Volunteer with us
By volunteering with us, you can help children and young people across the UK whilst boosting your skills
On this page: Why volunteer with Action for Children? | What does volunteering involve? | Current volunteering roles | Volunteer stories
Volunteering with Action for Children is a meaningful way to help some of the UK’s most vulnerable children and families. It’s also an opportunity to develop and enjoy new experiences. You’ll connect with your community, meet new people, learn new skills, and share what you know.
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Many volunteers say the experience is good for their wellbeing and self-development. Whatever your career or life experience, we have a role for you.
Find opportunities in your area and start your volunteering journey
All our voluntary roles are supported. We’ll give you an induction and relevant training, and you’ll always have space to raise issues.
You don’t need specific skills for many of our roles. All we ask for is enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. We’ll support your professional development with references and news about internal vacancies. As a volunteer, you’ll also be able to access our catalogue of E-learning courses.
We are so proud to have achieved the Investing in Volunteers award. Our volunteers feel recognised, supported, and proud to donate their time and experience to help vulnerable children and young people.
Volunteers painting at one of our children's services.
There isn’t just one way to be a volunteer. We have a range of roles that flex around the time you have to offer and the skills you want to use. You might work with your local playgroup, support young asylum seekers, or provide admin support.
The best part of being a mentor is the connections you make with your matched young person. I remember the first time mine asked me for advice – it was unexpected and heartwarming.
Bernice, Young Person’s Mentor, London
Who can volunteer?
Volunteering is open to everyone, from all backgrounds. There’s no upper age limit, though you’ll need to be at least 14 to apply (16 or 18 for some roles). We’re especially keen to hear from people with disabilities, or who identify as Black, Asian or another minority ethnic group.
You may be unsure how volunteering fits your background, health or personal circumstances. But whatever your life experience, we’d value your contribution.
You can volunteer if you’re an asylum seeker. Volunteering won’t affect any benefits you get. We’ll support your application if you have a health condition.
Look for volunteering opportunities near you
Young person's mentor (Independent Visitor)
Become an Independent Visitor to guide, listen to, and befriend a young person in care.
As an Independent Visitor, you'll be trained and matched with a young person in care, and typically meet with them every month. Your role is to give your mentee the opportunity to build a trusting relationship with a supportive adult outside the care system, to be there for them, introduce them to new activities, and spend quality time together.
Helping at events
Can you help us set-up events, and be there to support visitors, staff and fundraisers? Take a look at our events, then email us stating which you’d like to help at.
Out Action Squads
Join a wonderful family of community event volunteers to raise vital funds for our work. Set up your own Action Squad or join one in your local area.
Having someone independent from social services in my life as a child was so important to me. [...] She supported me and advocated for me from a young age when I didn’t even know I needed it. [...] She believed in me, and people don’t often believe in us as children in care.
Louise, a care-experienced young person supported by Action for Children
Find opportunities in your area and start your volunteering journey
Ready to volunteer?
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