Volunteer to gains skills and give back!
Volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your skills. It also allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place.
Check out the great opportunities that we have found for you, below.
Are you a natural leader?
Manchester Youth Zone’s ‘Learn2Lead’ program is an opportunity for 14-19-year-olds, that runs for 12 weeks. In this role, you will receive specialist training and workshops, then go on to volunteer in a project of your choice within Greater Manchester.
Do you actively support your local football club?
Why not take it further with the Young Leaders volunteering opportunity for 14-24-year-olds. It means you can offer your skills in coaching and refereeing, as well as also delving into marketing and finance. Develop your practical skills for the future whilst also supporting grassroots football clubs in your area.
Are you a strong advocate for mental health?
Do you feel passionate about helping those around you? No experience is required in this volunteering role with Manchester Mind. To find out more about how you can make a difference contact cyp@manchestermind.org and see all the amazing opportunities you can get involved with.
Based in Bolton?
If you’re Bolton-based this could be a volunteering opportunity for you. With several roles from looking after animals to helping the environment, it’s a great way to get experience and meet lots of new people. Have a think about your interests and get in contact.
Have you got a passion for sustainable fashion?
If you are based near Trafford, this volunteering opportunity could suit you. Stitched Up is a sustainable clothing hub run in Stretford Mall. Running on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoons, it’s a place for makers and creators. Sewing is not essential as there are a number of roles in different areas are available.
Want to have a positive impact on how your local health and social care is run?
Youthwatch is a Rochdale-based initiative for 13-18-year-olds. As a member, it is your job to listen to young people’s experience of these sectors and report back to Healthwatch. Meetings take place monthly via zoom with a minimum of 2-4 hours a month of volunteering advised.
Healthwatch Trafford is a similar Trafford-based initiative where you would be helping other young people by finding out their experience with local health and social care.
Do you want to volunteer but need some guidance?
Maybe you have a career path in mind? For those based in or near Salford, Salford CVS holds a database full of volunteering opportunities. Once you’re registered, get in contact for a 1-1 advice session or have a look at their database to see what’s on offer. Some of the opportunities include; Cadet programs, charity work, and Youth Councils.
Fancy making a positive change within your favourite sport?
The Manchester United Foundation runs volunteering opportunities for young people within Salford Village Hall. Whether it’s coaching, leading, or just playing, there is lots to do. Apply through their website now!
If you’re keen to make a difference...
…why not volunteer for the Red Cross, the largest Humanitarian organisation in the world. It’s a great way to gain new skills and knowledge into how charities are run, as well as meeting new people along the way. Have a look on their website for the volunteering opportunities based in Greater Manchester.
Want to learn lifesaving skills for the real world?
If you feel strongly about helping people, then why not volunteer with St John’s ambulance. If you are 17 and under join the cadets. If you are older then you can become either a student volunteer or a youth volunteer. Check out their whttps://vinspired.com/ebsite for more details and how you can get involved in your area.
Volunteering Matters @Volunteering_UK
Volunteering matters works with communities to overcome adversity, social isolation and loneliness. Young volunteers are supported and advised in how to lead the change.
Oxfam @OxfamGB
Oxfam is a global movement, with many shops and events in the UK. You can complete your Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE at your local Oxfam shop.
Fareshare UK @fareshare
English International footballer Marcus Rashford is the ambassador for this charity; encouraging you to fight hunger by challenging food waste in the UK.
England International footballer Marcus Rashford has been an ambassador of FareShare since March 2020. https://fareshare.org.uk/marcus-rashford/
Not sure what you want to try your hand at?
Vinspired is a database of national volunteering opportunities for 16-25 year olds. Just tweak the area to search and find out more about opportunities near you. Updated regularly.
