[This blog was posted in 2019! Find out how to get involved this year: search our database or email our team at [email protected]]
Want to make a difference in your community this Christmas? There are many ways to volunteer in the run up to Christmas and on the day itself, from helping out at Santa Dashes, making Xmas cards for isolated people, helping out at Xmas Dinners and lunches or if you are time-short you can donate hamper items and presents to lots of worthwhile causes. Check out our list below.
Hackney Winter Night Shelter provides a hot meal and a warm bed for homeless guests who would otherwise be out on the streets during the coldest winter months. They are seeking volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to help out at their shelters, including tasks like preparing the venue, cooking, serving food, and talking to guests. They urgently need volunteers for overnight and morning shifts. Read more here.
For longer term volunteering opportunities supporting people who are experiencing homelessness, there’s also London Street Rescue who need volunteer outreach teams to look for rough sleepers across the capital 365 days a year. Read more about the role.
Crisis at Christmas offers immediate help for homeless people at a critical time of year. There are lots of volunteering roles to fill across London, but they hold a Day Shelter right here in Hackney, so have a browse and see what suits you best here.
Help bring Christmas cheer to Hackney care leavers. Hackney Xmas Dinner gives volunteers the chance to help out in a range of ways, from donating presents to setting up on Christmas Eve or helping out at the dinner on Christmas Day itself. Join the Facebook Group or follow them on Twitter for more info.
HOST UK arranges for volunteer hosts to invite a student from Christmas Eve until 27th December, turning an otherwise lonely Christmas into one of celebration of warmth. Invite an international student to stay for a few days at Christmas or any other time of the year. Short-term stay hosts needed.
Hackney Carers Collective is an arts and crafts focused programme, delivering 6-week courses for 2 hours once a week, to provide carers with much needed respite, and the opportunity to try their hand at a whole different array of arts-based activities. Christmas workshops: 27th Nov (DIY gift-wrap and cards), 4th Dec (festive wreath), 11th Dec (festive jumpers / Xmas party). All sessions run between 1.30 – 3.30pm. Volunteers are required from 1pm – 4pm if possible to help set up and pack away. For more info, please email [email protected]
VCH receives new opportunities every day. Please bookmark this page to see our updated Festive and New Year roles in Hackney and across London.