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Register As A Volunteer

Get involved in volunteering. Do good. Feel good. Make your C.V. stand out!

We work with a range of registered UK local and national charities to help find students the right kind of volunteering opportunities. From one off volunteering days to weekly commitments - there is something for everyone, no matter how busy you are!

Take a look at our current opportunities below and if you see something you like – click the ‘Apply’ button!

If you can’t find an opportunity that suits your interests, book an appointment with the Volunteering team for support: Book a Meeting

Did you know, participating in Volunteering activity with SUBU earns you an Award? By logging your hours and the skills you have gained through your personal volunteering profile you are eligible to earn certificates and download a full breakdown of your volunteering history for your CV!

If you are participating in the BU Graduate Skills Programme, your volunteering will count towards this award too!!!

 

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Previous Showing 1 to 10 of 106 opportunitiesNext 
  • Guide Dogs logo

    'Share the Love' Event Volunteers - if you love dogs you'll love this!

    Guide Dogs

    This opportunity takes place on 14 Feb 2025 Applications closed on 28 Jan.

    If you love dogs and are good at photography and social media this is the role for you. Guide Dogs charity are looking for some volunteers to help with their 'Share the Love' event on Valentines Day - Friday 14th February. This is where members of the public and their dog can have their photograph taken. There are two key roles. One will be helping to meet and greet and register those wanting to have their dogs photo taken, and the other will be to encourage people to share selfies on their social media - with pups and props for people to hold!

    This is a one day event, on Friday 14th February from 10am until 4pm at the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole. There will be two spaces available for the following 2 hour sessions - 10am til 12pm 12pm til 2pm and 2pm til 4pm.

    • Activity AreaCampaigning, Events and Festivals, Marketing, People, Social Media and Communications, Animal Care, Local Community
    • Employability Skills within ActivityAdministration/Office Skills, Organisation, Communication, Digital, IT, Technology, Event Planning, Interpersonal, Networking, Pitching/ Presenting, Teamwork
    • FacultyBournemouth University Business School, Health & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsGood Health and Well-being, Life on Land, Reducing Inequality
    • Pitching/Presenting
    • Community Action
    • Communication
    • Digital Skills
    • Teamwork
    • Timekeeping
    • Interpersonal
  • Samaritans Charity Shop logo

    Charity Shop Volunteer (Bournemouth)

    Samaritans Charity Shop

    This opportunity takes place between 10 Sep 2024 and 28 Mar 2025

    We are looking to recruit volunteers in our shop which is located at 246 Old Christchurch Road, BH1. The role involves working on the till, tidying the shop floor or helping with window displays. Ideally students would be able to give a minimum of 2/3 hours per shift, however we appreciate any help available. Currently we are open Monday to Saturday 11am till 5pm. Our shop is a vital part of the local community and provides essential income so that our branch can remain open 24/7 for our Listening volunteers to support anyone who is experiencing a difficult time. Volunteers in our shop play a valuable role in helping us to be there for our callers, as well as gaining retail experience and communication skills.

    • Activity AreaHealth and Social Care, People, Wellbeing, Retail
    • FacultyBournemouth University Business School, Health & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsGood Health and Well-being, Life on Land
    • Employability Skills within ActivityOrganisation, Collaboration, Decision Making, Interpersonal, Prioritisation
    • Communication
    • Community Action
    • Teamwork
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
    You need to be logged in and registered.
  • Heathlands Primary Academy logo

    School Governor

    Heathlands Primary Academy

    This opportunity is ongoing, with no end date.

    Governorship is a voluntary, unpaid role for people who have the energy and skills to make a real contribution to shaping the future of our local school. It is not essential to have in-depth knowledge of a school environment – you only need an ability to commit to around 6-8 hours per term and a desire to make a difference.

    The Local Governing Board are looking to recruit co-opted Governors. We are particularly keen on speaking to people with the expertise / experience / passion in any of the following broad areas:
    Special Education Needs
    Educational achievement and increasing aspiration of young people.

    Further information on this role is available at 

    https://www.coastalpartnership.co.uk/governance-vacancies/ 

    • Activity AreaBusiness and Management, Children and Young People, Data Analysis, Education, Human and Civil Rights/Social Justice, Leadership, People, Advice/ Support, Committee/ Trustee, Local Community
    • Sustainable Development GoalsGender Equality, No Poverty, Quality Education, Reducing Inequality
    • Employability Skills within ActivityEmpathy, Leadership, Organisation, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Feedback and Evaluation, Interpersonal, Networking, Prioritisation, Problem Solving, Risk Management, Teamwork
    • Teamwork
    • Community Action
    • Interpersonal
    • Leadership
    • Relationship Building
    • Communication
    You need to be logged in and registered.
  • The Literacy Pirates logo

    Literacy Support Volunteer (Virtual)

    The Literacy Pirates

    This opportunity takes place between 06 Aug 2024 and 23 May 2025

    As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing, 1:2 and in small groups.

    We take children on voyages as readers and writers, and we’re on the lookout for volunteers to join our virtual Crew. 

    Who are The Literacy Pirates?  

    Through our term-long, after-school programme, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond. 

    Children join us on our Virtual Ship once a week to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance. 

    What does a Volunteer Crewmate do? 

    As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing, 1:2 and in small groups. 

    Sessions are led and managed by our staff team, which means your time is solely focused on supporting the children.  

    You will: 

    • receive full training. 

    • help children practise reading and writing by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements. 

    • take part in games and have fun! 

    • be invited to virtual celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made. 

    We offer: 

    • employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us. 

    • work placements for students. 

    • Tempo Time Credits – for every session you volunteer, you will be rewarded with credits that can be exchanged for tangible rewards such as cinema tickets, yoga classes and more! 

    What are we looking for? 

    We ask volunteers to give just two afternoons every half-term, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like! 

    Sessions run every weekday from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. 

    No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided. 

    All we ask is that you: 

    • are aged 16+ 

    • must be a UK resident 

    • complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this) 

    • have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role). 

    Apply via our website! 

    https://literacypirates.org/volunteer/

    • Activity AreaChildren and Young People, Education, People, Teaching and Mentoring, Virtual Volunteering, Communication/ Caring, Local Community
    • Employability Skills within ActivityBuddying, Counselling, Mentoring, Empathy, Teaching, Coaching and Training, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal
    • FacultyBournemouth University Business School, Health & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsLife on Land, Quality Education
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
    • Communication
    • Digital Skills
    You need to be logged in and registered.
  • Julia's House Children's Hospices logo

    Art Trail Volunteers Wanted for 'Tail Trail' Event

    Julia's House Children's Hospices

    This opportunity takes place between 05 Apr 2025 and 01 Jun 2025 Applications closed on 21 Jan.

    Julia's House Children's Hospice charity are seeking 'Tail Trail' Volunteers to chat to the public about the art trail and Julia's House, keep and eye on any tatty tails, reporting damages to the Tail Trail maintenance team and help out at the Farewell Weekend on 14th and 15th June. If you like walking and chatting this could be the volunteering opportunity for you.

    https://www.juliashouse.org/tail-trail

    • Activity AreaArts and Culture, Children and Young People, Events and Festivals, Health and Social Care, People, Wellbeing, Local Community, Outdoor Activities, Physical Activity
    • FacultyBournemouth University Business School, Health & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsGood Health and Well-being, Life on Land
    • Employability Skills within ActivityOrganisation, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Event Planning, Feedback and Evaluation, Interpersonal, Pitching/ Presenting, Self Management
    • Timekeeping
    • Interpersonal
    • Pitching/Presenting
    • Relationship Building
    • Community Action
    • Communication
    • Teamwork
  • 17th Bournemouth Scout Troop logo

    Volunteer Scout Leaders

    17th Bournemouth Scout Troop

    This opportunity takes place between 20 Jan 2025 and 23 May 2025

    Do you want to be a Scout Leader?Why wait ..... Scouts are young people who participate in a youth social movement that helps them develop skills and make a positive impact on their communities. They are active in ...... 1) Scouts take part in outdoor activities, learn new skills, and work in teams. 2) Learn new skills: Scouts learn new skills like archery, coding, and performance art. 3) Go on adventures: Scouts go camping, hiking, swimming, and more. 4) Make friends: Scouts make new friends and work in teams. 5) Help others: Scouts help others in their communities and beyond. 6) Develop responsibility: Scouts develop a sense of personal responsibility and 7) learn to be active members of their community. This could be you in the near future!!

    We at the 17th Bournemouth Scout welcome you if have been in Scouting before and wish to carry on in your journey or are just starting out as an adult Leader, we are a progressive Scout Troop with a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and a Scout Troop, so no matter what we fit your time around your avaialbilty tp assisate.

    We help with a Scout DBS and all training for free.

     

    • Activity AreaAnthropology/Geography, Arts and Culture, Business and Management, Campaigning, Children and Young People, Conservation, Creative and Design, Education, Faith and Religion, Ethics, Human and Civil Rights/Social Justice, Leadership, Mental Health, Overseas Challenges, People, Sport and Coaching, Sustainability, Technology/Engineering, Teaching and Mentoring, Wellbeing, Wildlife/Nature, Animal Care, Catering/ Cooking, Committee/ Trustee, Communication/ Caring, First Aid, Gardening/ Conservation, Heritage Conservation, Local Community, Outdoor Activities, Physical Activity
    • Employability Skills within ActivityAdministration/Office Skills, Buddying, Counselling, Mentoring, Leadership, Organisation, Teaching, Coaching and Training, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Decision Making, Feedback and Evaluation, Innovation, Interpersonal, Problem Solving, Risk Management, Self Management, Teamwork
    • FacultyBournemouth University Business School, Health & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsAffordable and Clean Energy, Clean Water and Sanitation, Climate Action, Gender Equality, No Poverty, Partnerships for the Goals, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, Quality Education, Reducing Inequality, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Zero Hunger
    • Digital Skills
    • Teamwork
    • Timekeeping
    • Interpersonal
    • Pitching/Presenting
    • Leadership
    • Relationship Building
    • Administration/Office Skills
    • Community Action
    • Communication
    You need to be logged in and registered.
  • SUBU Student Opportunities logo

    Production Crew wanted for Open Air Theatre - backstage, costumes, lighting, props, set build,

    SUBU Student Opportunities

    This opportunity takes place between 09 Aug 2025 and 22 Aug 2025

    Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT) is a registered charity (Charity Number 278003) established in 1964 who have been holding open air performances for over over 60 years. This year's summer performance is moving to the mainland, and will be at Canford School at Canford Magna (a small village between Bournemouth and Wimborne) from 9th to 22nd August. BOAT are looking for volunteers to get involved as part of the production team with voluntary roles looking after back stage, costumes, lighting, props, set build, front of house and publicity.

    You can even meet the BOAT team on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th January at their open evening at The Centre, Ferndown BH22 8XH.  Click the apply button now for further details.  Students from any faculty can apply however this may particularly appeal to students studying media and television production.

     

    • Activity AreaArts and Culture, Events and Festivals, Film and Technology, People, Local Community, Outdoor Activities
    • Employability Skills within ActivityCreativity and Design, Organisation, Project Research, Collaboration, Communication, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Event Planning, Feedback and Evaluation, Innovation, Interpersonal, Prioritisation, Problem Solving, Risk Management, Teamwork
    • FacultyBournemouth University Business School, Health & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsLife on Land, Sustainable Cities and Communities
    • Communication
    • Teamwork
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
    You need to be logged in and registered.
  • SUBU Student Opportunities logo

    Bournemouth Bay Run - Race Pack Assemblers

    SUBU Student Opportunities

    This opportunity takes place between 20 Jan 2025 and 08 Mar 2025

    BCP Council Events Team is looking for x4 volunteers to help assemble race packs for the Vitality Bournemouth Bay Run 2025. This one off opportunity takes place over 3 days during the first week of March. At the end of the 3 days you will receive a free entry ticket to the event.

    https://www.bournemouthbayrun.co.uk/

    • Activity AreaEvents and Festivals, Local Community
    • Employability Skills within ActivityAdministration/Office Skills, Organisation, Event Planning
    • FacultyBournemouth University Business School, Health & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsLife on Land, Sustainable Cities and Communities
    • Teamwork
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
    You need to be logged in and registered.
  • Bournemouth Foodbank (Trussell Trust) logo

    Garden Rooms Cafe Volunteer

    Bournemouth Foodbank (Trussell Trust)

    This opportunity takes place between 20 Jan 2025 and 23 May 2025

    Food banks provide essential community services to people in crisis. Bournemouth foodbank has the facilities and a café space to welcome clients and prepare food for clients and members of the community.There are a variety of cooking related events held in our kitchen and café area and we need a dedicated team of hard working and reliable volunteers to support the café manager and Bournemouth Foodbank.By volunteering as a café assistant volunteer, you will help support the running of the café in a range of flexible and rewarding ways. You will be helping with a variety of events that are diverse and key to supporting those in poverty and the works of Bournemouth Foodbank.

    Skills You'll Need
    Excellent communication skills to engage the public
    Strong team player
    Organised and self-motivated
    Adaptable and Flexible
    Barista skills (desirable not mandatory)
    Hygiene/food qualifications (desirable not mandatory)

    • Activity AreaHealth and Social Care, Homelessness, People, Wellbeing, Local Community
    • FacultyBournemouth University Business School, Health & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsGood Health and Well-being, Life on Land, No Poverty, Partnerships for the Goals, Reducing Inequality, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Zero Hunger
    • Employability Skills within ActivityOrganisation, Communication, Decision Making, Interpersonal, Prioritisation, Risk Management, Self Management, Teamwork
    • Timekeeping
    • Relationship Building
    • Community Action
    • Teamwork
    • Communication
    • Interpersonal
    You need to be logged in and registered.
  • Tenovus Cancer Care logo

    Sales Floor Volunteer Southbourne, Westbourne, Boscombe Highcliffe,

    Tenovus Cancer Care

    This opportunity takes place between 10 Aug 2022 and 23 May 2025

    Why am I needed?Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help be the friendly face that looks after our customers by greeting them, assisting them and processing their items through the till.

    <p><strong>What will I be doing?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering questions</li> <li>Serving customers at the till</li> <li>Accepting donations from the public</li> <li>Putting goods on display in the shop</li> <li>Maintaining high levels of shop standards, presentation and cleanliness</li> <li>Generating add-on sales and Gift Aid conversion through high levels of customer service</li> <li>Completing Gift Aid shop paperwork</li> <li>Supporting the Shop Manager in carrying out shop security procedures</li> <li>Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide</li> </ul> <p><strong>What skills do I need?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Strong customer service skills</li> <li>A really keen eye for detail</li> <li>Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team</li> <li>Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How much time do I need to commit? </strong></p> <p>We&rsquo;d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you&rsquo;d like to. However, we appreciate any time you&rsquo;d like to give; please let us know this on your application form.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What support will I be given?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.</li> <li>Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.</li> <li>Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.</li> </ul>

    • Activity AreaData Analysis, Fundraising, People, Retail
    • Employability Skills within ActivityBuddying, Counselling, Mentoring, Communication, Interpersonal
    • FacultyBournemouth University Business School, Health & Social Sciences, Media & Communication, Science & Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsGood Health and Well-being, Life on Land
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
    • Relationship Building
    • Communication
    • Teamwork
    You need to be logged in and registered.
Previous Showing 1 to 10 of 106 opportunitiesNext