London Volunteering

Volunteering can be a powerful and fulfilling experience, especially when combined with the thrill of traveling in a new place. Opportunities in London include (but are not limited to) environmental advocacy, political campaigning or activism, global relief groups, work with elderly and disabled people, and intra-London poverty relief groups.

Most people who volunteer in London do so on a short-term basis at organizations that make use of drop-in or once-a-week volunteers. A good place to begin your search for openings in London is at www.volunteerabroad.com, which allows you to search specifically within the city. Also try www.do-it.org.uk. Another useful engine for broadening your search is www.idealist.org. For listings within London, try www.voluntarywork.org.uk.

Those looking for longer, more intensive volunteer opportunities usually choose to go through a parent organization that takes care of logistical details and often provides a group environment and support system—for a fee. There are two main types of organizations—religious and non-sectarian—although there are rarely restrictions on participation for either.

Why Pay Money To Volunteer? Many volunteers are surprised to learn that some organizations require large fees or “donations.” While this may seem ridiculous at first glance, such fees often keep the organization afloat, in addition to covering airfare, room, board, and administrative expenses for the volunteers. (Other organizations must rely on private donations and government subsidies.) If you’re concerned about how a program spends its fees, request an annual report or finance account. A reputable organization won’t refuse to inform you of how volunteer money is spent. Pay-to-volunteer programs might be a good idea for young travelers who are looking for more support and structure (such as pre-arranged transportation and housing), or anyone who would rather not deal with the uncertainty implicit in creating a volunteer experience from scratch.

Environmentalism

As an urban center, London does not have as many sprawling fields teeming with wildlife as, for instance, the UK Lakes District does. However, the city is full of environmentally conscious people who ...more

International Human Rights

London is locally and globally conscious of human rights, home to the headquarters of a number of the world’s largest NGOs and aid organizations. The issues that appear to plague only developing world ...more

Political Activism

For the politically minded, London is the ideal place to get involved in third-party activism or get on board with party campaigning. Your best bet is to contact the party directly to ask what kinds ...more

Elderly And Disabled People

While London is a popular young person’s destination, many elderly and disabled people also call the city home. Volunteers may spend a single day in a nursing home, or forge a unique longer-term bond ...more

Urban Issues

Large economic disparities exist within London. Listed below are some organizations that work on urban issues like youth homelessness in London. Alone in London, 188 King’s Cross Rd., London WC1X ...more