Volunteering in Bristol

In the midst of lectures, deadlines and an active social life, it’s hard to find the time for much else. But if you’re someone who loves giving back to the community, there are many volunteering opportunities around Bristol for you to get stuck into, so here’s a few to get you started.

Southmead Hospital
Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB,
www.nbt.nhs.uk/our-hospitals/southmead-hospital
Everyone knows that the NHS’s resources are stretched, so why not help them out? It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and make a difference to someone’s life. The hours are flexible to fit your timetable, and you are only required to volunteer a minimum of three hours a week for at least six months. Volunteering opportunities include helping with complimentary therapies at the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre and helping to run Southmead’s Memory Cafe, befriending patients, assisting with mealtime and entertaining patients.

Bristol Zoo
College Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA
www.bristolzoo.org.uk
If you can spare at least half a day a week for at least six months and be available during school holidays, Bristol Zoo would love to have you. By joining the zoo team you can make new friends (both the two and four-legged kind) and do your part in the battle to save wildlife. Roles at the zoo include keepers, rangers and animal discovery volunteers, as well as aiding the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project education programme.

Homelessness
Various locations around Bristol
The extent of homeless people in Bristol is far from a secret, and there are plenty of opportunities to lend the less fortunate a hand. St Mungo’s are looking for night shelter volunteers to support the city’s rough sleepers, and The Big Issue are recruiting outreach volunteers to deliver on-street support services to Bristol’s The Big Issue vendors.

Bristol Refugee Rights
St Paul’s Learning Centre, Grosvenor Road, Bristol, BS2 8XJ
www.bristolrefugeerights.org
The volunteer team at Bristol Refugee Rights includes people of all ages and backgrounds, and range between volunteers who are BRR members (refugees and asylum seekers that use the services) and volunteers who are not. Therefore, lasting friendships are made whilst challenging injustice. Volunteering roles are available for the Main Hall and the Advocacy and Information Desk (AID), and include the chance to be a new member interviewer, admin supporter, teacher, crèche liaison or even an interpreter.

Your university
UWE: www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/careersandemployability/volunteering.aspx
UoB: www.bristolsu.org.uk/skills-volunteering 
Volunteering opportunities are everywhere in Bristol, including right at your doorstep. The University of Bristol is offering volunteering roles that include being an alumni publication contributor and education fair representative, while UWE gives students the chance to volunteer for charities, schools and non-for-profit organisations. If you can’t find an opportunity that suits your needs, you can even get support to start your own brand new volunteering project. It’s a great chance to give back to society whilst expanding your CV.