We all know that volunteering, especially during a gap year is a great way to experience something new, enhance your CV and do some good around the world. But volunteering doesn’t have to be restricted to countries abroad; there are plenty of opportunities in the UK where you can use your talents to make a difference to the lives of others.
Fundraising for Charity
There are so many charities in the UK that are desperate for funds. Fundraising can be great fun and you can choose which charity you donate to. WaterAid is a great example where funds go towards providing clean drinking water across the globe. Check out the WaterAid site for inspiration and advice for fundraising campaigns and ways to get involved.
Volunteer with Oxfam
There’s so much more to Oxfam than just second hand clothes and there are loads of ways you can help. Oxfam has been fighting poverty for over 65 years in more than 70 countries, funding projects in some of the world’s poorest communities. They also campaign for change with their worldwide activists and provide emergency responses for people affected by conflict and natural disaster.
You can take part in the Run for Oxfam, Trailtrekker or Moonriders for a great excuse to get fundraising in the outdoors. If exercise isn’t your thing then get involved with an Oxjam Music Festival and become an Oxjam Takeover Manager at an exciting music event across the UK.
Work at UK Festivals and Events
Volunteering at festivals across the UK is a great way to get free tickets to some of the best events around the country. You’ll have to work a few hours every day but in return you’ll get to enjoy the festival for free. Jobs can range from putting up tents to picking up rubbish, car park marshalling, security jobs, working on the ticket desk or even behind a bar. Take a look online for more information and opportunities.
Become a Digital Volunteer to Beat Bullying
Beat Bullying is an organisation that aims to put a stop to bullying, help those who are being bullied and prevent child suicide that is the result of bullying. You can help the victims of bullying by becoming a Cyber Mentor and offer help, support and advice. Mentors are offered full training so this can also be a great career boost for the future and is a chance to make a real difference to the lives of others.
Work with Guide Dog Puppies
Who wouldn’t want to spend the day playing with Andrex Puppies? There might be a little more to it but volunteering with guide dogs can be just as much fun. You’ll need plenty of energy, creativity and discipline to help train and exercise the pups. If the responsibility of a dog doesn’t take your fancy then why not raise money for the guide dogs at one of the many fund raising events such as dog sledding, skydiving or trekking. Check out the guidedogs site for more information.
In locations throughout the British countryside, the National Trust working holidays are a great alternative to traditional voluntourism experiences. Volunteers assist house staff with preserving and running historic buildings, help with gardening or archaeology at historic sites and work alongside a forester in countryside management. There are more than 400 opportunities available every year, from herding goats to surveying moorland plants, and some allow you to combine activities such as surfing, horse riding and digital photography.