Students & young adults volunteering

We need the help of student volunteers

Calling all students! Your local area needs your help, why not make a positive difference to your community and volunteer today?

Volunteering is a wonderful thing to do, not just for others, but for yourself as well. Not only does it help the NHS and your community, it’s also good for you in many ways. Volunteering has a proven benefit to your physical and mental wellbeing, with great social opportunities offered through the roles you can choose from. It can also help you gain valuable experience, which can be handy when updating your CV or applying for jobs. 

Volunteering opportunities we offer young adults and students

At Royal Voluntary Service we offer a range of different volunteer roles suitable for students and young adults. We have roles available within the local community where you can meet people from your local area and support individuals with tasks in their day-to-day lives. We also have volunteer roles based in hospitals and health centres, where you help keep services available to both staff and the public.

As we head into winter, more volunteers are needed to provide life changing support for vulnerable and isolated people. Why not make a difference for the NHS and your community, and volunteer for a better you?

Hospital volunteering roles

Hospitals can be difficult places to be in, which is why our student volunteers are so important! You guys help create a pleasant experience for patients and visitors alike, offering a friendly smile and a little chat to anyone feeling lonely. Hospital volunteers also provide much needed support to NHS workers, which we know from them is appreciated.

Here are some hospital volunteer roles students can apply for:

Community volunteering roles

Our community volunteer roles are great for younger volunteers that want to give back and get involved in their local community. Whether you want to support communities around your studies by becoming an Emergency Response Volunteer or supporting the coronavirus vaccination programme as a Steward Volunteer, we have a great range of roles for students and young adults to consider.

Here are some of the community volunteer roles students can apply for:

Why volunteer with Royal Voluntary Service?

We know university, college, or even just work can be hectic and unpredictable at times. Flexibility is at the heart of volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service - you give the time that suits you. It could be anything from a couple of hours each month or just 15 minutes once a week. We can fit around your busy life.

Because we’re a national charity, there are, more than likely, multiple volunteer opportunities close to you. Any time you can give for a volunteering role will make all the difference and you’ll be part of a great team.

Benefits of volunteering as a student or young adult

Volunteering is a great way to use your skills to help others, but it can benefit you in plenty of ways as well. Some of the benefits that come with volunteering are:

• Learn new skills that will help you in both your professional and personal life.
• Meet new people and expand your social horizons. Volunteering is a great way to meet people outside of your usual social circle. Our volunteers are all ages and come from all walks of life.
• Improve your mental health and wellbeing. Volunteering can reduce stress and build confidence. The physical activity different roles require can also contribute to improved physical wellbeing.
• Become involved in your local area and give something back.
• Add strength to your university application with your volunteering experience. Volunteering can highlight your ability to dedicate yourself to a task outside of schoolwork, which admissions can look for in applications.
• Improve job prospects and add volunteer experience to your CV to stand out from the crowd while you're still studying or on a gap year or no longer in education.
• Develop new interests. Volunteering can be a great introduction to new topics and hobbies that you find you enjoy. You might set up a new activity as a volunteer coordinator and then find that activity enjoyable.

There are plenty of other benefits to volunteering. Find out more about what’s you can gain when you volunteer at Royal Voluntary Service.