Volunteer
Whether you have an hour a month, 3 hours every week, one day a year or something in between, you can make a difference!
At Volunteer Centre Hackney, we have a huge database of opportunities with over 300 local charities and non-profits – so whatever you’re interested in, we can help you find your ideal volunteer role.
Our latest volunteer roles
Ready to get started? Here are some of the latest opportunities we have at the moment. Click on one to find out more via our database, Simply Connect.
Hackney Night Shelter Volunteer
This is a fantastic role for someone who wants to make a real difference in their local community by supporting people without a home. Our greatest need is for people who can give an evening on Friday or a period of time over Saturday or Sunday, serving food and drinks, chatting with guests and helping to keep the shelter a safe and friendly place to be. Shifts vary in length from 3-4 hours.
Conversation facilitator/starter – MATCH
Can you use your voice to drive equality of access in the local health sector? You could lead conversations and discussions for the MATCH programme, which brings together residents and people in the healthcare sector to identify key local issues facing ongoing inequalities. The programme then works with partners to pinpoint and put in place ideas for change.
Christmas Dinner Host & Helper
Whether you’re serious about sprouts or passionate about parsnips, Christmas dinner is always something to enjoy. That’s why Hackney Christmas Dinner hosts Christmas Day events, making sure people between the ages of 18 and 25 who have left care are not alone on Christmas Day. They’re seeking volunteers to help with activities such as face-painting, dancing, karaoke, chatting to guests and giving out gifts. Those with plenty of energy and a friendly demeanor should apply today.
Volunteer Gardener
Those with green fingers should aim to grow their skills in this Volunteer Gardener role with Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. You’ll help with watering, weeding, and pruning, making sure green spaces remain looking fantastic. It’s an opportunity to give something back to the community, plus you’ll benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise.
Community Befriender
All you need to become a Community Befriender is an hour every week to check in with someone in your community who is vulnerable. We’ll match you with the right person, based on your interests, schedule, language, and whether you’d like to meet in-person, or speak on the phone or online. Our expert team gets 5 referrals a week for lonely and isolated City and Hackney residents from healthcare professionals and other support organisations. Join us over the festive period, and help make sure people who are isolated or lonely feel valued.
Christmas Day Driver Volunteer
Make someone’s Christmas by driving a group of people with HIV to The Food Chain in Stepney Green on Christmas Day. There, you and a group of people who The Food Chain support will enjoy Christmas-themed films, games and of course Christmas lunch! As long as you have a UK driving licence and have a confident, approachable manner, you should fit the bill.
Volunteer with VCH
You can also get involved directly with us! We run lots of different services which all need volunteers. Click on one of the options below to find out more.
Community Befrienders
Together Better
Our Place
Corporate Volunteering
Our latest volunteer news
Top 10 Hackney volunteering roles in December 2024
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or anything else, do something generous and volunteer for Hackney! Check out our top 10 Hackney volunteering roles in December 2024.
by: Alistair Hendrie –
Volunteer Centre Hackney wins RSPH Health & Wellbeing Award
We’re delighted to announce that our Together Better service won the Community Health Development Award at last night’s Royal Society for Public Health Health & Wellbeing Awards.
by: Alistair Hendrie –
Volunteering has been a real life-saver for me. And every job I've had I got through volunteering!
Want to know more?
If you want to learn more about how to get started, what opportunities there are, or how to work with us, get in touch.