Accessible volunteering 

One-off volunteering might suit you.  These are days and part days where you volunteer but with no ongoing commitment.  They could be the university’s Volunteer Days which run most weeks through to partner organisations requesting help with one-off events such as fundraisers.  To find these roles use the “opportunity type” filter on Volunteer Hub to show opportunities that are fixed/short-term.

All organisations that sign up to use Volunteer Hub have to declare that they will make reasonable adjustments, i.e. that wherever possible they will make adjustments which will allow as many people as possible to get involved regardless of any additional needs they have.  Of course there are some things that can’t be changed but if you have seen an opportunity that you like the look of but aren’t sure whether it will be suitable for you get in touch via email volunteers@manchester.ac.uk or by phone: 07810098834 and we can find out the details for you so that you can make a decision whether it’s right for you.

There are some volunteering opportunities on the Volunteer Hub that take place outside central Manchester, but if you are looking to volunteer further afield we recommend contacting your local volunteer centre who will have a comprehensive list of local opportunities. 

Blackburn: www.communitycvs.org.uk/about

Bolton: do-it.org/organisations/volunteer-centre-bolton

Bury: www.buryvcfa.org.uk/volunteering

Cheshire: www.cvsce.org.uk

High Peak: highpeakcvs.org.uk

Hyndburn & Ribble Valley: do-it.org/organisations/hyndburn-ribble-valley-cvs

Manchester: www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/volunteer-centre-manchester/i-want-volunteer

Oldham, Rochdale & Tameside: actiontogether.org.uk/volunteer/search-for-opportunities

Preston & Lancashire: lancsvp.org.uk

Salford: www.salfordcvs.co.uk/volunteer-centre

Trafford: www.thrivetrafford.org.uk/volunteering-trafford/volunteering-opportunities

Warrington: www.warringtonva.org.uk/volunteering/i-want-volunteer

Wigan: www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/The-Deal/Volunteering/index.aspx

The staff at the University and Students’ Union are all happy to sit down with you and chat about the sort of volunteering you would like to do and what would help you be able to get involved.  This might be volunteering on a University or Students’ Union project where the other volunteers are students and where there is often a higher level of staff support.  Alternatively they might be able to help by introducing you to the volunteer manager at the organisation you would like to volunteer for so that you have the support to make that first step.  Please get in touch at volunteers@manchester.ac.uk so we can help put a plan together in partnership with you. Alternatively you can call us at 07810098834.

We have volunteering opportunities available in a variety of faith and cultural settings. If you’ve had a look on the Volunteer Hub and are struggling to find something related to your identity, please get in touch with the Volunteering Team at volunteers@manchester.ac.uk, and we’ll do our best to help you find a suitable role. You can also call us via 07810098834.

There should never be a charge for volunteering locally. If it costs you money to travel to your volunteering you may be able to claim back your travel costs. All adverts on Volunteer Hub should tell you whether or not the organisation is able to pay your expenses so look out for that in the adverts.  

Some overseas volunteering does have a charge to cover the costs of you being there e.g. accommodation.  Advice is available at www.manchester.ac.uk/internationalvolunteering regarding what to look for to ensure an organisation is legitimate and how to fundraise to cover the costs.

Yes!  The volunteering service provided by the university and Students’ Union is for all students regardless of their level of study.

Absolutely not! Most of the community volunteering opportunities advertised on the Volunteer Hub will already have volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, and similarly, we welcome and encourage students of all ages and backgrounds to get involved. Volunteering is a great way to meet people outside of the student community and connect to older and younger local residents. 

Volunteer Days have been set up as a specific service for students and it is not possible for non-students to be involved through the University.  However some of the organisations we work with do run similar events open to the general public so feel free to talk to them about volunteering at one of their open events.

Yes! The University of Manchester promotes equality and welcomes all students regardless of their background or identity to get involved in volunteering. If you have any concerns about volunteering or feel uncomfortable about any past volunteering experiences, please get in touch by email: volunteers@manchester.ac.uk or phone: 07810098834.   

If anything changes which affects your ability to volunteer the first person to talk to is your supervisor at the organisation you volunteer with.  It may be that you are able to take a break from your volunteering or there may be a way you can volunteer on a more flexible basis.  You can also speak to the Volunteering Team at volunteers@manchester.ac.uk, as they will be able to help you find a more suitable role. For example if you would like to continue volunteering but need to change roles.

If you have any concerns about equality and diversity issues, please get in touch.

Email: volunteers@manchester.ac.uk or volunteering.su@manchester.ac.uk