Why should I volunteer? 

Volunteering is a brilliant way to meet new people, learn new skills, and have fun! Whatever role you choose to do you’ll be making a real difference in your local community, helping families get the essentials they need.  

 

Here’s what our volunteers have to say: 

“Volunteering for Little Village is a rewarding, fulfilling opportunity. Embrace it with an open mind, and don’t be afraid to get involved.” 

“Everyone is welcoming and friendly, there are no stupid questions—it feels like being part of a family.” 

It’s such a great experience, and every small action helps a family in need. You’ll have a great time so just go for it! 

 

What sorts of things will I be doing? 

Activities will vary depending on your role or where you’re based. We offer lots of different opportunities depending on whether you want to volunteer at a site, from home or out and about. 

• Volunteering on-site – based at one of our hubs you’ll be helping to sort and quality check incoming donations, prepare gift bundles and welcome families. 

Our on-site roles: Baby Bank Helper and Pick and Pack 

• Volunteering from home – talking to families over the telephone to understand their situation and signposting them to other sources of help and support. 
  Our remote roles: Signposting and Guidance and Family Connections 

• Out and about – Our Volunteer Drivers and Co-pilot drivers are out on the road delivering gifts of much needed items directly to families in their homes or help to distribute stock.  

           Roles out and about: Drivers and co-pilots 

 

Where and when can I volunteer? 

Our volunteering is flexible, and you can manage your own shifts, however at the start we usually sign you up for a regular weekly shift so you can get used to the role.  

For onsite volunteering we have hubs in Brent, Camden and Tooting and a warehouse in Wandsworth. Each run slightly different days and times – see the schedule

Knowing who is volunteering each week really helps as we plan many of our activities each week based on how many volunteers are signed up. 

Alternatively, if you can’t commit to a regular shift, you can always sign up to our one-off volunteering opportunities.  

 

Who can volunteer? 

We welcome people from all walks of life to volunteer at Little Village and offer training, support and adjustments, so you can carry out a role that suits you. 

 

Is there an age limit? 

We love welcoming young people and under 18s to volunteer, however we only have a small number of under 18 spaces at each site and are currently at full capacity. Keep checking back to see when spaces open up.

 

Can I bring my baby? 

At our Brent, Camden and Tooting sites babies under 6 months are welcome to come along with their parent or carer, in a sling or a small buggy as we don’t have a lot of space! Get in touch if you are thinking of bringing your baby. 

 

Can I volunteer if I’ve been helped by Little Village? 

Absolutely! Anyone who has been supported by Little Village is very welcome to volunteer. Your lived experience is valuable, and we’ll support you to get involved in a way that feels right for you. 

We also have our Family Advisory and Support Group where you can share your experiences to help improve our services, support other families and connect with other parents and carers. 

To get involved just fill out this form or email our Family Participation Manager zahra@littlevillagehq.org   

 

Is there anything I need to volunteer? 

• A willingness to help and commitment to be true to our values of thriving, solidarity, sustainability and love. 

• We ask that you volunteer in line with our guidance and policies, to keep volunteering at Little Village and safe and happy place.  

• Depending on the role we may also ask for references, a DBS check or a full clean driver’s licence. 

 

What reasonable adjustments do you offer?

All our sites are wheelchair accessible. If you have any mobility needs or disabilities, we’ll work with you to make sure your volunteering experience is accessible and comfortable. E.g. we can provide seating if standing for long periods is difficult, or offer you tasks that don’t involve heavy lifting. 

 

Do you reimburse expenses?

Yes, we want volunteering to be accessible to everyone, so we reimburse reasonable expenses to ensure no one is left out of pocket. For further details read our Expenses Guidance or our Expense FAQs 

 

Can I bring donations with me?

Yes of course! To find out what we can and can’t accept see our Donation Guides  

 

Can I take photos or post on social media?

Yes, we encourage you to share the Little Village love! Just be mindful of people who may not want their photo posted online when doing so always get their consent. 

 

How can I sign up and what are the next steps? 

You can access more information and apply for our volunteer roles on this page. Completing an application lets us know which role you are interested in and little bit more about yourself.  One of our team will then be in touch to set you up ready to get started.  

We use an app called Volunteero, which you’ll need to download to manage your volunteering shifts and profile. Once we receive and process your application form, you’ll be e-mailed your login details and a link to download the app. 

 

My employer gives me some CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) days, can I use them to volunteer with you?  

Yes, absolutely. We have lots of One-Off Volunteering Days available throughout the year at all our sites to choose from.  

Find out more on our One-off Volunteering FAQs page.

 

I want to volunteer with a team of colleagues, can we do that? 

Yes, absolutely. We work with lots of organisations across London who come in to help at our sites. It’s a great way to work as a team off-site whilst being hands-on and helping to support our families. 

You can find out more on our Corporate Volunteering page 

 

I still have questions

Get in touch! We’re always happy to help: Volunteer@littlevillagehq.org