Volunteering
Volunteering offers benefits to those who volunteer, as well as those that benefit from the volunteering activity. Companies and businesses can also benefit from supporting local community groups through corporate volunteering programmes. Follow the links here for further information:
Individual Volunteering
Do you live, work or study in Hammersmith & Fulham?
Volunteering offers a wide range of personal, social, and professional benefits—from boosting your mental health to expanding your career prospects.
Here’s a detailed look at the most impactful benefits of volunteering:
Personal Growth and Wellbeing:
Improved mental and physical health: Volunteering has been linked to reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and increased happiness.
Boosted self-confidence: Helping others can give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Greater life satisfaction: Many volunteers report feeling more fulfilled and optimistic.
Social Connection:
Making new friends: Volunteering connects you with people who share your interests and values.
Strengthening community ties: It fosters a sense of belonging and helps build stronger, more resilient communities.
Combating loneliness: Regular volunteering can reduce feelings of isolation, especially for older adults.
Career and Skill Development:
Learning new skills: Volunteers often gain valuable experience in communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Enhancing your resume: Employers value volunteer work as evidence of initiative and commitment.
Exploring career paths: Volunteering can help you test out industries or roles before committing professionally.
Purpose and Impact:
Giving back: It’s a meaningful way to support causes you care about and make a tangible difference.
Creating opportunities for others: Your time and effort can help organizations reach more people and expand their services.
Advocating for change: Volunteers often become powerful voices for social, environmental, or cultural progress.
If you’re considering volunteering, think about what causes matter most to you and how much time you can realistically commit. Whether it’s a few hours a month or a regular weekly role, every bit counts.
Would you like help finding volunteer opportunities near you or tailored to your interests?
Volunteering offers a wide range of personal, social, and professional benefits—from boosting your mental health to expanding your career prospects.
Here’s a detailed look at the most impactful benefits of volunteering:
Personal Growth and Wellbeing:
Improved mental and physical health: Volunteering has been linked to reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and increased happiness.
Boosted self-confidence: Helping others can give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Greater life satisfaction: Many volunteers report feeling more fulfilled and optimistic.
Social Connection:
Making new friends: Volunteering connects you with people who share your interests and values.
Strengthening community ties: It fosters a sense of belonging and helps build stronger, more resilient communities.
Combating loneliness: Regular volunteering can reduce feelings of isolation, especially for older adults.
Career and Skill Development:
Learning new skills: Volunteers often gain valuable experience in communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Enhancing your resume: Employers value volunteer work as evidence of initiative and commitment.
Exploring career paths: Volunteering can help you test out industries or roles before committing professionally.
Purpose and Impact:
Giving back: It’s a meaningful way to support causes you care about and make a tangible difference.
Creating opportunities for others: Your time and effort can help organizations reach more people and expand their services.
Advocating for change: Volunteers often become powerful voices for social, environmental, or cultural progress.
If you’re considering volunteering, think about what causes matter most to you and how much time you can realistically commit. Whether it’s a few hours a month or a regular weekly role, every bit counts.
Would you like help finding volunteer opportunities near you or tailored to your interests?
Charities offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities, from hands-on community work to
remote support roles, catering to diverse interests and skill sets.
Volunteering opportunities tend to be either one-off, or ongoing. One off volunteering opportunities might be around helping out at a local event, whereas more regular volunteering is more often helping to deliver a service. Regular volunteering might be weekly, monthly or other regular intervals.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of volunteering roles you can explore:
Skill-Based Volunteering:
Marketing, IT, and design support: Help charities build websites, run social media campaigns, or design promotional materials.
Legal or financial advice: Offer professional expertise to help with governance such as becoming a trustee, or helping an organisation with budgeting, or compliance.
Community and Social Support:
Mentoring and tutoring: Support children, young adults, or refugees with education and personal development.
Befriending and companionship: Visit or call elderly individuals or those experiencing loneliness.
Youth work: Assist in youth clubs, homework help sessions, or sports programs.
Environmental and Outdoor Volunteering:
Gardening and conservation: Maintain community gardens, clean up parks, or restore natural habitats.
Event support: Help set up and run charity events like marathons, festivals, or awareness days.
Health and Care Services:
Hospital or hospice support: Greet visitors, assist with admin, or provide emotional support to patients and families.
Mental health advocacy: Help raise awareness or support peer-led groups.
Food and Shelter Assistance:
Soup kitchens and food banks: Sort donations, prepare meals, or distribute food parcels.
Homeless outreach: Provide essentials, offer conversation, or help with job readiness programs.
Remote and Flexible Roles:
Fundraising and admin: Help with grant writing, donor outreach, or data entry from home.
Helpline support: Answer calls or messages for crisis lines or advice services.
Creative and Cultural Volunteering:
Arts and crafts workshops: Lead sessions for children, seniors, or people with disabilities.
Museum or heritage site guides: Share knowledge and engage visitors.
Volunteering opportunities tend to be either one-off, or ongoing. One off volunteering opportunities might be around helping out at a local event, whereas more regular volunteering is more often helping to deliver a service. Regular volunteering might be weekly, monthly or other regular intervals.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of volunteering roles you can explore:
Skill-Based Volunteering:
Marketing, IT, and design support: Help charities build websites, run social media campaigns, or design promotional materials.
Legal or financial advice: Offer professional expertise to help with governance such as becoming a trustee, or helping an organisation with budgeting, or compliance.
Community and Social Support:
Mentoring and tutoring: Support children, young adults, or refugees with education and personal development.
Befriending and companionship: Visit or call elderly individuals or those experiencing loneliness.
Youth work: Assist in youth clubs, homework help sessions, or sports programs.
Environmental and Outdoor Volunteering:
Gardening and conservation: Maintain community gardens, clean up parks, or restore natural habitats.
Event support: Help set up and run charity events like marathons, festivals, or awareness days.
Health and Care Services:
Hospital or hospice support: Greet visitors, assist with admin, or provide emotional support to patients and families.
Mental health advocacy: Help raise awareness or support peer-led groups.
Food and Shelter Assistance:
Soup kitchens and food banks: Sort donations, prepare meals, or distribute food parcels.
Homeless outreach: Provide essentials, offer conversation, or help with job readiness programs.
Remote and Flexible Roles:
Fundraising and admin: Help with grant writing, donor outreach, or data entry from home.
Helpline support: Answer calls or messages for crisis lines or advice services.
Creative and Cultural Volunteering:
Arts and crafts workshops: Lead sessions for children, seniors, or people with disabilities.
Museum or heritage site guides: Share knowledge and engage visitors.
Anyone can volunteer, regardless of age, background, or experience. Many charities welcome
people with disabilities, mental health challenges, or criminal records, and offer tailored
roles to suit different needs. Depending on the volunteering role, you may need a DBS check in
order to participate, but there are plenty of roles where this does not apply.
Minimum age requirements vary by organization and role. Most roles require volunteers to be 18+, while others (like shop assistants or event helpers) may accept younger volunteers.
How Much Time Do I Need?
Flexible options are available—from one-off events to weekly commitments. Some roles require just a couple of hours, while others may involve regular shifts. Many organizations try to match your schedule, offering remote or short-term opportunities if you’re busy. You can often choose roles based on your interests, skills, and availability, and apply for multiple positions if you wish.
How Do I Apply?
Most charities have online application forms or volunteer portals. You may need to provide references or undergo a background check depending on the role. After applying, expect an interview or informal chat, followed by training or orientation.
Is Training Provided?
Yes, many charities offer training and ongoing support, especially for roles involving vulnerable people or technical tasks.
Can Groups Volunteer?
Some organizations welcome group volunteering, ideal for corporate teams, schools, or community clubs.
Minimum age requirements vary by organization and role. Most roles require volunteers to be 18+, while others (like shop assistants or event helpers) may accept younger volunteers.
How Much Time Do I Need?
Flexible options are available—from one-off events to weekly commitments. Some roles require just a couple of hours, while others may involve regular shifts. Many organizations try to match your schedule, offering remote or short-term opportunities if you’re busy. You can often choose roles based on your interests, skills, and availability, and apply for multiple positions if you wish.
How Do I Apply?
Most charities have online application forms or volunteer portals. You may need to provide references or undergo a background check depending on the role. After applying, expect an interview or informal chat, followed by training or orientation.
Is Training Provided?
Yes, many charities offer training and ongoing support, especially for roles involving vulnerable people or technical tasks.
Can Groups Volunteer?
Some organizations welcome group volunteering, ideal for corporate teams, schools, or community clubs.
For help on finding a volunteering opportunity in Hammersmith & Fulham, contact
info@sobus.org.uk, or contact our local volunteer centre:
www.hfvc.org.uk.
If you’re looking to match your interests with a cause, platforms like CharityJob and HandsOn London make it easy to browse roles by location, time commitment, and passion.
If you’re looking to match your interests with a cause, platforms like CharityJob and HandsOn London make it easy to browse roles by location, time commitment, and passion.
Corporate Volunteering
Businesses should support volunteering because it boosts employee engagement,
enhances brand reputation, and delivers measurable social impact—all while
aligning with corporate values and ESG goals.
Here’s a deeper look at why corporate volunteering is a smart, strategic move:
Improves employee engagement and retention Employees who volunteer through
work reports higher job satisfaction and loyalty. Structured programs can increase
participation rates by up to 7.5 times compared to ad-hoc efforts.
- Enhances brand reputation and public trust Companies seen actively contributing
to their communities are viewed more favourably by customers, investors, and
potential hires.
- Develops employee skills and leadership Volunteering offers real-world
opportunities for staff to build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
skills—especially in cross-functional or leadership roles.
- Supports ESG and CSR goals Volunteering aligns with Environmental, Social,
and Governance (ESG) frameworks, helping businesses meet sustainability and
social responsibility targets.
- Strengthens community relationships By engaging with local charities and
causes, businesses build meaningful connections with the communities they
operate in, fostering goodwill and long-term partnerships.
- Boosts recruitment and employer branding Purpose-driven companies attract top
talent. Volunteering programs signal that a business cares about more than profit,
which resonates with younger generations.
Whether your team prefers getting their hands dirty or sharing specialist skills, we can help
you find group volunteer ideas to match. From climate cleanups to CV mentoring, volunteering
days can be arranged to support your cause areas and employee preferences — making it easy to
deliver meaningful impact at scale.
Typical employer supported volunteering opportunities include:
Skills-based volunteering: Employees use their professional expertise to help charities (e.g., IT, legal, marketing).
Practical volunteering: Staff help with hands-on tasks like food distribution or event support.
Team-based volunteering: Groups of employees volunteer together, building camaraderie and collaboration.
How to Get Started
1. Create a clear volunteering policy and communicate it across the organisation.
2. Partner with local infrastructure organisations such as Sobus or H&F Volunteer Centre to create and access corporate volunteering opportunities.
3. Identify the causes, communities or campaigns that your organisation would like to support.
4. Offer paid volunteering days or flexible scheduling to encourage participation.
For example, the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham offer staff two days per year to volunteer for local voluntary and community organisations.
Supporting volunteering isn’t just a feel-good gesture—it’s a strategic investment in people, purpose, and performance. If you’d like help designing a volunteering program or finding charity partners, Sobus would be happy to help.
For more information and support:
https://www.works-4u.com/
Works4U is a not-for-profit social enterprise initiative based in Fulham. Our social mission is to help businesses to support the community through volunteering. We deliver impactful corporate volunteer projects and programmes that match the social responsibility goals of each business we work with.
Sobus can also help you connect with local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations who are looking for corporate volunteers. To get in touch, please contact us: info@sobus.org.uk or complete this online form: Corporate volunteering enquiry form.
Typical employer supported volunteering opportunities include:
Skills-based volunteering: Employees use their professional expertise to help charities (e.g., IT, legal, marketing).
Practical volunteering: Staff help with hands-on tasks like food distribution or event support.
Team-based volunteering: Groups of employees volunteer together, building camaraderie and collaboration.
How to Get Started
1. Create a clear volunteering policy and communicate it across the organisation.
2. Partner with local infrastructure organisations such as Sobus or H&F Volunteer Centre to create and access corporate volunteering opportunities.
3. Identify the causes, communities or campaigns that your organisation would like to support.
4. Offer paid volunteering days or flexible scheduling to encourage participation.
For example, the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham offer staff two days per year to volunteer for local voluntary and community organisations.
Supporting volunteering isn’t just a feel-good gesture—it’s a strategic investment in people, purpose, and performance. If you’d like help designing a volunteering program or finding charity partners, Sobus would be happy to help.
For more information and support:
https://www.works-4u.com/
Works4U is a not-for-profit social enterprise initiative based in Fulham. Our social mission is to help businesses to support the community through volunteering. We deliver impactful corporate volunteer projects and programmes that match the social responsibility goals of each business we work with.
Sobus can also help you connect with local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations who are looking for corporate volunteers. To get in touch, please contact us: info@sobus.org.uk or complete this online form: Corporate volunteering enquiry form.
Looking For Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector!
They expand capacity, bring diverse skills, and strengthen community ties, often enabling
organisations to deliver services they couldn’t afford otherwise.
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits of using volunteers:
Increased Capacity and Reach:
Volunteers help charities do more with limited resources, allowing them to serve more people and run more programs without increasing costs.
Many charities rely heavily on volunteers for day-to-day operations, especially smaller organizations that may not have paid staff.
Access to Skills and Expertise:
Volunteers bring diverse skills, experience, and fresh perspectives, from marketing and finance to caregiving and tech support.
This can enhance service quality and help charities innovate or improve efficiency.
Stronger Community Connections:
Volunteers often come from the communities charities serve, helping build trust, cultural relevance, and local engagement.
They act as ambassadors, spreading awareness and encouraging others to get involved or donate.
Cost Savings:
By contributing their time, volunteers reduce staffing costs, freeing up funds for other critical areas like infrastructure or outreach.
Enhanced Visibility and Advocacy:
Volunteers help charities raise awareness, whether through word-of-mouth, social media, or participating in events.
Their stories and enthusiasm can inspire broader public support and media attention.
Opportunities for Collaboration:
Volunteer programs often lead to partnerships with schools, businesses, and local councils, expanding the charity’s network and influence.
Long-Term Sustainability:
Engaged volunteers often become long-term supporters, donors, or board members, contributing to the charity’s future stability.
In short, volunteers are not just helpers—they’re strategic assets. They amplify impact, deepen relationships, and help charities thrive in ways that paid staff alone often can’t.
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits of using volunteers:
Increased Capacity and Reach:
Volunteers help charities do more with limited resources, allowing them to serve more people and run more programs without increasing costs.
Many charities rely heavily on volunteers for day-to-day operations, especially smaller organizations that may not have paid staff.
Access to Skills and Expertise:
Volunteers bring diverse skills, experience, and fresh perspectives, from marketing and finance to caregiving and tech support.
This can enhance service quality and help charities innovate or improve efficiency.
Stronger Community Connections:
Volunteers often come from the communities charities serve, helping build trust, cultural relevance, and local engagement.
They act as ambassadors, spreading awareness and encouraging others to get involved or donate.
Cost Savings:
By contributing their time, volunteers reduce staffing costs, freeing up funds for other critical areas like infrastructure or outreach.
Enhanced Visibility and Advocacy:
Volunteers help charities raise awareness, whether through word-of-mouth, social media, or participating in events.
Their stories and enthusiasm can inspire broader public support and media attention.
Opportunities for Collaboration:
Volunteer programs often lead to partnerships with schools, businesses, and local councils, expanding the charity’s network and influence.
Long-Term Sustainability:
Engaged volunteers often become long-term supporters, donors, or board members, contributing to the charity’s future stability.
In short, volunteers are not just helpers—they’re strategic assets. They amplify impact, deepen relationships, and help charities thrive in ways that paid staff alone often can’t.
There is no legal definition of a volunteer. There is also no law that protects the rights
of volunteers as there is for employed staff. This can been seen as both positive and
negative; positive in that, the lack of legislation means volunteering can remain flexible,
inspirational and spontaneous and negative in that it can mean volunteers are vulnerable
to being treated poorly or discriminatorily which can result in damage to an organisation
and individuals.
Volunteers do not have a contract of employment, so do not have the same rights as an employee or worker. However, good practice is that an agreement should be in place, which explains:
● The role of the volunteer
● The level of support and supervision they will receive
● What training will be provided
● Whether the volunteer will be covered by the organisation’s employer or public liability insurance
● Health and safety issues
● Safeguarding and GDPR policies and practice
● Any expenses the organsiation will cover
A volunteer agreement is not compulsory, but sets out what volunteers can expect from the organisation they’re volunteering for. It does not however form a contract between the organisation and the volunteer, therefore volunteers are not legally protected against unfair dismissal or discriminatory practice, they also do not have rights to leave, maternity conditions or payment of the national minimum wage. No contract of employment can exist with a volunteer.
Volunteers do not have a contract of employment, so do not have the same rights as an employee or worker. However, good practice is that an agreement should be in place, which explains:
● The role of the volunteer
● The level of support and supervision they will receive
● What training will be provided
● Whether the volunteer will be covered by the organisation’s employer or public liability insurance
● Health and safety issues
● Safeguarding and GDPR policies and practice
● Any expenses the organsiation will cover
A volunteer agreement is not compulsory, but sets out what volunteers can expect from the organisation they’re volunteering for. It does not however form a contract between the organisation and the volunteer, therefore volunteers are not legally protected against unfair dismissal or discriminatory practice, they also do not have rights to leave, maternity conditions or payment of the national minimum wage. No contract of employment can exist with a volunteer.
Community groups need a clear volunteer strategy, well-defined roles, and accessible recruitment
processes to attract and retain volunteers effectively.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to what they should put in place:
1. Define Volunteer Needs and Roles
Clarify roles and responsibilities: Outline what each volunteer will do, including tasks, time commitment, and expected outcomes.
Identify required skills: Determine if specific qualifications or experience are needed for certain roles.
Create role descriptions: These help volunteers understand what’s expected and make recruitment more targeted. Create separate role descriptions for volunteers, these should be less formal than a job description and provide more flexibility.
2. Promote Opportunities Effectively
Advertise widely: Use local networks, social media, community boards, and platforms like Do-it.org or Volunteer Scotland.
Tailor messaging: Highlight the impact of volunteering and how it benefits both the community and the volunteer.
Use storytelling: Share real volunteer experiences to inspire others.
3. Streamline Application and Onboarding
Accessible application process: Ensure forms and interviews are inclusive and easy to navigate.
Background checks: Depending on the role, conduct DBS or other relevant checks.
Welcome and induction: Provide orientation to help volunteers feel confident and connected from the start.
4. Build Relationships and Retention
Offer support and supervision: Assign coordinators or mentors to guide volunteers. Support should be holistic and less task focused.
Volunteer agreements not contracts: Volunteers should have a written and signed agreement with the organisation. This must outline the role and the expectations from both sides. It should never be called a contract and should also remain flexible.
Adapted policies and procedures for volunteers: Organisations should outline which of their policies and procedures volunteers should adhere to e.g. Health and Safety, Child Protection. Where possible adapt these policies to show recognition of where volunteers fit and what their role is. Do not include volunteers in employment-related policies such as Annual Leave or Maternity.
Flexibility: Volunteers should not be held to the same accountability as employees. Flexibility should always be demonstrated with volunteers. Remain open to change in volunteer’s circumstances.
Celebrations and recognition instead of payment: Other than expenses, do not pay your volunteers or gift them with any additional reward that could be misconstrued as a regular or expected payment. Absolutely, celebrate your volunteers, buy them a birthday present or pay for their Christmas meal, give them regular shout-outs, and celebrate their contributions and achievements. Rewards should be one-off and exceptional.
Provide feedback and development: Encourage growth and offer training where possible.
5. Align with Community Needs
Engage local voices: Involve residents in shaping volunteer programs to ensure relevance and inclusivity.
Collaborate with other groups: Partnering with schools, faith groups, or businesses can expand reach and resources.
By putting these elements in place, community groups can build a sustainable and rewarding volunteer program that strengthens their impact and deepens local engagement.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to what they should put in place:
1. Define Volunteer Needs and Roles
Clarify roles and responsibilities: Outline what each volunteer will do, including tasks, time commitment, and expected outcomes.
Identify required skills: Determine if specific qualifications or experience are needed for certain roles.
Create role descriptions: These help volunteers understand what’s expected and make recruitment more targeted. Create separate role descriptions for volunteers, these should be less formal than a job description and provide more flexibility.
2. Promote Opportunities Effectively
Advertise widely: Use local networks, social media, community boards, and platforms like Do-it.org or Volunteer Scotland.
Tailor messaging: Highlight the impact of volunteering and how it benefits both the community and the volunteer.
Use storytelling: Share real volunteer experiences to inspire others.
3. Streamline Application and Onboarding
Accessible application process: Ensure forms and interviews are inclusive and easy to navigate.
Background checks: Depending on the role, conduct DBS or other relevant checks.
Welcome and induction: Provide orientation to help volunteers feel confident and connected from the start.
4. Build Relationships and Retention
Offer support and supervision: Assign coordinators or mentors to guide volunteers. Support should be holistic and less task focused.
Volunteer agreements not contracts: Volunteers should have a written and signed agreement with the organisation. This must outline the role and the expectations from both sides. It should never be called a contract and should also remain flexible.
Adapted policies and procedures for volunteers: Organisations should outline which of their policies and procedures volunteers should adhere to e.g. Health and Safety, Child Protection. Where possible adapt these policies to show recognition of where volunteers fit and what their role is. Do not include volunteers in employment-related policies such as Annual Leave or Maternity.
Flexibility: Volunteers should not be held to the same accountability as employees. Flexibility should always be demonstrated with volunteers. Remain open to change in volunteer’s circumstances.
Celebrations and recognition instead of payment: Other than expenses, do not pay your volunteers or gift them with any additional reward that could be misconstrued as a regular or expected payment. Absolutely, celebrate your volunteers, buy them a birthday present or pay for their Christmas meal, give them regular shout-outs, and celebrate their contributions and achievements. Rewards should be one-off and exceptional.
Provide feedback and development: Encourage growth and offer training where possible.
5. Align with Community Needs
Engage local voices: Involve residents in shaping volunteer programs to ensure relevance and inclusivity.
Collaborate with other groups: Partnering with schools, faith groups, or businesses can expand reach and resources.
By putting these elements in place, community groups can build a sustainable and rewarding volunteer program that strengthens their impact and deepens local engagement.
If you are looking for volunteers for your organisation, you can get help and
support from Sobus, or from Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre: www.hfvc.org.uk
Further information and support:
For help on creating a volunteering opportunity in Hammersmith & Fulham, complete
this form (volunteering needs form), email info@sobus.org.uk or contact
Hammersmith & Fulham Volunteer Centre at www.hfvc.org.uk