7 London Charities You Can Volunteer For

Whether you have a couple of hours a month or free time each weekend, there are a whole range of volunteering schemes that need your help. From digital mental health charities to a community for disadvantaged young girls, here are some of the London charities you can volunteer for. 

7 London Charities You Can Volunteer For

The Feminist Library

 

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Based in Peckham, The Feminist Library is a large archival collection of feminist literature. Since opening in 1975, it has been supporting research projects in the feminist field, as well as providing a community space for visitors of all genders. It’s run almost entirely by volunteers, and the team are always on the hunt for new recruits. You’ll be invited to join the Library Volunteers Facebook Group, which shares upcoming events and ways to get involved – from staffing the library to helping fundraise. feministlibrary.co.uk

Foodcycle

 

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Another one of the London charities you can volunteer for is Foodcycle. It works to reduce hunger and loneliness by combining surplus food, volunteers and free kitchen space to create three-course meals for those in need. At each meal, volunteers and guests sit down and eat together – so it’s a great opportunity to form friendships too. The charity is always looking for volunteers, with roles including cooking, collecting food and hosting. There are numerous sites around the city, from Marylebone to Dalston and Peckham. foodcycle.org.uk

Shout

 

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Launched in May 2019 by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Shout is a free, confidential text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. If a person texts SHOUT to 85258, a trained Crisis Volunteer will reply and engage in conversation, helping them to get to a calmer place. As a digital charity, it became even more crucial during Covid – a time when many mental health support services weren’t able to operate as normal. Those interested in volunteering can apply through the website, and successful candidates will be given 25 hours of thorough training – with opportunities to volunteer from home or in the office. All volunteers must commit to two to four hours per week. giveusashout.org

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

One of the oldest charities on this list, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has helped over three million animals since it launched in 1860. No dog or cat is turned away, and each animal is cared for until a home is found – no matter how long it takes. There are plenty of volunteering roles available, but you need to be committed for at least six months – and many volunteers stay much longer than this. If you’re interested, keep an eye on the volunteer vacancies page for upcoming opportunities. battersea.org.uk

Age UK

 

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The mission of Age UK is to improve the lives of older people. That includes campaigning and research, as well as providing support and advice, prioritising wellbeing and helping tackle loneliness. Its volunteers are crucial, with opportunities including the Silver Connects Helpline, a 24-hour support service for people over the age of 55 who feel isolated. ageuk.org.uk

The Girls’ Network

North-west London secondary school teachers Charly and Becca founded The Girls’ Network after witnessing the multiple barriers facing girls in their classrooms. They launched a mentoring scheme in 2013 designed to help girls feel more confident, plus give them better access to opportunities. It has since grown to operate all over the UK, helping over 1,200 girls each year – and the charity is always looking for mentors to join the community. Applicants who identify as coming from a low-income household, care leavers and women of colour are prioritised in the application process, and you’ll need to commit to at least one hour a month over the course of a year. thegirlsnetwork.org.uk

Buses 4 Homeless

 

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When Dan Atkins found a homeless man sleeping underneath a coach he was working on, he came up with the idea for a new social enterprise, Buses 4 Homeless. This converts decommissioned buses into spaces for eating, sleeping and learning in a bid to engage homeless people back into the community. Its success relies on the support of volunteers, with a wide array of roles available, ranging from personal trainers to electricians. buses4homeless.org

Main image: Getty Images

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