Volunteer with us
Support children and young people while boosting your skills and meeting new people
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.
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
Many volunteers say the experience is good for their wellbeing and self-development. Whatever your career or life experience, there’s a role for you here. Find out:
- Why you should volunteer with us.
- What volunteering involves.
- Who can volunteer.
- How to apply.
Everything we do is about giving more children a safe and happy childhood. You can help make a real difference to the lives of families in your local area.
All our voluntary roles are supported: people come first. 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 be able to access our catalogue of E-learning courses, too.
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.
Find opportunities in your area
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. Some of our current featured roles include:
Young person’s mentor
Become an Independent Visitor to guide, listen to and befriend a young person in care. Be there for them, introduce 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.
Our 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.
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 (BAME).
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.
Find opportunities in your area
