Website of the UK government

Why become a volunteer?

Whether you are still working or are retired, there are a number of things to bear in mind if you decide to volunteer. You will need to work out how much time you can afford to give and how flexible your hours need to be.

Most large charities will pay travel expenses. But if you are looking to volunteer with a smaller organisation, you may have to pay for your own travel.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) is an organisation that provides people aged over 50 with volunteering opportunities in England, Scotland and Wales.

Volunteers can do what they want and choose when to do it. There are a wide range of activities and projects – both in groups or individually. Activities involve knitting, environmental projects, befriending people and much more.

• Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme Opens new window

Volunteering in your local community

There are lots of different projects you can become involved with locally. Donating just a few hours each week can make a real difference in your local area.

• Community Service Volunteers website Opens new window

• Search for volunteering opportunities in your local area Opens new window

Green volunteering and working with animals

There are many ways you can help the environment by volunteering. Conservation projects are often run locally by councils and voluntary organisations. There are also ‘green gyms’ organised by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) that help you get fit at the same time as helping out.

Working with animals can be rewarding and provide new areas of interest. There are many animal charities that offer volunteering opportunities, from working directly with animals at rescue centres to helping to organise charity events. You can also help monitor the wildlife in your local area.

• Green volunteering and working with animals

• BTCV and green gyms Opens new window

More useful links

• Guide to opportunities in retirement (pensions and retirement planning section)

• Charities

• Volunteering while on benefits

Useful contacts

• Home and community contacts

• Home contacts

• Care and community contacts