If you're interested in giving back through volunteering in London, there are numerous opportunities available to suit your schedule. Whether you can spare a few hours each week or a few hours per month, there is a range of options, including food banks, charity shops, and eco causes, all in need of your assistance. Here is a selection of volunteering opportunities in London that you can consider.

Bookmark

#FLODown: Bookmark began in 2018 with a clear mission: ensuring every child learns to read. Inspired by personal experiences, founder Sharon Pindar established the charity. In a world where 7.1 million English adults struggle with reading, Bookmark aims to change this narrative and provide every child with the ability to read. You can empower a child's journey through reading by becoming a volunteer. Dedicate just an hour a week to read stories and engage in games with a child aged 5 to 10 on a secure online platform. Click here to discover more about volunteering with Bookmark.

Website: bookmarkreading.org

Literacy Pirates

#FLODown: Founded by Catriona Maclay, a passionate teacher in North London, Literacy Pirates started as a pilot project in 2010 with the support of Bootstrap Company. Their program focuses on reading, writing, and boosting children's self-esteem as learners. Utilising local resources and volunteers, Literacy Pirates offers a unique pirate-style learning experience in Hackney. With dedicated learning centres called Ships in Dalston and Tottenham, they have expanded their reach. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Literacy Pirates quickly adapted and launched a virtual learning platform, continuing to teach and provide engaging activities. Join them as a volunteer, no prior experience necessary, and embark on an incredible journey with Literacy Pirates to support young learners in their literacy journey. Click here to discover ways to volunteer with Literacy Pirates.

Website: literacypirates.org

City of Sanctuary UK

#FLODown: City of Sanctuary UK strives to construct a more welcoming UK for individuals compelled to flee their homes. They coordinate and support networks of welcome, collaborating with diverse organisations, schools, and councils to foster inclusivity, solidarity, and compassion. Through practical training, resources, and awards, they encourage a culture of sanctuary throughout the country. Established in 2005, City of Sanctuary UK has inspired numerous communities to achieve Sanctuary status, cultivating an environment of hospitality for those seeking refuge. There are numerous ways to get involved and support the City of Sanctuary network, such as donating, staying up to date, joining local groups, starting your own group, fundraising, campaigning, contacting your MP, talking to your Local Authority, volunteering, hosting, and exploring community sponsorship options. Click here to discover more.

Website: cityofsanctuary.org

Team Up

#FLODown: Team Up is a movement aimed at addressing educational disadvantage in the UK. They use inspirational role models to provide tuition, helping students from low-income backgrounds improve their academic attainment and expand their opportunities. Their mission is to break the link between parental income and academic success by offering small-group tuition and valuable career development for their tutors. Founded by Sharla Duncan, Team Up started as a way to break down barriers to university for underprivileged children and has grown into a registered charity supporting over 7000 young people in Maths and English. The organisation focuses on inspiring role models to create positive changes in the lives of these students.Click here to discover how you can volunteer with the organisation.

Website: teamup.org.uk.

akt

#FLODown: akt supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 facing homelessness or a hostile environment in the UK. They provide safe housing, employment assistance, and educational support in an inclusive and celebratory environment. Through housing specialists, mentors, and emergency support, akt helps young people stay safe, find accommodation, access specialised assistance, and achieve their goals. LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk of homelessness due to coming out, and akt aims to improve their life outcomes by offering inclusive support. Founded in 1989 by Cath Hall, akt addresses the unmet needs of LGBTQ+ youth.  Click here to discover ways to volunteer with akt.

Website: akt.org.uk

The Big Help Out

#FLODown: The Big Help Out is a voluntary initiative that enjoys the strong support of prominent volunteer organisations in the UK. These include entities such as the Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service, and the Shaping the Future with Volunteering group, which comprises leading volunteer-involving charities. The primary goal of this initiative is to raise widespread awareness about the power of volunteering throughout the country, while also providing ample opportunities for individuals and organisations to actively participate and make a positive impact within their communities. The initiative is open to all, and anyone can join or register an event through the app. The objective is to promote volunteering experiences rather than profit-making or fundraising. Joining the Big Help Out is simple.Click here to visit their app to find volunteering events near you.

Website: thebighelpout.org.uk

Shout

#FLODown: Shout - a free text messaging service that operates 24/7 to provide support for individuals experiencing a range of mental health crises, from grief and anxiety to suicidal thoughts. Launched by the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in May 2019, Shout allows those in need to simply text SHOUT to 85258, where they will be connected with a trained Crisis Volunteer who will provide guidance and support through text messages until they feel more at ease. If you are interested in volunteering as a Crisis Volunteer for Shout, you can commit to 2-4 hours per week and undergo 25 hours of online training over a six-week period before beginning your work. All you need is a laptop and a secure internet connection to get started. Click here for more information on how to become a Crisis Volunteer for Shout.

Website: giveusashout.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

#FLODown: The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is dedicated to preventing suicide, particularly among men in the UK, where 125 lives are lost every week. They provide life-saving services and provoke conversation, while challenging stereotypes and stigma surrounding mental health. CALM's campaigns aim to change the conversation around suicide and empower people to seek help before they reach a crisis point. Their services include a helpline and webchat, which are available 365 days a year, and they encourage anyone struggling with life to reach out for support. CALM aims to unite the UK against suicide and save lives through their work. Click here to volunteer now.

Website: thecalmzone.net.

 Canary Wharf Group x The Felix Project

#FLODown: Food distribution charity The Felix Project has teamed up with Canary Wharf Group to address the pressing issue of food poverty. They are actively seeking volunteers to participate in delivering 1,200 meals per week. Currently, one in ten Londoners has less than £3 per day to spend on food. The partnership aims to repurpose 504kg of food that would have otherwise gone to waste, creating meals for those in need. Volunteers will collect surplus food from retailers and distribute it directly to local charities, schools, and community organisations. Retailers such as Waitrose, M&S, and Joe Blake's have already committed to the cause. The Canary Wharf Green Scheme will expand to encompass 15 distribution routes across East London, engaging more volunteers in the effort to combat food poverty. Anyone can sign up to volunteer to join the Canary Wharf Green Scheme. Click here to volunteer now.

Website:  group.canarywharf.com

The Kids Network

#FLODown: The Kids Network provides invaluable support to children during a pivotal period in their lives - the transition from primary to secondary school. Through the help of local volunteer mentors, the organisation assists children who may be encountering additional obstacles in their young lives. Collaborating with primary schools throughout London, The Kids Network identifies students who could benefit from a one-on-one mentoring relationship. These volunteer mentors not only provide a sense of stability but also facilitate a fun and secure environment for their mentees to explore their identities and express themselves freely. Click here if you would like to explore volunteering as a mentor.

Website: thekidsnetwork.org.uk

The Passage

#FLODown: The Passage is a homelessness charity located near Victoria station in Westminster, with over 40 years of experience in assisting and inspiring people to transform their lives. They aim to prevent street homelessness, provide innovative and tailor-made services with compassion and urgency, and advocate for those who feel unheard to bring about real systemic change. The charity was founded in 1980 and runs one of the largest Resource Centres for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Westminster. They offer various accommodation projects and services and rely on volunteers who play a crucial role in supporting The Passage's mission. With their help, the charity is able to deliver valuable services in a range of areas, such as food, health, street outreach, and community integration. Even giving just an hour of your time each week can make a significant difference to those they support. Click here to discover more about volunteering.

Website: passage.org.uk