Volunteer in Hackney

Volunteering is when you choose to give your time, talents and energy unpaid, to help others. Get involved with your local community by helping one of the many organisations that rely on volunteers to deliver their services. A growing number of Hackney residents already volunteer regularly and you could join them.

 

How you can get involved in volunteering

Why you should volunteer

When you volunteer you will not only be helping a local group, you’ll be helping the whole community and getting the chance to develop and gain experience. You could volunteer:

  • to make a difference
  • to meet new people
  • to learn new skills
  • to have fun
  • to get experience needed for a job
  • to use your spare time
  • to further an interest or a hobby
  • because you feel passionate about a cause
  • because you, or someone you know, has benefited from the charity’s work

What do volunteers do?

There are lots of community groups and organisations in Hackney that need volunteers, and there will be an organisation in need of your skills. Possible volunteer roles include: administrator, fundraiser, mentor, school governor, trustee, sports coach, special constable, IT support, and gardener. In most cases  no specific skills or prior experience is needed; it all depends on what you choose to do. The most important thing is to find something you are passionate about and search for an opportunity to work with a group that you want to give your time to.

Who can volunteer?

Just about everyone can volunteer, no matter what your age or background, or whether you are retired, in work, unemployed, or studying. Some roles may require specific skills or references to be taken up, while others may only be open to people over 18 years old.

If you receive benefits, volunteering should not affect the your claim; but you should discuss this with your advisor at DWP or check Gov.uk’s volunteering page.

Support for voluntary groups

If you’re a small, locally based volunteer led project, find out more about our new initiative:

Page updated on: 8 June 2022

Hackney Service Centre

Address

1 Hillman Street
London
E8 1DY

Telephone

Opening times

  • Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and closed Sat and Sun