Looking for a way to help people in crisis in your community? All our services rely on people who selflessly give up their time to help others. We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities around the UK so there is something to suit everyone.
Step one - Reading
Read about the voluntary services you could get involved in and decide which service(s) you're most passionate about. Our services fall into four main categories:
Young people can get involved in all of our services but we also have volunteer opportunities specifically for young people.
Step two - Applying
You can apply online by searching for current volunteering opportunities or by contacting the Red Cross office near you. To apply to volunteer in one of our charity shops, please contact the shop manager near you.
Step three - Talking
After you've made contact we'll fix up a time for you to come in and discuss what you can expect as a volunteer. We welcome hundreds of new volunteers into the Red Cross every year – if appropriate, we can also refer potential volunteers to other organisations.
Step four - Meeting the manager
The next stage is for you to meet one of our service managers or shop managers and have a chat. You’ll discuss why you want to join and we’ll explain in more detail what we expect from our volunteers.
We will be keen to get you started as soon as possible although this will of course depend on your commitments, whatever training is required and the completion of any necessary checks.
Step five - Training
We train all Red Cross volunteers, although in some roles – like our shops – you will learn 'on the job'. As a volunteer, you will first receive full training in the skills needed to carry out your role.
Step six - Doing the job
Following the training, you’ll be a fully-fledged Red Cross volunteer – one of a huge family of 20 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers throughout the world – and ready to help people in your community.
Almost all our volunteering opportunities are in the UK. Find out why we don't send volunteers overseas.
Apply now
