Corporate Volunteering

If the news is something to go by, it can sometimes feel like the world is full of division and negativity. But every day across the UK, and right here in Hertfordshire, people quietly show up for their communities - helping neighbours, supporting local charities, litter picking and giving their time to make life a little better. These small acts often go unnoticed; unspoken and not promoted, but together they create something powerful. That’s the idea behind the A Million Acts of Hope campaign - a UK-wide initiative bringing together charities, faith groups and community organisations to celebrate the everyday kindness that strengthens our communities. The campaign will culminate in a week of action from 13th–20th May 2026 , highlighting the countless ways people help one another across the country. At the same time, 2026 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Developmen t - a global celebration recognising the extraordinary impact volunteers have on building stronger, fairer and more sustainable communities. Together, these initiatives remind us of a simple truth: hope often starts with people giving their time. Small Acts, Big Impact From litter picking in local parks to supporting food banks, mentoring young people or coaching grassroots sports teams, these everyday actions are the foundations of thriving communities. The A Million Acts of Hope campaign exists to shine a light on these moments and remind us that there is far more connecting us than dividing us. Millions of people across the UK already demonstrate compassion, solidarity and kindness every day - often without recognition. By sharing these stories and encouraging others to get involved, the campaign hopes to inspire even more people to take part in acts of hope and community support. And here in Hertfordshire, we’re proud to be part of that movement. GoVolHerts are committing to the campaign with a 'One in a million' series, showcasing volunteer stories from local charities and organisations that have made a ripple-effect contribution to their wider society. We'll also be using the week to connect with the organisations attending the Hertfordshire Volunteer Fair to create something really special for the event on 5th June. Celebrating Volunteers in Hertfordshire The fair will bring together around 35 charities and organisations from across Hertfordshire , giving residents and local businesses the chance to meet the people behind the causes that support our community every day. There'll also be opportunities to find out how you can get involved with volunteering, or perhaps be recognised for what you are already doing but maybe not aware of so whether you’re looking to: Try something new Build confidence and skills Meet like-minded people, or Simply give back to your community the volunteer fair is a fantastic place to start. How You Can Take Part in A Million Acts of Hope You don’t need to start something big to be part of this movement. In fact, the whole point is that small actions matter . Here are a few ways you can get involved: 1. Volunteer locally From community groups to charities and local events, there are hundreds of ways to contribute your time and skills. 2. Do a small act of kindness Check in on a neighbour, help at a community event, support a local fundraiser or simply offer your time to someone who needs it. 3. Share stories of hope Know someone who goes above and beyond for their community? Their story deserves to be heard. 4. Join community events Events like the Hertfordshire Volunteer Fair are a great way to meet organisations, learn about volunteering and find a cause you care about. Keep an eye on our socials for a spotlight on some of Hertfordshire's incredible volunteers and we hope to see you on the 5th June to celebrate our community! Find out about volunteer opportunities and events near you:

Whether you're wanting to be more active as the months get warmer or you have some more time over Easter and in the coming weeks, it’s the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and take part in something meaningful. Spending time outdoors has a powerful impact on both physical and mental wellbeing and combining that with volunteering makes it even more rewarding. The Easter and half term holidays are also a great chance for families to get involved together. Outdoor volunteering doesn’t have to be complicated, and there are lots of child-friendly opportunities that allow young people to take part while having fun at the same time. For example, families could help with a local park clean-up, plant flowers in a community garden, take part in a litter-picking walk, support at an arts and crafts event or get involved in local fundraising. Activities like these help children learn about teamwork, caring for the environment and giving back to their community in a positive way. Outdoor opportunities can also help young people build confidence and new skills. Children and teenagers might learn basic gardening skills, get involved in simple environmental projects or help organise small outdoor activities for others. Whilst many of our opportunities are aimed at those 18+, there is nothing to stop you from reaching out to any of our organisations to ask if they have any family friendly activities. For those looking for more regular outdoor volunteering, why not check out some of these opportunities across Hertfordshire? Flopsy Wood Community Project CIC A community project offering arts, crafts and holistic events within a large wooded area in Broxbourne. Currently looking for: Volunteer Gardener/Handyperson Hertfordshire Health Walks Hertfordshire initiative to get people outdoors and active through group walking activities. Currently looking for: Health Walk Support Volunteers Herts Welcomes Refugees A charity offering support and services to the county's refugees and asylum seekers, alongside Refugee Council's Hertfordshire Resettlement Project. Currently looking for: Bike Delivery Driver Mencap Nationwide charity supporting people with learning difficulties and their families to thrive and live life through activities and groups. Currently looking for: Mate and Gym Buddy Royal Gunpowder Mills A heritage site and visitor attraction exploring the history of gunpowder and explosives, relying on volunteers to preserve and share its work. Currently looking for: Mini Railway Crew Nature Conservationist Building and Site Maintenance Therfield Regulation Trust A charity that supports and maintains Therfield Heath, a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest in North Hertfordshire. Currently looking for: Habitat Management Wimpole National Trust Owned and managed by the National Trust, Wimpole is a busy working estate with a farm, 18th Century mansion house surrounded by gardens and parkland, shop, second hand books shop, cafes and a restaurant. Currently looking for: Litter Picker There are many more opportunities for you!

Each year on World Theatre Day , people around the world celebrate the creativity, storytelling and community that theatre brings to our lives. The day highlights the importance of theatre in all its forms and encourages people to support and take part in the performing arts. Celebrating theatre is not just celebrating those that grace its stages, but also those that work behind the scenes. Performers cannot perform without the likes of sound and light technicians, musicians, composers, script-writers, producers but also volunteers that help to bring the stage to life. One of the most powerful ways to support theatre is through volunteering. Many theatres and arts organisations rely on volunteers to help bring performances to life; from welcoming audiences and helping with ticketing to supporting productions behind the scenes and youth groups and clubs that engage younger audiences to encourage creativity and exploration. These roles are essential to keeping shows running smoothly and making theatre accessible to the community. Volunteering in theatre can also be a rewarding experience. It’s a chance to meet new people, develop skills like teamwork and communication, and experience the excitement of live performances from the inside. Roles can vary widely, including front-of-house support, event assistance, marketing, production help, and community engagement. If you’re inspired by World Theatre Day, it’s the perfect time to get involved! Whether you’re passionate about the arts or just looking to try something new, volunteering with local theatre and performance organisations is a great way to support culture in your community while gaining valuable experience. Explore Hertfordshire's volunteer opportunities within theatre here: