Youth volunteering?

Why consider volunteering?

• Benefit your community and the environment or help individuals needing support 
• Gain experience in a working environment 
• Develop your knowledge and skills 
• Learn about yourself, your interests and strengths 
• Be part of a team and connect with new people 
• Expand your horizons, develop compassion and build confidence 

Volunteering is for everyone. At the same time, due to the needs of the role, safeguarding requirements, insurance and other considerations, there may be a minimum age for many roles. Opportunities that are open for under 18s to volunteer with local non-profit organisations can be viewed below.

• Family Volunteering - there are sometimes opportunities on GoVolHerts. Local community initiatives are often family-friendly, for example offer to help with a local event, tree-planting or litter-picking. 
• Clubs and organisations for young people with youth leader/volunteer roles eg.: sports groups, youth groups, Scouts, Girl Guiding UK, or groups like  Young Minds 
• Youth programmes with a community-focused element. You can volunteer as a leader as you progress eg Fire Cadets 
• Does your school/college, place of worship, or another institution you’re part of, run a programme you could join? Eg.: 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (14+) 

UK Youth Parliament - National Youth Agency (11-18 years) 

Roots & Shoots  

• Opportunities in large organisations open to youth from a certain age, eg.: 
• Opportunities for young people | British Red Cross  (age 15+) 
• Hertfordshire libraries eg. My Voice youth volunteers | Hertfordshire County Council 
• #IWillMovement: Youth Action: UK Youth Charity Empowering 10-25 Year Olds 

• National Trust: youth discovery programme for 16–18-year-olds, mostly at weekends. 
• The Conservation Volunteers: conservation projects for 16–25-year-olds. 
• NHS: youth volunteering is growing across health and care services 

Volunteers – East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust

Volunteer with us :: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, 

NHS Volunteering - Homepage

Some useful information:

youth volunteering across health and care services

NHS Cadets 

• Consider events that interest you – local festivals, sports/games/music/arts/cultural events and community gatherings may require volunteers to assist with tasks such as set-up, registration, etc and be open to volunteers aged 16+. 
• Fundraise for a charity whose purpose you support or ask them if you can help them in a tailored way, for example with a campaign or their social media.  
• Some charitable companies may have opportunities for trustees to be on their Boards from age 16. Trustees are volunteers who make decisions together about the strategy and running of the charity. 

• Before contacting organisations, get clear about the type of experience you want and what activities you can do to help.  
• Ask questions about the things that matter to you. 
• Tell organisations your age at the start and check that you will be insured. 
• Ask if the organisation will provide a reference or proof of volunteering (if it will be useful to you to have this)
• Speak up if you experience any doubts or problems. 
• Ensure your parents/responsible adult are aware about your volunteering. They may help you think of questions to ask and with deciding between options. 
• Some organisations may accept under 16’s if accompanied by a parent or guardian, so keep this option in mind when speaking with volunteer managers.