A lot of the volunteering opportunities on our website are for those aged over 18. We think that volunteering is an amazing opportunity for everyone so we would really encourage you to approach organisations working with people younger than 18 looking to do good across the city.
We would encourage you to contact the following organisations to find out more about the opportunities they offer to people under 18:
#iwill campaign: The #iwill campaign wants to make participation in social action the norm for young people under 20. The Power of Youth is a hub of resources, information, activities and thoughts from young people and organisations from all over the UK. Curated by young people, for young people.
British Red Cross: You can volunteer in most of their services from age 15, including work experience placements.
British Youth Council: Get your voice heard and become empowered to create social and political change in areas such as climate change, ending child poverty and mental health.
Duke of Edinburgh: DofE is a programme of personal development for 14-25 year olds, but volunteering plays a key part.
Greater Manchester Rock Radio: Anyone over 16 can join their free radio production course where you will be trained and supported in presenting your own rock show on radio.
Greater Manchester Youth Network: GMYN support under 18s to transition to adulthood feeling skilled, supported and positive. They have youth leadership programmes and also support young people to take social action and volunteer.
Kids of Colour: Kids of Colour create a platform for young people of colour to come together and explore race, identity and culture and support them to challenge the racism they face.
Manchester FA: Manchester Football Association have a Young Leaders Academy aimed at ensuring young people aged 14+ have a say in how grassroots football looks in Greater Manchester.
Manchester Mind: Focusing on mental health, there are a number of volunteering roles for young people aged over 15, including supporting with the development of Mind's services for young people.
Manchester Youth Zone: Learn2Lead is a 12-week leadership and volunteering programme for those aged 14 – 19 years old (or up to 21 with additional needs).
National Citizenship Service: NCS, designed for 16 and 17 year olds, exists to engage, unite and empower young people and build confidence. Programmes are two to three weeks and take place over the school holidays.
National Trust: There is a family volunteering scheme that offers lots of opportunities for family groups to volunteer at sites across the country.
Raleigh International: This youth-driven organisation offers the opportunity for volunteers 17+ to go on overseas expeditions. Please be aware you may be asked to fundraise before you go.
Royal Horticulture Society: The Green Skill programme is a once a month programme which runs for a year. You will meet once at month at RHS Bridgewater on a Saturday. During the session you will learn a new skill, discover how this relates to a horticultural career and also undertake volunteering work at RHS Bridgewater in Worsley, Salford. This role is for those aged 14 -18.
Scouts: The Explorers programme (14-18 year olds) meet weekly in groups called Units to try new things, make new friends and conquer the small task of changing the world.
St John's Ambulance Service: Their youth programmes operate across England, enabling young people to learn first aid, build their confidence, and gain important life skills. There are roles for volunteers aged 7+.
Stitched Up: Stitched Up inspire communities across Manchester to take action on sustainable fashion and run workshops and a pop up shop. They take volunteers from the age of 16.
Vinspired: Vinspired provides you with inspiring high quality volunteering opportunities to gain new experiences and skills for life. Brought to you by Speakers for Schools, the Vinspired platform offers you the chance to log your hours and work towards nationally recognised awards, build your volunteering CV ready to apply for jobs, apprenticeships or higher education and search for exciting volunteering opportunities for 14-30 year olds using your postcode or look for remote roles that you can do from home.
Youthwatch Rochdale: Youthwatch are recruiting young people aged between 13 and 18 years old who work, study or live in the Borough of Rochdale (Rochdale North, Rochdale South, The Pennines, Middleton and Heywood) to gather feedback around health and social care services from young people, take part in focus groups and monthly meet ups to share your views and have your say.
We are regularly updating this list so be sure to check back. We hope that you can find something interesting from this list and wish you every success with volunteering!