Youth Volunteering

It's brilliant to hear that you want to volunteer!

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:

 

You can view all active under 18 opportunities here

 

External Sites

Wildfire Prevention Ambassador - Help the Woodland Trust protect trees and wildlife in your local area. Become a voice for education and the prevention of wildfires! This role is aimed at people aged 14 - 25. 

#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 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!

Volunteering Opportunities

Displaying 1 - 24 of 32
Retail Volunteer (Bolton, Manchester Road)
Summary: Barnardos are looking for volunteers to help in their charity shop. You would:
Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Online Shop Volunteer
Summary: As an Online Shop Volunteer, you'll help transform pre-loved treasures into vital funds that support communities around the world, from responding to emergencies and humanitarian crises to tackling poverty and inequality.

Whether you're researching and pricing stock, photographing products, creating listings, preparing orders or supporting other online shop activities, you'll play an important role in connecting donated items with new owners and helping to raise money for Oxfam's life-changing work.

You can choose to learn a bit of everything or focus on the areas that interest you most.
Area of Interest: Retail
Retail Volunteer (Horwich)
Summary: Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Retail Volunteer (Bolton, Newport Street)
Summary: Barnardos are looking for volunteers to help in their charity shop. You would:
Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
BrightsideConnect Mentoring
Summary: Brightside Connect is our online mentoring programme for 16–18-year-olds who are currently in sixth form or college across the country. Running during the autumn term, your support as a mentor will be invaluable, using your experience to help your mentee(s) to understand their next steps after school. Over a 10-week period, you might help them to explore university courses, write a CV, practice interview technique, revise for exams, and much more. All mentoring is our platform, you just need access to a mobile/tablet and no need to travel anywhere.
Area of Interest: Advice & Employment, Education & Literacy, Mentoring, Student Volunteers (18+), Virtual Volunteering
Outreach and Publicity Volunteer
Summary: Northmoor Community Centre is based in Longsight and part of Northmoor Community Association. We need help with spreading information on advice, activities and services to the local community as well as improving communication and engagement.

Skills needed: Creative, good communication skills,
Skills desired: Previous experience in local outreach and publicity, can speak Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi or Bangla.

We will provide:
Induction to the role
Flexible hours
Paid out-of-pocket expenses such as bus fares

We require a commitment to Equal Opportunities, (treating all individuals equally and with respect) and our Confidentiality, Safeguarding and GDPR standards.
Area of Interest: Digital and Tech, Marketing & Social Media
Outreach and Publicity Volunteer
Summary: Northmoor Community Centre is based in Longsight and part of Northmoor Community Association. We need help with spreading information on advice, activities and services to the local community as well as improving communication and engagement.

Skills needed: Creative, good communication skills,
Skills desired: Previous experience in local outreach and publicity, can speak Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi or Bangla.

We will provide:
Induction to the role
Flexible hours
Paid out-of-pocket expenses such as bus fares

We require a commitment to Equal Opportunities, (treating all individuals equally and with respect) and our Confidentiality, Safeguarding and GDPR standards.
Area of Interest: Digital and Tech, Marketing & Social Media
Mentor in a Local School
Summary: Looking for a rewarding opportunity to support young people in your community whilst developing your own skills and experience?

Volunteering as a ReachOut mentor in a local school provides the rewarding experience to help build your mentees' skills and confidence, whilst working with a team of like-minded people and developing your own skills and experience in youth development! Choose a project in a local school that fits your schedule and give just 2 hours a week of your time over our 12-week projects to make a real difference to a young person's life.
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Education & Literacy, Health & Social Care, Mental Health, Mentoring
Retail Volunteer (Ashton Under Lyne, Mossley Road)
Summary: Barnardos are looking for volunteers to help in their charity shop. You would:
Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Content Creator - News/Media
Summary: Together Media is Learn Together CIC’s community media project, covering current affairs, social issues and stories that matter to local communities.

Volunteers can get involved in:

Researching topics and developing content ideas

Presenting short videos and explainers

Preparing and taking part in interviews and podcasts

Filming, editing and producing social media content

No previous experience is required, as training and ongoing support will be provided. This is also a great opportunity for media and film students to gain practical experience and build their professional portfolios.

The role is flexible, with both remote and in-person opportunities available in Manchester.
Area of Interest: Arts Culture & Music, Campaigning & Advocacy, Children Young People & Families, Digital and Tech, Education & Literacy, Health & Social Care, LGBTQ+, Marketing & Social Media, Mental Health, Mentoring, Migrants & Refugees, Race Ethnicity & Religion, Student Volunteers (18+), Virtual Volunteering, Young Volunteers (under 18)
Volunteer Tennis Coach
Summary: The Medicare Foundation are looking for volunteer tennis coaches.

Run Drills & Games: Assist with age-appropriate exercises that develop coordination, technique, and teamwork.

Support Head Coaches: Help set up equipment and manage group safety to ensure every session runs smoothly.

Promote Fair Play: Model good sportsmanship and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for all skill levels.
Area of Interest: Administration, Children Young People & Families, Sports & Movement
Retail Volunteer (Flixton)
Summary: Barnardos are looking for volunteers to help in their charity shop. You would:
Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Academic Outreach & Sustainable Fashion Liaison
Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and organised volunteer with a passion for sustainable fashion, community development, and ethical supply chain research. This role will focus specifically on bridging the gap between our local efforts (repair, upcycling) and the complex, often non-transparent global system of used clothing disposal. A core goal is to research and expose the ethical concerns surrounding the second-hand clothing export industry.
Area of Interest: Administration, Education & Literacy, Environment & Conservation, Sports & Movement
Retail Volunteer (Manchester, Fallowfield)
Summary: Role with Barnardos. Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Retail fashion assistant
Summary: White Rose charity shop is looking for volunteers to help in retail and social media. We provide the opportunity for you to learn different skills regularly and gain a variety of experience, so no two shifts are the same. You don’t need any experience to volunteer, all we ask is that you are enthusiastic, motivated and hardworking.
Area of Interest: Retail, Student Volunteers (18+)
Retail Volunteer (Denton)
Summary: Barnardos are looking for volunteers to help in their charity shop. You would:
Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Weekly litter picking group - Wednesdays at 10am
Summary: Heaton litter pickers...
Our friendly litter picking group meets each Wednesday at 10am for a group litter pick. Join us to enjoy some fresh air, explore the park and help keep Heaton Park beautiful.
Area of Interest: Environment & Conservation, Sports & Movement, Young Volunteers (under 18)
Retail Volunteer (Donation Centre, Walkden)
Summary: Role with Barnardos. Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Retail Volunteer (Manchester, Lee Road)
Summary: Role with Barnardos.. Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Volunteer Youth Football Coach
Summary: Join ESCA-UK as a Volunteer Youth Football Coach in Manchester! Backed by Sport England, our project provides weekly 2-hour Sunday sessions for children aged 5–16 from diverse communities.
You will assist in delivering fun, high-quality football drills and mini-matches, setting up equipment, and acting as a positive role model in a safe, inclusive environment. The project runs until April 2027. We reimburse travel expenses and fully fund your Enhanced DBS check.
If you hold a valid coaching certificate and want to make a real community impact while building your CV, apply today!
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Migrants & Refugees, Sports & Movement
Retail Volunteer (Manchester, Chorlton)
Summary: Role with Barnardos. work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Retail Volunteer
Summary: As a Retail Volunteer you can focus on a department or acitvity that is of most interest to you or you can do a bit of everything!
Departments include: fashion (womens, mens, kids) books, music (vinyl and CDs), homeware, and bric-a-brac.
Area of Interest: Retail
Retail Volunteer (Manchester, Swinton)
Summary: Role with Barnardos. Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
Area of Interest: Children Young People & Families, Finance & Fundraising, Retail, Student Volunteers (18+), Young Volunteers (under 18)
Community outreach volunteer
Summary: Northmoor Community Centre and Northmoor Hub are based in Longsight. Together, we provide a variety of free, drop-in activities as well as 1:1 support on benefits, pensions, housing and general advice.

We need help with spreading information on our activities and services to our local community and improving communication. We have previously done leafleting and door-knocking and want to continue this as well as finding different methods of communication and building engagement.

Skills needed:
Creative,
Good communication skills,

Skills desired:
Previous experience in local outreach and publicity,
Can speak an additional language such as: Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Bangla, Arabic, French
Area of Interest: Events, Marketing & Social Media