Get involved in your community this half term

Half term periods can feel a little overwhelming if you're not sure what to do being out of routine. However, with schools closed and many workplaces a little quieter, half term offers a flexible window to get involved in meaningful one-off or short term volunteering activities.

Whether you have a few hours or a few days, there are plenty of ways to make a difference in your community.

These can be formalised opportunities, like those listed on the GoVolHerts website, or informal volunteering that you organise yorself.

Here are some inspiring ideas to consider:

Support a Local Food Bank

Food banks often experience increased demand during school holidays, when families who rely on free school meals need extra support.

Volunteers are typically needed to:

• Sort and organise donations
• Pack food parcels
• Assist with distribution
• Help with stock checks
• Collect items from supermarkets
• Drop off parcels to those in need

Even a single shift can make a real impact. It’s hands-on, practical, and deeply rewarding.

Help at Community Clean-Up Events

Half term is a great time to get outdoors. Many local councils and community groups organise litter picks or park clean-ups during school breaks.

You can:

• Join an organised clean-up event
• Gather a group of friends or colleagues and start your own
• Focus on parks, riversides, city/town centres, streets

Not only does this improve the local environment, but it’s also a fantastic activity to involve children in, teaching them about sustainability and community pride.

And if you can't find one to get involved in, one not organise one yourself!

Volunteer with Youth Programmes

With children out of school, youth clubs and community centres often run holiday activities and need extra support.

You could help with:

• Arts and crafts sessions
• Sports activities
• Reading support
• Mentoring programmes
• SEN provisions

This is particularly impactful if you enjoy working with young people and want to help create a safe, engaging space for them during the break.

Visit Care Homes

Loneliness can increase during holiday periods, where family members may be away and not able to visit as often.

Care homes and community elderly support groups often welcome volunteers to spend time with residents.

Simple activities include:

• Playing board games or hosting bingo
• Reading aloud
• Hosting craft sessions
• Having a friendly chat
• Going for a walk

Sometimes, your time and presence are the most valuable gifts you can offer.

Support Local Charities with Admin or Digital Skills

Not all volunteering is front-facing. Many charities need short-term help with:

• Social media support
• Website updates
• Photography
• Event planning
• Data entry or admin tasks
• Collecting donation pots
• Leaflet drops
• Accountancy
• Bid-writing

If you have professional skills in marketing, finance, IT, or communications, half term is a perfect opportunity to offer pro bono support.

Get Involved in Animal Welfare

A great one for families to get involved!

Animal shelters and rescue centres often need volunteers for:

• Dog walking
• Cleaning and maintenance
• Assisting with adoption days
• Fundraising support
• Feeding times

For animal lovers, this can be an especially fulfilling way to spend time during the break, as well as offering valuable work experience for those wishing to pursue a career in animal sciences or care.

Organise a Fundraising Challenge

If structured volunteering isn’t possible, consider organising your own mini fundraising challenge over half term. Ideas include:

• A sponsored walk, run, swim or other activity
• A bake sale
• A community quiz night
• An online fundraising campaign

This is a great way to involve friends, family, or even colleagues in supporting a cause close to your heart.

Volunteering isn’t just about helping others, it benefits you too.

It's a great way to create a routine as well as boost your mood and mental wellbeing, connect with people and strengthen your CV/experience if you are looking for work or a career change.

And by getting involved in one off or short term volunteering like during half term, it allows you to try something new without committing long-term.

If you’re not sure where to begin, why not check out our one-off and short term opportunities by changing the 'Type' on this page to fit your availability.

This half term, consider swapping just a small portion of your downtime for something that gives back. You might be surprised at how much of a difference you can make even in just a few hours.