Volunteer with us

We’re only able to change and save lives with the help of our beating heart – our volunteers.

Everyone is welcome, all we ask that you have is a desire to make the world a kinder place. Join us, and you’ll experience our unforgettable events, take part in dynamic activities, build professional, transferable skills, and use your voice to raise awareness about the issues you care about.

Apply to volunteer

What does a volunteer do?

Our volunteers help out with our comedy tours, dinners, talks, boat races, street collections, UK homelessness support, and even our exhilarating hiking and cycling challenges.

There are so many ways to help out, and we encourage our volunteers to be innovative and adaptive – you can attend university fairs, take on leadership roles, or support us digitally by raising awareness via social media.

Change starts at home, but with Human Appeal, your impact will span the globe.

Find an internship opportunity

What are the perks?

We value, respect, and appreciate our volunteers, and we want to support their growth and happiness. So, when you volunteer, you’ll receive:

Training A comprehensive induction and volunteering handbook. We’ll help you foster new, transferable skills.

References Once you’ve got to know your skillset - after you’ve participated in five activities – we’ll happily provide you with a reference.

Travel reimbursement We’ll cover the round-trip cost of getting to activities in your local area.

Away days, seminars, and conferences Join our away days and get to know other volunteers, and, with our annual conference and educational seminars, you can learn more about our charitable projects and the humanitarian sector.

Apply to volunteer

Interview prep We’ll provide you with a mock interview and give you feedback to help you prepare for your future.

CV feedback When you apply for a job, send over your CV and we’ll get it checked for you.

Leadership opportunities Progress to a leadership role and manage your own team of volunteers.

Flexibility Volunteer as infrequently, or as often, as you like, so that you can fit us in around your other commitments.

Find an internship opportunity

What do our volunteers say?

Hear first-hand what this experience means to our volunteers.

“Volunteering with Human Appeal has taught me some very important lessons, especially about how ungrateful we can be sometimes. Volunteering gives me a chance to provide happiness in the lives of vulnerable people around the world. A few hours of my time can help provide them with basic needs that increases their chances of survival and brings relief in difficult, life-threatening situations.”
Ayesha, Scotland Volunteer

“My name is Nafeela and I am a volunteer Team Leader for Human Appeal. I can’t emphasise enough how much Human Appeal has helped me to grow as a person. As part of Human Appeal, we help those in trouble regardless of creed or colour. It feels amazing when we put forward a fundraising idea and a few weeks later it all comes together - it changes a lot of lives around the world. Every person in Human Appeal is valued because without them, every penny we raised is a result of their hard work and commitment. Without them, some of the great work Human Appeal is doing, would not have been possible.”
Nafeela, London and South volunteer

“To me being a humanitarian means being empathetic, having an understanding of all human situations we share, regardless of ethnicity, religion and demographics, as well as being dedicated to helping those less fortunate. It is a privilege to be working with Human Appeal as I get the opportunity to interact with committed team members who are making a positive difference in the world.”
Areeba, North Volunteer

“Humanitarian work is very important to me as it aids those who need it most in the world. On a planet with such a diverse range of cultures, countries and people - many issues arise and it is dedicated humanitarian work that ensures that the impacts of issues such as natural disasters, famine and war are minimised as much as possible. With help and through the aid of volunteers and humanitarian workers, we can make the world a better place, insha’Allah.”
Aaliyah, North volunteer

“During lockdown, I decided to take part in Human Appeal’s poetry competition. Hearing about the volunteer poetry competition has definitely enabled me to stay inspired and keep my head high during the pandemic. Why? Well, this was a chance I did not want to miss. Being an enthusiastic poet over the years but not really thinking my work would get anywhere, this was the perfect opportunity to highlight some key humanitarian issues which affect thousands of lives every day. It also enabled me to get away from everyday duties and put my mind at ease by doing what I love best – poetry.”
Adris, Scotland volunteer

“I am getting involved with Human Appeal’s Ramadan campaign this year as I feel very much in line with Human Appeal as an organization and I think the campaigns have an amazingly broad reach and impact. Although I am not Muslim myself, I am aware of the importance of Ramadan to Muslims worldwide. The generosity shown by the Muslim community during Ramadan is especially astounding and I feel grateful and excited to be a part of helping to create a real positive impact as a result of such immense generosity.”
Rebecca, Midlands and Wales volunteer

Questions about volunteering

What age restrictions are there for volunteering?

The minimum age to volunteer with us is 16 years old. We do not have an upper age limit for volunteers.
How much time do I need to give?

Aside from our internships, which are usually a three to six-month arrangement, there is no minimum volunteering requirement unless otherwise stated. Our volunteering opportunities are very flexible, and it is up to you how much time you wish to give. We have a range of different opportunities to suit different time commitments. We are grateful for any time that is volunteered to our organisation
What expenses can I claim back as volunteer?

We value our superhumans and want to ensure there are no barriers to volunteer involvement. We will reimburse all reasonable travel expenses incurred by you in relation to your volunteering. We just ask you to provide a receipt. If you volunteer for five hours or more, we will provide you with a complimentary meal or snack.
Do I need any qualifications or experience to become a volunteer?

No, we encourage people from all walks of life with a variety of skills and experience to join our volunteer family. You just need the enthusiasm, energy, and drive to get involved and help those who are suffering in the world.
If I am experiencing any problems, who should I talk to?

There are many ways that you can reach out to us. If you have any concerns or issues, you can contact your regional Volunteers Officer. You can also email volunteers@humanappeal.org.uk. If it is related to safeguarding and you would like advice or would like to talk in confidence we have a 24/7 safeguarding hotline number where you can reach us on: 07933994408.
If I move overseas, can I still volunteer with Human Appeal?

Owing to migration laws, we only accept volunteers who have a registered address in the UK.
What do I need to wear when volunteering?

If the event requires a particular dress code, then we will let you know in advance. However, most times, you will simply need to wear a Human Appeal t-shirt. We will provide you will a t-shirt to wear during the event, and you can keep this to wear at any other future events.
There are no events in my area, can I organise my own event?

Yes of course you can! Get in touch with your regional Volunteer Officer, or email volunteers@humanappeal.org.uk and we can help you plan and run your event. We can even support you with the costs.
Do all of Human Appeal’s costs go on admin fees?

No. The vast majority of donations go directly to the beneficiaries. Your money is used to transform the lives of those who are suffering most in the world. Only 11 pence out of every £1 donated is used to keep Human Appeal running, transparent and effective. For more information on how our admin fee helps to change more lives, visit:
Why does Human Appeal have an admin fee?

Our admin fee is not about taking part of your donation for ourselves; it’s about ensuring that skilled people are able to safely deliver your donation and maximise its impact. In order to perform their duties successfully, charities need to charge an admin fee. Helping vulnerable people in challenging locations is no easy feat. Day in and day out, our staff are on the frontline, in the world’s most hostile places, often putting their lives at risk, helping to save the most vulnerable. Our admin fee is about ensuring that expert hands safely deliver donations to those intended.
How does money reach the beneficiaries?

Once the funds are in Human Appeal’s bank account, donations are transferred from Human Appeal UK to the selected country of the specific project via international transfers complying with banking and other relevant regulations. From there, our local programmes team or local partner team implements the project according to the design and budget.

Volunteer with us