Royal Voluntary Service
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What is volunteering?

Volunteering means giving your time to help others or support a cause without expecting payment. It’s about kindness, being part of a community and creating a positive change, all while gaining new experiences, learning skills and meeting people along the way.

Volunteering can take many forms, with a wide variety of roles to choose from. It’s flexible too - you can give your time in a way that fits around your life, whether that’s occasional or more regularly.

A young volunteer driver looking back at his passenger in the back seat and smiling

How to find the right volunteering role?

To help you find a volunteering role that suits you, start by asking yourself a few key questions:

  1. What causes matter most to you?
  2. Are there any skills you’d like to share or develop?
  3. Where would you prefer to volunteer – in a community, a hospital or from home?
  4. How much time can you offer?

The right volunteering role should feel rewarding and manageable. Take time to explore your options and find something that feels like a good fit. You can also read our Volunteering FAQs for more helpful guidance.

A male volunteer supporting a woman on a walk

Why volunteer with Royal Voluntary Service?

Volunteering should fit your life, not the other way around. With Royal Voluntary Service, you can choose a role that works for you. Whether that’s offering companionship, helping someone regain independence after illness, or volunteering in hospitals to support NHS services. 

No matter what role you take on, you’ll be making a real difference, for others and yourself.

Find local volunteering opportunities
A Royal Voluntary Service volunteer looking at someone taking his picture

There’s a role for everyone

There’s no such thing as a typical volunteer. Whatever your age, background, or experience, there’s a role that’s right for you. 

  • Students and career changers – Build skills, gain experience and make valuable connections. 
  • Parents and caregivers – Flexible volunteering roles that fit around family life while helping your community.
  • Retirees and empty-nesters – Stay active, social, and make a meaningful contribution. 

Whatever your reason for volunteering, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Find your volunteering path
A younger man and older woman volunteer preparing food at a lunch club

Volunteering opens doors

Students and young adults are joining Royal Voluntary Service in record numbers, and for good reason. 

  • Gain real-world skills that employers love.
  • Get experience in healthcare, social care or retail.
  • Build a network of friends and career contacts.
  • Boost your confidence and discover new interests. 

Best of all? You’ll be making a real impact while having fun along the way.

Explore student & young adult volunteering
A young volunteer typing on a computer

Volunteering in numbers

Volunteering doesn’t just make a difference, it makes people feel good. The numbers below show the incredible impact volunteers have already had. When you give your time, you’re helping to create a happier, more connected Britain.

95% of people supported by Royal Voluntary Service say our help has made them feel happier

88% feel more connected to their community thanks to volunteer support*

Since April 2024, our volunteers have supported over 148,000 people across Britain

95% of people supported by Royal Voluntary Service say our help has made them feel happier

88% feel more connected to their community thanks to volunteer support*

Since April 2024, our volunteers have supported over 148,000 people across Britain

Volunteering changes lives, including yours

When you volunteer with Royal Voluntary Service, you don’t just help others, you benefit too. Gain new skills, build confidence, and connect with your community. Whether you're looking for experience, giving back, or just want to be part of something bigger, there’s a volunteering opportunity for you at Royal Voluntary Service. 

Find your perfect role

There’s a volunteering opportunity waiting for you in your local community and in NHS settings across England, Scotland & Wales. Ready to take the first step?

Search volunteer roles

How to apply for a volunteering role

It’s quick and easy to apply for a volunteering role with Royal Voluntary Service. Just follow these simple steps to get started:

  • Find a role that interests you
    Browse our volunteer app to explore available roles. When you find one you'd like to apply for, click Apply now.
  • Create your account
    You’ll be asked to set up an account using your email address. Once verified, you can log in and start your application.
  • Save and return anytime
    Need more time? Just click Save form to keep your progress. Your application will be stored in your dashboard so you can come back to it later.
  • Share a few documents
    Like most organisations, we ask for two forms of ID:
    – one to prove your identity
    – one to confirm your address
    Some roles also need a criminal record check (DBS in England and Wales, PVG in Scotland).
  • Keep an eye on your emails
    We’ll send you updates by email each week, so please check your inbox (and your spam folder just in case). We may also contact you by phone.
  • Get your welcome pack
    Once your first application is complete, we’ll send you a welcome email with your volunteer ID and details of what happens next.

Volunteering has given me skills to help my career.

Amma is a Home from Hospital Volunteer, is studying social care. Volunteering is helping her gain hands-on experience while supporting people as they recover at home, getting them back to health and back to the things they love.

Read Amma’s story

Give a little, gain lot

Our volunteers provide vital support when people need it most, but the benefits go both ways. See how volunteering could improve your life too.
How volunteering can benefit you
A Royal Voluntary Service Volunteer chatting with an older woman

What can you do as a volunteer?

There are so many ways to get involved. Everyone has something to offer. Find out how you can make a difference today.

Explore volunteer roles

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Not sure where to start? Wondering what to expect? Check out our FAQs and get the answers you need.

Read our volunteer FAQs

Already a Royal Voluntary Service volunteer? 

Manage your volunteering by signing in to the volunteering app.

Sign in to My RVS