Volunteer Programs in England

With its deep-rooted cultural history, lush green landscape, and thriving economy, England is certainly an incredibly popular tourist destination. What you may not know is that it is also home to some very meaningful volunteer opportunities. It’s possible to find volunteer placements in England in a variety of fields, whether volunteers are looking to volunteer in the bustling metropolis of the capital city or the peaceful countryside of some of the more rural regions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can go to England as a volunteer. There are opportunities for volunteering in diverse fields, such as education, healthcare, conservation, community development, and more.

Yes, non-UK citizens can volunteer in England. Specific visa requirements may apply for longer-term volunteering. Always check with the British Embassy in your home country to ensure a smooth and legal volunteering experience.

Do You Have What it Takes to Volunteer Abroad?

A visa may not be necessary for short-term volunteering in England. For longer volunteer programs, England offers a Tier 5 Temporary Working visa which costs between $400 and $500 and allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months.

Commmunity Development. Many opportunities exist for volunteers to contribute to community projects which aims to help the homeless, elderly, disabled individuals, and disadvantaged children.

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Latest Program Reviews

It feels like we’re embraced by the local community.

February 18, 2025by: Yingnan WuProgram: GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

The local connections the volunteer house provides for us is amazing. I can basically go to buy clothes, having surfing class, and getting a massage with discount from those connections. It feels like we’re embraced by the local community, and it feels absolutely wonderful!

Beautiful encounter with an enormous manta ray

February 17, 2025by: Mia MorscherProgram: GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

The most memorable experience for me was to have a beautiful encounter with an enormous manta ray. It circled us for more than 20 minutes on our dive and it was absolutely incredible! But that was only one out of so many amazing, memorable experiences with animals as well as people!

It feels like we’re embraced by the local community.

February 18, 2025by: Yingnan WuProgram: GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

Beautiful encounter with an enormous manta ray

February 17, 2025by: Mia MorscherProgram: GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in England

Prepare to Volunteer Abroad

Set Goals

Setting goals is a great way to make your volunteer experience in England more impactful. Here are some tips to get started:

Stay open to collaboration: Be prepared to learn and work with people from different backgrounds.
Engage locally: Take time to explore England outside of volunteering; this enriches your connection to the country.
Develop skills: Identify both hard and soft skills you’d like to work on, relevant to your volunteer program.

Understand the Benefits

Volunteering in England offers numerous benefits, both professionally and personally:

Resume boost: Volunteering in England enhances your resume and demonstrates international experience to employers.
Convenient travel: England’s location and transportation make it easy to explore the rest of the UK and Europe.
Diverse opportunities: England’s varied sectors, from education to healthcare, provide pathways for personal and career growth.

Things to Know

A few basics will help you navigate your time in England with ease:

Accommodation: City accommodations often include flats or shared housing; smaller towns may offer host family options.
Visa requirements: A Tier 5 visa is required for unpaid work over 30 days, with application costs ranging from $400-$500.
Cost of living: England can be pricey, so budgeting is essential, especially in larger cities like London.

Choose a Location

Volunteering opportunities in England are spread across vibrant cities and scenic regions. Here are some popular choices.

London

London is a bustling hub for volunteer work, with high demand in sectors like social services, marketing, and support for the homeless and elderly. London offers a dynamic experience but has a higher cost of living than other cities.

Yorkshire & the Humber

The Yorkshire region is known for its agricultural and energy industries. Volunteer options in Yorkshire include charity shops and animal welfare organizations, providing an engaging experience in one of England’s most scenic regions.

Southeast England

This region offers volunteer opportunities in hospitality, charity, and organic farming. Known for its Victorian architecture and beaches, it’s ideal for those looking to balance volunteer work with sightseeing and leisure.

Choose a Cause

England has a variety of causes that could align with your interests and career goals.

Community Development

Community development roles include working with vulnerable groups such as the homeless, elderly, and disabled. Volunteers can support shelters, job training centers, retirement homes, and children’s organizations.

Education

With a rich academic tradition, England provides opportunities for volunteers in education, whether in tutoring, language assistance, or fieldwork. This is a rewarding option for those passionate about teaching and learning.

Business

For volunteers with an interest in business, England’s thriving markets offer roles in finance, marketing, and tourism. Gaining experience in this fast-paced sector can significantly strengthen your resume.

Getting Started

Follow these steps to prepare for a fulfilling volunteer experience in England.

1. Get Matched

Use the GoAbroad Online Advisor to find volunteer programs in England tailored to your interests and availability.

2. Choose a Program

Create a MyGoAbroad account to save and compare programs that meet your specific goals in England.

3. Decide When to Go

Each season in England offers unique volunteer experiences:

Summer: High demand for volunteers across various sectors; ideal for students and professionals on break.
Fall: Fewer tourists, great for community projects and education roles.
Winter: Opportunities in humanitarian and animal welfare efforts.
Spring: Popular for environmental and healthcare volunteer roles.

4. Choose How Long to Stay

The ideal duration depends on your goals and schedule:

1-12 weeks: Great for short programs or those new to volunteering.
3-6 months: Allows for deeper engagement and skill development.
1 year: Best for those looking to fully immerse in English culture and community projects.