be flexible as possible when it comes to the amount and regularity of time that people need to put in. They also understand the pressures faced by younger volunteers in terms of juggling school or college commitments, maybe a paid part-time or full-time job as well as other commitments such as sports and social activities, all of which tend to be high up on the agenda of the younger volunteer. They also appreciate that money is often not a premium when you’re younger so in the majority of cases, you can be assured that you will be reimbursed any travel expenses you may incur and you may even be entitled to a meal allowance also. There are also plenty of opportunities to combine hobbies and pastimes in a voluntary capacity.
What Kind Of Voluntary Jobs Are Available To Young People?
Younger volunteers are so sought after these days that the range of opportunities available to you is almost endless. However, typical work can include helping out with environmental and conservation projects locally e.g. cleaning up rivers and ponds, working in hospital radio, helping younger children with basic maths, reading and writing, working in a charity shop and there are countless opportunities to find voluntary work in both the arts and sports volunteering sector where you can combine your passion for a particular hobby and still make a very valued contribution to society – a good example could be getting involved in refereeing disabled 5 a side football matches or wheelchair basketball tournaments or designing stage sets for your local community theatre. The key thing is to appreciate that volunteering is for everyone and that no-one needs to feel excluded and, for a young person, it can not only help you to feel good about yourself but it can also teach you new skills, improve your self-esteem and how to relate to other people of all ages and backgrounds with whom you may not have previously come into contact with and it will give you a real sense of purpose and an appreciation of your ‘place’ in your own community. Furthermore, a stint of volunteering will often prove to be the foundation of the transition to adulthood as you start out to pursue a career and your experience will often instil a good set of values within you which you will carry throughout life.
Professional Low Cost Website
Whether you are a small business, freelancer or entrepeneur, a stunning website doesn't have to break the bank. For just £99 we will design a site that helps you to stand out online. To find our more get in touch here..
Hello, I’m 16 and studying biology, psychology and ethics and hoping to do some volunteer work towards young offenders which will help broaden my psychology opportunities, thank you
georgia - 1-Oct-24 @ 1:02 PM
I'm 13 where can I volunteer?
Pandora - 4-Aug-24 @ 5:33 PM
Hi I’m 13 and looking for a volunteer job for the 6 weeks. If there is anything to do with animals (especially dogs) I would love that thanks you.
Ruby - 2-Aug-24 @ 8:02 PM
I’m looking for volunteering opportunities in healthcare or tutoring young children. Kindly help me find one.
Thank you
Kiaan - 22-Jul-24 @ 11:15 AM
I would like to sign up for Duke of Edinburgh but I am unaware of what volunteer work I could do that is available for me as I am thirteen in Solihull. Thank you
Anna - 1-Jul-24 @ 5:26 PM
Hi, I’m 13 years old and locking for voluntary jobs at half terms and Saturdays. I live in west London.
John Lucas - 19-Dec-23 @ 5:25 PM
Hi I turned 14 at the start of September and I have been looking for any volunteering that I can do. I want to volunteer in charity shops just to get some experience working with customers and in shops. I am also interested in teaching young kids as I have done babysitting and volunteered to help in younger kids club in my school and I am very good with children. I live in Newcastle so places nearby will help and I also have school so anytime in the weekend or after school is great. Thank you!
Masa - 17-Sep-23 @ 11:29 PM
Hi, i'm turning 14 in January and i want to do some charity work or just help out in some way i want something to do and to know i've done something good i need flexible hours for school and live in Hindley im not picky as long as i'm helping somebody. I need something near by as i can't get my parents to drive me everywhere since they have their own things to do and i can't take the bus because we don't have a lot of money right now and i can't afford it. So i'll try anything i like the sound of! Thank you.
ruby - 17-Sep-23 @ 11:14 PM
Hi,I’m 13 and I’m looking for some voluntary work where I get to interact with animals or in a rescue Center . I love all animals and I’m from Belfast. I play the violin(Grade 3), I can cook and I need flexible hours due to school
Animallover - 16-May-23 @ 6:46 PM
I am currently a level five counselling degree student having gained my certificate for working with children and young people amongst other certification including safeguarding, I have a current dbs and I am looking to volunteer and work with children and young people. I would really appreciate a reply of how I could be of help.
Kind regards
Chandel
Chandel - 17-Feb-23 @ 10:28 AM
I am 14 live in Newcastle and am looking for a place where I can volunteer with any environmental things
Kieran - 17-Dec-22 @ 2:39 PM
Hi I’m interested in volunteering with young people
Kasim - 27-Oct-22 @ 6:34 PM
I am 13 and looking for volunteering work with animals or reptiles. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Kareena - 28-May-22 @ 3:41 PM
hi im mia 14 im looking for my volunteering portion for my dofe in my town (nuneaton) hope you can help.
ymi - 11-Apr-22 @ 11:46 PM
Interested in volunteering in Derbyshire
Why? - 17-Mar-22 @ 9:12 AM
Hi I am 15 years old, 16 years old in June, and I am looking for volunteer work in a rescue centre. I am just outside Andover in Hampshire. I need flexible hours due to full time school. I have no training.
Dlggc - 6-Oct-21 @ 3:46 PM
Hi, my name is Jai, I am 13
I am looking for some charity work near me (Bracknell) to help people less fortunate than myself.
I love helping people, and would love to be able to do that.
My hobbies include: rowing, table tennis, cricket, chess, grade 5 trumpet
I also enjoy maths
Jai - 12-Sep-21 @ 10:52 PM
Hi,
My name is Leah, I am 13 years old and I live in central London. I am looking for a volunteering opportunity in a care facility or hospital as it is my passion to become a surgeon when I grow up. I am particularly interested to support Hospices. I am also very good at typing and correcting grammar. Some of my other hobbies include tennis, swimming, trampolining, reading, science, cello and piano (grade 6), and Maths. I can contribute from small things to large jobs as I am a very responsible person and want to make a difference to others. I need a volunteering job for my DofE Bronze Award and I only need to volunteer for 1 hour, but I am more than happy to volunteer further. I need a volunteering job that is flexible as I also have to go to school. Thank you so much for your kind support and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best wishes,
Leah
Leah A - 13-Dec-20 @ 11:11 AM
Hey, I'm doing DofE, and I only need 1 hour per week. is there any opportunities in Birmingham for 14 year olds, or any opportunities working from home?thank you
rar - 29-Nov-20 @ 11:18 AM
Hi I'm 13 and I live near Oxford. I'm starting my DoE, and I don't know what to do for volunteering. I love animals.
Liza - 24-Nov-20 @ 8:09 PM
Hi, I’m 13, turning 14 in two months, and i’m looking for a volunteer job for 2hrs per week for my DofE. I live in the South East London area. I am interested in things such as library work and admin. Could you please let me know if there are any volunteer job opportunities available soon in my area. Thank you!
andrea - 3-Oct-20 @ 12:27 PM
Hi
My daughter is 13 turning 14 soon is looking for a volunteering opportunity or job around animals we live in south west London thank you .
Manoni - 30-Sep-20 @ 11:49 AM
hi I'm 13 nearly fourteen, I'm just looking to see if there was any volunteering opportunities in Glasgow. thanks very much. steven
stevenmaca - 19-Aug-20 @ 11:15 AM
Hi I’d like to start 2 hrs per week of volunteering for my DofE I’ve startwd late because I broke my hand. Anything outdoors to do with sport or animals. Newcastleor Northumberland
Thank you
JXEBILL - 13-Mar-20 @ 5:19 PM
Hi I'm 13 years old soon 14,I'm looking to volunteer for something, preferably working with animals or around them
Sophie - 26-Feb-20 @ 4:26 PM
Hi. I'm 13 and looking for any jobs round Manchester-Bolton. I am trained in first aid and childcare. I need flexible hours due to school. Turning 14 in July.
Sam Barlow - 15-Jan-20 @ 5:01 PM
Good morning, my name is Laetitia and I'm 13 yrs old and live in Caerphilly, South Wales. Because of my age I'm finding it hard to find volunteering posts. My passions are, sport as I'm a member of an athletics club, Taekwondo and horse ride. The environment as I love science, geography and learning about other people's cultures. I also love writing stories and drawing. Since I've started school I've had 3 short stories published.
It would be appreciated if you could help me find somewhere to volunteer.
Thank you, Laetitia. 13
Laetitia - 4-Aug-19 @ 7:35 AM
Hi, I'm a 13 year old girl and was just wondering what positions you would offer to someone of my age. I would love to volunteer, especially with young children or in a more medical way like caring for others. I've had a passion to become a doctor for a very long time and I think volunteering would give me a great chance in seeing what it's like. Also I am starting my bronze DofE so i have to do a volunteer role and was very passionate about doing it by helping others. I am really passionate and a great worker, I always try my best to help other. If you could let me know if there are any positions available for 13 year olds (possibly 14 year olds as I turn 14 shortly) I live in Sheffield and close to Derbyshire. Thank you and if you could please let me know if there are any positions available
Grace - 24-Apr-19 @ 10:50 PM
Hi I'm 13 and I'm looking for volunteering for animals in the Leicestershire area, I am a hard worker and I am very passionate about helping animals, I have tried to find somewhere for younger volunteers, however, I cannot find any. Thank you.
Aerynn - 13-Jan-19 @ 5:13 PM
hi my name patricia i would like to help animals in need but i am only 10 i woldd like to do this beacaus i love animals and i had a cant that died after 4 years so i would like to give those animals who are sick and comfort and give them a good rest iof life if they have something or if they are a bit old and are going to pass away soon.
georgia Re: Volunteering for Young People
Hello, I’m 16 and studying biology, psychology and ethics and hoping to do some volunteer work towards young offenders which will…
1 October 2024
Archie Re: Volunteering to Help Premature Babies
I am retiring from the Police in less than a month. I am looking to volunteer and would love to cuddle babies. I have…
30 September 2024
Stevie Re: Volunteering to Help Premature Babies
Hello, Im currently a 37 single woman who would love to be a mumma. Unfortunately hasn’t happened for me yet; but I…
30 September 2024
Bronagh Re: Work as a Respite Carer
I was wondering how to go about becoming part of a volunteer body offering respite for carers of those with learning disabilities. I work…
Rubyb12 Re: Volunteering to Help Premature Babies
Hi I’m Ruby, I was curious to find out whether there are any cuddle schemes in Salisbury, if this is a possibility I…
Re: Working with Children or Adults with Special Needs
Dear sir/ Madam My name is Megan I've been a volunteer for a long time. I enjoy working with children…
Re: Volunteering With Meals on Wheels
I'm available I'm 66 and drive can give you 3 days a week .
Re: Volunteering With Meals on Wheels
I would like more details I am retired and have a full driving licence my age is73 but active
Re: Volunteering for Young People
Hello, I’m 16 and studying biology, psychology and ethics and hoping to do some volunteer work towards young offenders which will…
Re: Volunteering to Help Premature Babies
I am retiring from the Police in less than a month. I am looking to volunteer and would love to cuddle babies. I have…
Re: Volunteering to Help Premature Babies
Hello, Im currently a 37 single woman who would love to be a mumma. Unfortunately hasn’t happened for me yet; but I…
Re: Work as a Respite Carer
I was wondering how to go about becoming part of a volunteer body offering respite for carers of those with learning disabilities. I work…
Re: Volunteering to Help Premature Babies
...
Re: Volunteering to Help Premature Babies
I would absolutely love to be a nicu cuddler. I absolutely adore babies and children with my whole heart. The pure…
Re: Volunteering to Help Premature Babies
Hi I’m Ruby, I was curious to find out whether there are any cuddle schemes in Salisbury, if this is a possibility I…