Volunteering at St. Hilda’s East
Volunteer in East London
Our rich history of volunteering
At St. Hilda’s East we have a rich history of volunteering, offering a wide range of opportunities to volunteer in East London. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, reflecting the multicultural and multifaith nature of our local community.
Many of our services are developed in partnership with our beneficiaries to ensure we meet the current needs of our community. Volunteers are integral to the regularity of our service delivery, helping us provide a range of weekly activities designed to promote social inclusion, boost mental health and wellbeing, and assist members of our local community in their daily lives.
We host a wide range of volunteers in East London, including individuals, corporates, local businesses, and schools.
Notably, we have volunteers from Cheltenham Ladies’ College, whose alumnae association, Guild, is our founding institution. We also welcome international volunteers.
Volunteers are involved in services across the organisation, with placements available on both a short- and long-term basis. They also have the opportunity to design and lead sessions.
Why volunteer in East London with us?
Help benefit the local community
St. Hilda’s East
Promote social inclusion
Engage community members in activities that foster inclusion.
Boost Mental Health and Wellbeing
Support initiatives that improve mental health and overall wellbeing.
Support Daily Lives
Assist in various programmes that aid community members in their everyday lives.
“We had a lovely time meeting all your wonderful members and chatting away, the day flew by for us because of the buzz of the lunch service. Was a pleasure to be involved. You offer such a warm a welcoming environment for everyone there and you can see how much it means to them, to have somewhere like that to go”
Benefits to you when you volunteer
Volunteering with us not only benefits the community, but also provides you with the chance to make a meaningful impact and develop new skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Improve your social skills
Benefit your mental and physical health and happiness
Offer you a chance to make new friends
Connect with the community
Provide you with work experience to help advance your career
Offer Duke of Edinburgh skills opportunities
Enjoy yourself and have fun
What do we provide our volunteers?
- FREE TRAINING: Available for personal development and social enterprise skills.
- TRAVEL & LUNCH EXPENSES: Volunteers receive food and travel expenses while working here.
- REFERENCES: If you volunteer for three months, we can provide you with a reference.
- DBS CHECK: If you are working with children and young people or adults with social care needs.
Current volunteer opportunities
Older People’s Project
Volunteers assist with activities such as arts and crafts, keep fit, games and quizzes, parties, outings, and teaching computer classes.
Food Co-op
This volunteer-led project involves selling affordable fresh fruit and vegetables to the local community, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce. We need volunteers interested in helping to source and sell the produce to make this social enterprise sustainable.
Women’s Project
As a volunteer, you would assist in regular activities with a vibrant group of local women. Sessions include cooking, arts, sewing, and various talks throughout the year. You can also help organise events such as fundraisers, International Women’s Day celebrations, and training sessions.
Young Peoples’ Programmes (Aged 10-19)
Volunteers are needed to work on social education programmes with our young people. This can be with girls and boys only or a mixed group setting. You can develop skills in conflict resolution, peer support, and youth work. Some of our former young service users are now volunteers themselves and help design and lead sessions.
“I love volunteering with the Feeling Good programme. Meeting new people and making friends of all ages is great. It’s an incredibility rewarding (and fun!) experience.”
Family Learning Under 5’s Stay and Play
As a volunteer, you would work with pre-school children aged 0-4 years, assisting in play sessions. You can gain childcare skills and develop an understanding of child development. We currently only accept volunteers who have, or are studying towards, a childcare qualification.
Advice Service
Volunteers who are currently studying with Island Advice Centre are placed at our Advice Service to provide advice on issues such as housing, benefits, and debt.
Reception and Administration
Volunteers are needed to help cover our reception area at St. Hilda’s East Community Centre and Sonali Gardens. You would provide a warm welcome for visitors, book appointments, and undertake various administrative duties.
Painting, Decorating, and Gardening
Team up with a group of friends or work colleagues and help with painting, decorating, and gardening.
Fundraising and Marketing
Activities can include producing marketing surveys and questionnaires, designing social media posts and flyers, data entry, funder research, and helping produce our newsletter. You can also organise fundraising events with your family, friends, or work colleagues such as coffee mornings, a 5k run, annual quiz, or bingo night. See our A-Z Fundraising guide for more ideas.
Apply to be a volunteer with us
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the form below or pick up a paper copy of the volunteer application pack from reception at St. Hilda’s East Community Centre, 18 Club Row, E2 7EY.
If you need assistance with completing this form, please email us at [email protected].
Any information given on this form is confidential will be treated with care, in line with GDPR regulation and the Data Protection Act 1998
Please note: to ensure the safety of our service users and staff, most volunteer roles will require an enhanced background search, using the DBS service
Thank you very much for your interest in volunteering for St. Hilda’s East.
Find out more about
St. Hilda’s East
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Our History & Values
Find out more about the 135-year history of St. Hilda’s East, our connection to Cheltenham Ladies College and what we aim to achieve
what's on
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