Volunteering opportunities for young people & students
Volunteering for young people isn’t just about helping others – it’s about discovering who you are and what you care about.
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Volunteering that fits your life & studies
Whether you’re at school, college, or university, volunteering can help you build confidence, gain new experiences, and grow personally and professionally.
However, recent figures show that volunteering among students and young people aged 11–30 has been declining – from 24% in 2023 to 17% in 2024. That’s why GoVo is here to make volunteering simpler, more flexible, and more rewarding.
GoVo offers hundreds of student volunteering opportunities GB-wide, including short-term micro-volunteering options, so you can make an impact without long sign-up processes or repeating DBS checks for every role.
Volunteering for under 18s (including Duke of Edinburgh)
If you’re under 18 and wondering where to start, there are plenty of under 18 volunteering opportunities designed just for you. From teen volunteering roles in your local community to options that count toward your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), GoVo makes it easy to find something meaningful and safe.
Whether you want to help at a food bank, mentor a younger student, or take part in environmental projects, you’ll find structured roles that make a difference and boost your DofE or university applications too.
Volunteering for university students
Looking for ways to boost your CV, meet people, and make an impact, all while fitting around lectures and deadlines? GoVo has a range of volunteering roles for students that match your schedule and interests.
From weekly commitments to one-off events, GoVo helps you find student volunteering opportunities that build skills, develop your confidence, and help your community. Use our filters to find roles based on flexibility, location, or cause – so you can volunteer in a way that works for you.
What you’ll get out of it
Volunteering gives back in more ways than one. It’s not only fulfilling – it’s a smart move for your future. You’ll gain experiences that look great on your CV or personal statement, and you’ll show future employers or universities that you give up your personal time to give back.
Wondering where to put volunteering on a CV? Include it under the “Experience” section.
Can volunteering be work experience? Absolutely. In fact, it often helps you build skills that employers value most.
Can volunteering lead to a job? Definitely, especially if it helps you discover your strengths.
What volunteering roles look good on university applications? Think of roles that show responsibility, communication, or commitment to your community.
Types of volunteering roles available for students & young people
GoVo offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities for young people and students, including roles that are flexible, safe, and designed with safeguarding in mind. Some activities may require a DBS check, see our DBS explained guide for details.
Examples of roles available on GoVo
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Visiting care homes.
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Assisting in charity shops.
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Supporting local food banks or soup kitchens.
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Online tutoring or language exchange programmes.
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Creating care packages or writing letters for isolated people.
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Dog walking or cat socialising at animal shelters (with supervision).
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Litter picking, beach cleans, or park clean-up days.
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Homework clubs or reading buddies in schools and libraries.
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Peer mentoring or tutoring younger students.
How to get started with GoVo
Getting started with GoVo is simple. Create your free profile, tell us your age, interests, and availability, and we’ll show you volunteering roles that fit your lifestyle. GoVo automatically filters opportunities based on age and safeguarding needs, so you’ll only see what’s suitable for you.