5 ways to be a volunteer hero
You don't need loads of spare time to volunteer. Whatever sparks your passion, there's something for you here
Are you looking for ways to make a difference in your local community? Find out how you can help children in need by becoming an Action for Children volunteer.
To get signed up, you'll need to find a volunteering opportunity first. Search our volunteering database to find the right role then just follow the instructions to create your own account in minutes.
Once signed up, you'll be able to:
- Keep up to date with the latest news, through our Volunteers in Action magazine.
- Read the volunteer handbook and volunteer agreement to refresh your knowledge about our procedures.
- Log your volunteering hours and print off your own volunteering hours reports (great if you need evidence for a course placement).
- Print a calendar of your upcoming volunteering activities and get reminders of when you’re next due to volunteer.
- Find other Action for Children volunteering activities taking place locally.
From help with social media to assisting at stay-and-play sessions, our 200 children's centres across the UK need a bit of extra help with everyday tasks.
Find out what services and support groups are in your area and get involved. Volunteers can make a huge difference to services, whatever your skills.
Our mentors are also known as Independent Visitors. You could help guide, advise, listen to and befriend young people in care, sharing their experience as well as trying new activities and spending quality time together.
Making a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable child or young person is an amazing feeling, but by volunteering as a mentor you'll also:
- Make new friends and have unforgettable experiences.
- Take part in ongoing training, and gain accreditation which could help your future career.
- Attend regular support meetings with your volunteer coordinator.
- Have all of your expenses covered.
- Be able to easily fit mentoring around your other commitments.
Action Squads are groups of volunteers made up of friends, family or like-minded people that we connect in their community. They carry out fundraising events and activities, represent Action for Children at local third-party events and spread the word about our work.
As a Squad member, you can volunteer at national events, give talks about our work to schools and community groups, plus support our campaigns.
Lots of Action Squads hold their own activities too. Raffles, quiz nights, bake sales and so much more depending on where your interests lie – you can do all sorts to raise money for us.
What you’ll get:
- Gain skills in event or project management – or put your experience to good use.
- Personalised support from planning your event to banking the vital funds you raise, from your local area fundraiser.
- The chance to link up and share ideas with other Action Squads, via our private Facebook group.
- Join forces with friends and family, or even new connections in your area, to fundraise and have some fun.
We have lots of different roles at Action for Children, and are always updating what's on offer.
Whether you want to provide one-off support at our fundraising events, regular frontline volunteering at a children's centre or assisting with behind the scenes business support, know that you'll be contributing to provide safe and happy childhoods across the UK.
