Ways to Volunteer in a City Near You

How to volunteer in a city near you

Do you have a few hours a week to spare and want to put it to good use? Why not become a volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about?

After a little research, you might be surprised by the diversity and amount of organisations that you can usually get involved in, from NGOs and grassroot charities to social enterprises and smaller community-based projects. Volunteering in a city near you not only impacts your local area in a positive way, its also helps shape your own skills, opinions and friendships.

Contributing to meaningful work in your local community is also an ideal activity for anyone who is new to an area and wants to connect with new people as well as get to know their local community whilst contributing to a worthwhile cause.

Anyone can volunteer, it’s usually just a matter of finding a cause that resonates with you and putting some time aside on a regular basis or specified duration of time. There are many ways you can get involved, and here are some of them to give you a few ideas:

Volunteering organisations

1. Volunteer in London with Heath Hands

Preserve the special character of Hampstead heath, Kentwood Estate, Highgate Wood and Golders Hill Park by sharing your passion for nature as a wildlife interpreter. Expand your knowledge of nature and develop your environmental knowledge as you meet with members of the public and visitors of all ages engaging them in different nature-based activities. Within Hampstead is also Keat’s House, so if poetry is your thing you might also be interested in joining their team of volunteers by becoming a tour guide or poetry ambassador.

2. Volunteer in Edinburgh with SHRUB

Shrub are on a mission to turn Edinburgh into a zero-waste city after discovering each week 82 tonnes of waste is sent to landfills from Edinburgh. The idea of operating a swap and reuse centre was born from a group of Edinburgh University students who initially started running swap and sales events from their university halls before expanding into a shop. Rethinking Edinburgh’s relationship with waste they want to provide a more sustainable lifestyle. One aspect of Shrub’s operation is to connect people so that they can share excess food rather than wasting it. Food share volunteers visit different businesses around Edinburgh collecting and then redistributing food among different charities and homeless shelters. You can also volunteer to help at the Shrub swap shop.

3. Volunteer in Germany with Go Volunteer

Go volunteer is a database which helps tourists get in contact with different projects before they embark on their city break. It covers the whole of Germany, so it doesn’t matter if your live near Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Milan or Cologne.

4. Volunteer in Malaga with Tail Torrox

Help rescue and re-home abandoned and mistreated dogs in Malaga. There are roughly 60-80 dogs and puppies on site. You can help with socialising the dogs and puppies, as well as lead training and grooming. Volunteers also lead walks up and down the beach. Alternatively, help at one of their two charity shops, perfect for those who may get too carried away with the dogs! Tail Torrox work with other organisations including airlines so that the dogs can be rehomed in many countries, not just Spain. The sanctuary is always hosting events to help with fundraising, choose to help at one of their bi-monthly dog shows or partake in their monthly quiz.

5. Volunteer in Rome with Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Another opportunity to volunteer with animals, but this time with cats in what is possibly one of the most amazing locations in the city – Torre Argentina is home to 150s, sheltered amongst the oldest temples in Rome (400-300 BC). Seven days a week volunteers, feed, clean and look after them. As well as caring for sick and homeless cats, the sanctuary also offers an extensive spay and neuter program to keep the feral population in check. You can read about Shing’s visit here.

6. Volunteer in Marrakesh with Original Volunteers

The beautiful walled city of Marrakesh oozes culture and history, it is no surprise that so many choose to volunteer here. Help local children boost their confidence through informal play work at various community centres and local charities along with visiting the market stalls in the square. Volunteers can also visit the nearby Berber communities. Although only 15-20 minutes out of the city, their culture and language are very different. Volunteering with Original Volunteers is particularly great for those who are travelling but wish to stay in a place for longer and experience the diverse culture and local life.

7. Volunteer in Glastonbury with Oxfam

Oxfam is a global movement which millions join to end worldwide poverty. There are hundreds of Oxfam stores all around the United Kingdom welcoming volunteers. Help in stores by providing excellent customer service, window dressing, organising pop up shop events and fundraising. Charity shops aren’t the only way volunteers can help Oxfam fight poverty. There are opportunities at Glastonbury, Reading, Bestival and many more festivals in the UK. Oxfam volunteers help in the form of stewards, campaigners and at festival shops.

How to volunteer in a city near you

About the author 

Astrid Halliday - volunteering guest post The Culture Map

Astrid  Halliday is a keen traveller and an aspiring writer. She wants to share her passion of travelling the world in a meaningful way. She has also volunteered in numerous places with Original Volunteers.

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