[This blog was posted in 2022. Find out how to get involved this year: search our database or email our team at [email protected]]
Christmas is traditionally the time of year when people give generously to one another. This year, with prices rising, temperatures dropping and social isolation increasing, your time can help make Hackney a gentler place to be this winter.
We have roles that fit in with all sorts of timeframes, locations and skillsets.
And often, the greatest skill needed is kindness.
Here at Volunteer Centre Hackney we’re opening our doors and inviting you to join us in getting creative. Bring along a friend or family member, and make festive cards to send to isolated Hackney residents. Our last session will take place on 14th December – book a spot here and join us for x-massy refreshments and festive cheer. No craft skills required! Please email us at [email protected].
Volunteer Centre Hackney is always seeking Community Befrienders who can give 1-2 hours of their time, either meeting face-to-face or talking on the phone with a vulnerable person. If you can speak a community language such as Bosnian, Portuguese, Turkish, Hindi, Farsi or Urdu, even better!
Around Hackney and East London
Christmas Hamper Delivery Services –Bring the gift of Christmas treats to isolated residents of Hackney with HIV with The Food Chain. The group provides services including essential groceries, communal eating sessions, cookery classes and nutrition advice to people living with HIV. This Christmas, they’re looking for volunteers in the week leading up to Christmas and Christmas Day. They’ll provide the list of items needed whilst you get to pick out, decorate and deliver the hampers.
Support young people with disabilities to take part in a fun-filled Christmas project run by Kith and Kids from 27 – 31 December. You’ll be helping the young people get to know each other through taking part in loads of activities and workshops including arts and crafts, cooking, sports and even a day out in London!
AMURT continue to support residents with a variety of services, including food preparation skills and meal delivery for residents experiencing homelessness or are vulnerable. Shifts are available on Thursday mornings and afternoons.
Help bring the festive fun to the Friends of Woodberry Down, who are throwing open their doors for a local residents Christmas party. The team need a Christmas Party Volunteer to help set up and serve coffee and food at their Christmas party on Tuesday 13 December.
Crisis at Christmas London will be running services through to the end of January 2023. Some roles include greeting guests at hotels, serving meals (run jointly with The Felix Project), or providing IT services to support frontline workers. Roles ranges from one-off to long-term.
Hackney Winter Night Shelter are looking for volunteers in a range of roles, including volunteers to work one or more shifts at the venue, welcome guests, serve an evening meal, stay overnight, serve breakfast and help guests have a positive start to their day.
If you’d like to volunteer on Christmas Day locally, it’s always worth getting in touch with your local place of worship, community centre or night shelter to see if they might need volunteers on or around Christmas Day as these roles might not be advertised online.
Haven’t got time to volunteer but still want to help? You could always give a donation instead.
Hackney Food Bank accept donations of both food and money. Donate up to four boxes of food anytime Monday-Friday, 09.30-14.30. More than four boxes? Visit https://www.hackney.foodbank.org.uk/donate to book a slot.
Give baby hygiene supplies, baby food and milk and gently used children’s clothing, toys and books, for families and young children in Hackney at The Community Closet. Simply book in a slot to bring in donations, which are then distributed to families in need across the borough. https://community-closet.org/want-to-donate%3F
We will be regularly updating this page with all the latest opportunities to volunteer at Christmas in Hackney, so remember to check back here if you’re interested in volunteering in Hackney this Winter!
FOR ORGANISATIONS: If you need volunteers, please let us know. If you’re registered with Volunteer Centre Hackney, simply add any new roles that you have to Volunteer Connect – Organisations.
Not yet registered your roles with us? In less than 5 minutes, you can be up and running, reaching new potential volunteers. Register here at Volunteer Connect – Register
To find out more about volunteering and how to get involved, visit Volunteer Centre Hackney or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.