Opportunities for young people
Find out more about work experience, placements and volunteering opportunities for young people.
As the largest humanitarian organisation in the world, we have a variety of volunteering roles, work experience opportunities and placements.
You can volunteer in many of our services from age 15.
There are opportunities to learn new skills, boost your CV and your confidence, and get to know more about how charities work.
No matter how much time you have or whatever your experience, there’s a role to suit everyone.
Volunteering for young people
Volunteer with us to help vulnerable people and make a difference in your community. You can search for a range of volunteer roles near you and get involved in your community.
Benefits of volunteering
- improve your CV
- gain skills and experience
- meet new people
- get certification for your time, whether that's through our internal programme, or the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) scheme
- join the largest humanitarian Movement in the world.
Volunteering at college or university
Up and down the country, groups of passionate students are running British Red Cross on campus supporter groups, acting as fundraisers, advocates and taking part in our calls to action. We have groups in sixth form colleges, further education establishments, youth organisations and universities.
You can set up your own group and make a real difference, gain valuable skills and get recognised for your volunteering.
Volunteer placements
Make a difference to people’s lives on a volunteer placement with the British Red Cross. You could be developing a project, working on a marketing campaign, or conducting research.
Please note that our volunteer placements are not paid opportunities.
Benefits of our placements
- join training and development courses
- receive an induction and supervision from an experienced staff member
- get a certificate and reference on completion of your placement
- join the largest humanitarian Movement in the world.
Search for a volunteer placement
When searching for a placement, please use the word 'placements' to filter all opportunities.
Work experience
If you’re aged 15 to 18, you can apply for a one-week work experience placement with us.
From marketing to HR to finance, we offer a range of opportunities to gain experience and improve your CV. We also offer virtual work experience opportunities which you can do from home.
To apply for work experience:
We will accept applications from 1 April 2025 until 1 June 2025.
To apply for a placement please send a cover letter to workexperience@redcross.org.uk including:
- the week you would like to do work experience (in July and August)
- your preferred area of interest. For example, fundraising, international, HR, finance, IT, facilities, marketing or business development
- why you would like to do work experience at the British Red Cross
- a CV if you have one.
HumanKind
If you live in the Derry/Londonderry and Strabane area, and are interested in learning more about humanitarian action, making new friends, developing new skills and making an impact in your community then HumanKind is for you.
HumanKind includes a 5-week humanitarian actor course, volunteering action days and a range of community events and is completely free to join.
Visit our HumanKind page to see upcoming events and to sign up.
Volunteering abroad
Join our international youth volunteering programme and gain new skills, experience a different culture, and help people in crisis.
If you’re aged between 18 and 30, you could volunteer across Europe for 8 to 12 months.
We particularly welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
What do international youth volunteers do?
You can choose from a wide range of placements. You could volunteer with young people, refugees, people with disabilities or other vulnerable individuals.
All our placements are full-time volunteering roles which support British Red Cross services in the UK and overseas.
Certificate
Every volunteer will get a Youthpass certificate, which proves your participation in the scheme and highlights your achievements.
What skills do I need?
You do not need any specific skills, and you will receive all the necessary training for the role. All you need is commitment and motivation for an exciting opportunity.
Email IYVP@redcross.org.uk with questions or for more information.
Search for an international volunteering opportunity
Volunteering in an emergency
Please note, we don't send volunteers overseas after a major disaster. Read more about our approach to international volunteering.
Keeping our young volunteers safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who has contact with the British Red Cross. Find out what you can do if abuse is happening to you or someone you know.
Would your organisation like to support young volunteers?
Download our free Inspired Action toolkit for top tips and resources for supporting young volunteers, with a focus on including disabled young people.
Do you have a question about this page or want to give us feedback? Visit our Contact us page.