International Volunteer Day, observed annually on 5 December, is a globally recognised occasion dedicated to honouring the efforts and contributions of volunteers. Established in 1985 as an international observance by the United Nations General Assembly, this day celebrates the invaluable work of individuals who dedicate their time and skills to support communities and causes around the world.
The day serves as an opportunity to not only recognise and thank volunteers for their dedication but also to promote the spirit of volunteerism on local, national, and international levels. From grassroots initiatives to global campaigns, volunteers play a crucial role in addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges and inspiring collective action.
Whether working to combat poverty, providing disaster relief, or supporting education and healthcare, volunteers have the potential to create lasting change. International Volunteer Day is a time to celebrate these contributions and encourage more people to get involved in making a positive difference in their communities.
To celebrate and spread the cause, we have created a short guide on where to find volunteering opportunities at KCLSU and King’s as well as wider opportunities across London.
Volunteering opportunities at KCLSU
Student-led volunteer projects
With support from the Volunteer Coordinators at KCLSU, you can establish your own volunteering project. Whether your goal is to organise a series of wellbeing workshops for KCL students, assist the homeless community in London, run a language class, or help students from a Widening Participation background with their university applications, we are here to provide guidance and support with every step of the way.
The Volunteer Project Fund can help your ideas come to life. This fund typically opens in July/August and September/October.
Fundraising Opportunities
From FIFA tournaments and sponsored walks to bake sales and bucket collections, there are so many ways to raise money for the causes you care about. Find out more here.
King’s Volunteering
King’s Volunteering is great for discovering opportunities and building connections with people and organisations that are driving positive change in our local, national and international communities. You can view a list of current volunteering opportunities with KCL here. These roles range from Climate Ambassadors to community gardening and Arabic language translators.
If you find yourself with limited time, you can support any volunteering cause by donating to support vulnerable groups and frontline workers with essential services.
Volunteering opportunities in London
Home - Action Tutoring: Action Tutoring
Action Tutoring partners with schools to provide cost-effective, evidence-based tutoring that supports pupils facing disadvantage to unlock their full potential. Their trained volunteers deliver targeted support, helping schools meet their academic goals.
The Feminist Library – Archiving our histories since 1975
The Feminist Library is a large collection of feminist literature based in London. They are a library and community space and support research, activist and community projects that are run entirely by volunteers.
Shout
Shout is a free text message line operating 24/7 for people in mental health crises that could be anything from grief and anxiety to suicidal thoughts. Shout works by someone in need texting SHOUT to 85258, that person will then be put in touch with a trained Crisis Volunteer who will text back and forth until the person experiencing problems is feeling calmer.
Foodcycle
Foodcycle serves lunches and dinners made from reclaimed and surplus food to those in the UK who are hungry and lonely. With the help of volunteers, it serves over 1,400 people per week and guests have the opportunity to meet and make friends with people in their community as well.
You can search for various opportunities on Get Volunteering. Here you can filter your search depending on your location and volunteering preferences.