If you want to build up your skills and experience in children’s work, health and social care or in the third-sector, starting out by volunteering is a brilliant way to get started. You’ll not only learn important skills that will help you with career progression, but you will be able to get an insight on what being involved with a community organisation is really like.

You know that warm feeling you get inside when you do something to help others, and know that they really appreciate you? Volunteering is a fantastic way to do something positive for the community you live in and feel the benefits.

Stuck in an office all day? Want to escape the lecture halls? Switch up your usual routine? Becoming a volunteer is a unique opportunity that gets you out of your day job and doing something that is a bit different. No day as a volunteer is the same, and you can take part in different activities, help out in lots of different settings and make a huge difference to organisations.

By spending regular time with the children or young people an organisation supports you will be able to build lasting connections with them that you both value.

You'll learn new skills and really help to support the development of those children and young people you support.

As well as helping to develop children and young peoples independence, confidence and skills you will be able to build your confidence at the same time!

Volunteering is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and do something new in a supportive way.

Organisations have volunteer coordinators that you can speak to, and a network of other volunteers you can learn from.

While organisations ask for a minimum amount of hours per month, they are flexible in how you spread that out. Perhaps it suits you to do 2 hours a week, 4 hours a fortnight or a longer day less frequently- it is up to you!

By volunteering you are giving more than just your time to your local community. For some children and young people , the only time they leave their house is for some form of Play or Youth Work delivery.

What is only a few hours for you to work on a session means so much to the children and young people organisations support; it is an opportunity to do something they might not normally have the independence or confidence to do and a time for social connection and enjoying themselves!

As a volunteer you will be able to join a friendly group of other volunteers within organisations. Where you can build your skills, knowledge and confidence together!

Volunteers are absolutely essential to the services that organisations deliver and the impact they are able to have on children and young people across the city.

Every young person deserves opportunities to thrive and be heard. Across Bristol, we are part of a wider social movement that seeks to empower young people through play, youth work, and community engagement. This movement aims to create inclusive spaces where all young people can flourish, regardless of their background or abilities.

By volunteering with one of the many organisations involved you can make a real difference.

Whether you’re retired, studying, or have a family yourself, volunteering through any voluntary roles offers a meaningful way to positively impact lives and contribute to a city-wide movement of support, play, and creativity.

Sign up today to be part of this movement and help create lasting change.