18 February 2015 | News and features | Back to Blog

This week’s top 5 volunteering opportunities

Top 5 London (2)


1. Volunteer Chef for PACT meals for Manor House Development Trust  MHDT
Where: Redmond Community Centre, Kayani Avenue, London, N4 2HF
When: Ongoing, Tuesdays, Fridays or Saturdays 
Commitment Level: Varies
Any Dot Dot Dot guardians already involved? No
The Manor House PACT project is exploring how local people and our urban community can develop their resilience to the consequences of climate change such as increased energy demand, food scarcity and air pollution.
A volunteer is needed to help prepare meals, collect herbs and salads from the garden and collect food from the local shops. Cooking with others is great fun and will give volunteers the chance to develop new skills, increase employability and learn about the effects of climate change. Everyone is welcome and you can commit to one or several PACT meals.
If you would like to get involved visit http://www.mhdt.org.uk/volunteer-pact-meal/ or call Carolina Aguinaga on 0203 819 5616 for more information.

2. The V&A needs a Visitor Experience Volunteer   V&A
Where: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
When: Volunteers are asked to commit at least 6 months, working once a week for half a day. 
Commitment Level: High
Any Dot Dot Dot guardians already involved? No
The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design. The museum enriches people’s lives by promoting the practice of design and increasing knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the designed world. A visitor experience volunteer will have the chance to meet a variety of people, make friends and learn new skills working alongside knowledgeable and experienced members of staff. The purpose of being a visitor experience volunteer is to provide a primary welcome to visitors and be a visible, engaging and friendly presence. An added advantage is that volunteers will gain free entry to paying exhibitions in some of the most prestigious museums and galleries.
Take a look at http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/jobs/apply/ to apply.

3. Backstage volunteers for annual show – Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film 
School  
Where: Bernie Grant Arts Cente, Tottenham Green, London N11. 
When: 14th and 21st March
Commitment Level: Low
Any Dot Dot Dot guardians already involved? No
Students aged 7 – 18 will be performing to an audience of 500 with a selection of musical theatre routines. Volunteers are needed to work backstage in the theatre ensuring the children are safe, calm and ready for their performance. They will need to make sure that the children are in the correct costume and ready to go on stage at the correct time. The Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School provides a safe, supportive environment for young people to explore the performing arts, whether they have dreams of entering the profession or simply wish to use the performing arts classes to learn some valuable life enhancing skills. To get involved visit their website https://www.annafiorentini.com/ or call 0207 682 1403

4. Jobseeker Support Volunteer – Shaw Trust  Shaw trust
Where:​ Various locations around London
When:​ Ongoing
Commitment Level:​ Moderate
Any Dot Dot Dot guardians involved?​ No​
The Shaw Trust is a national charity that helps people facing disadvantage to gain skills, find work and take control of their futures. Many of the people they support have multiple barriers to employment, including lack of recent work experience or lack of relevant employability skills. The Shaw Trust believes that everyone has the right to work and they support disabled and disadvantaged people towards employment from a range or locations in London. They need volunteers to help reviewing CVs and job applications, helping to prepare job seekers for interviews and supporting those with low IT levels to apply for work.
To get involved visit http://www.shaw-trust.org.uk/volunteers or call 0300 247 2222 for more information.

5. Rainbow Hamlets need volunteers to help with their fair this Saturday  Positive East
Where:​ Positive East – 159 Mile End Rd, Stepney Green, London E1 4AQ
When:​ Saturday 21st February – 12.00 – 8.30pm
Commitment Level:​ Low
Any Dot Dot Dot guardians involved?​ No​
Rainbow Hamlets are looking for volunteers to help with their fair this Saturday as part of LGBT history month.
Rainbow Hamlets, a charity working for LGBT people and communities in Tower Hamlets and the east end of London are organising a fun and free event on Saturday 21st February at Positive East, Mile End Road (near Stepney Green tube station). They would love some volunteers to help make the event a success – flexible roles and timings from 12 noon until the event is closed around 8.30pm.
They will be glad to benefit from any time you wish to give and no special skills are needed. Help with dismantling and cleaning the venue would also be particularly welcome – although less glamorous this is also essential!
If you can help by volunteering please email jack@rainbowhamlets.org or feel free to turn up on the day.