Spending time, unpaid, for the benefit of others and the world around us is one of the most precious gifts we can give. The people who volunteer in north Surrey make a significant difference to our communities and our environment.
Research shows that volunteering is not only good for your community, it’s good for your mental wellbeing and physical health. No matter what your skills are we can find a role for you. We have opportunities for you to volunteer during the day, in the evening and at weekends, giving as much or as little time as you can.
People volunteer for all sorts of reasons. For some, it gives them a sense of purpose or is a chance to help a cause that has helped them. Others are looking to meet new people and connect with people – like-minded or otherwise – in our community. Some people want to build their skills and experience. Others just want to have fun!
While some volunteering opportunities require a regular time commitment, there are also many short-term or one-off opportunities. You may also be able to volunteer from home. We have opportunities for you to volunteer during the day, in the evening and at weekends, giving as much or as little time as you can.
Volunteering should not cost you anything. Some organisations will pay ‘out of pocket’ expenses including reasonable travel costs – you can check this before applying.
The most important thing to think about is – what will you enjoy doing? Finding a volunteer role that you’ll enjoy means you’ll get the most out of it – which benefits the organisation you’re volunteering with too.
If you’re looking for a particular type of role or are available to volunteer at specific times or in certain locations, use our search filters to find the right role for you.
If you know you’d like to volunteer but would like someone to help you find the right volunteer role, simply register your details and one of our friendly team will be in touch.
Short on time? Sign up to our volunteer newsletter and receive details of local volunteering opportunities straight to your inbox.
“I’m really enjoying meeting so many interesting and lovely people. It’s the people who keep you coming back.”
“Being a trustee offers me the ability to make a real difference. Volunteering in this way is how I can help those that live and work around my local area.”
“Listening to people’s stories, is so rewarding. I know from people’s families that it means something to them. That, to me, is enough.”
“Volunteering has impacted me deeply. It has allowed me to see how a little help can have a massive impact on the community you are helping.”
Home-Start Surrey Heath (SH)
Surrey Heath 
Flexible 
Trusteeship l Families and Parenting Manna, the Food Bank for Spelthorne (SP)
Spelthorne
Wednesday Evening
Foodbanks I Community Support Ashford and St Peters Hospital Foundation Trust
Runnymede
Flexible
Community Support I Creativity Families Thriving Together (RM)
Runnymede
Flexible
Trusteeship l Families and Parenting Still have some questions? Here are some of the things people commonly ask us before they volunteer. But if you have a question which isn’t answered below then please email us.
We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities, which can take anything from an hour a month to a few days a week – or just be a one-off.
How much time you can give and how often is entirely up to you. Even if you work full time or you have a busy lifestyle, you could still find an opportunity that suits.
Volunteering opportunities cover a variety of skills, interests and areas of work. There really is something to suit everyone. You may want to use an existing skill, or try something completely new.
We would recommend you pick something that you think you will enjoy. You can browse through some of the opportunities that we have available or call us for a chat about what roles we have available.
Many companies now offer volunteering days to their employees. We have plenty of one-off opportunities we can arrange for your company if you would like to get a team together.
If your company will let you spread your volunteering hours, there are many volunteering roles that are as little as an hour a week, or are short-term. And, if you have more time, trustee roles are a great way to develop and use your professional skills in a new context.
If you volunteer and receive state benefits, in most cases your benefits will not be affected. The Gov.uk website gives detailed advice on what counts as volunteering and what the rules are if you receive benefits.
If you are receiving benefits, you should talk to Jobcentre Plus or your benefits agency before you start volunteering. You can volunteer as many hours as you like while you’re getting benefits as long as you keep to the rules for getting them.
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