Where to Find Volunteering Opportunities in Cardiff

When I was in my first-year in Cardiff, it was daunting having to find a new friend group in an alien environment. Luckily, I found a great and meaningful way to build connections: Volunteering.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s an opportunity to grow. You’ll develop transferable skills, meet like-minded people, and gain experiences that will shine on your CV. Plus, I think we can all agree that the personal satisfaction of making a positive impact is unparalleled!

Ready to get started? Pick a cause you’re passionate about, reach out to the resources above, and take the first step toward a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Here are some great places to start your volunteering journey:

1. Volunteer Cardiff

Volunteer Cardiff connects individuals with a wide range of opportunities across the city. From helping local charities to participating in community projects, this platform is ideal for exploring various causes and finding something that aligns with your interests and schedule.

Find out More:

https://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/volunteering/volunteering-opportunities/ 

2. Outdoor Cardiff

Love the outdoors? Outdoor Cardiff offers volunteering opportunities focused on biodiversity and green spaces. Join projects like tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration while enjoying Cardiff’s beautiful natural surroundings.

Find out More:

https://www.outdoorcardiff.com/biodiversity/coed-caerdydd/volunteering-opportunities/ 

3. Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC)

The Cardiff Third Sector Council is an excellent resource for connecting with charities and non-profits across the city. They provide guidance on finding roles that match your skills and interests, from administrative support to hands-on community engagement.

Find out More:

https://c3sc.org.uk/volunteer/ 

4. Cardiff University Students' Union

The Students' Union offers various student-led projects, including tutoring, environmental initiatives, and support for vulnerable groups. It's a great way to get involved while making friends with fellow students.

Find out More:

https://www.cardiffstudents.com/jobs-skills/volunteering/projects/ 

5. Students Future Support Services

Whether you’re a first-year student or an alumni of Cardiff University, your Students Future account is the best place to search for opportunities both paid and unpaid opportunities. The application process is made simple with the help of the Students Future professional team which will guide you along the way to develop valuable skills for your career.

Find out More:

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/graduation/after-graduation/support-for-graduates/graduating-class-support 

6. Dr. Ellie Byrne – Volunteering Coordinator

Dr. Ellie Byrne (ByrneE@cardiff.ac.uk) is an excellent point of contact for students looking to explore volunteering opportunities tailored to their academic and personal interests. Reach out for advice and suggestions on how to get started!

Dr. Ellie Byrne’s Email:

ByrneE@cardiff.ac.uk 

7. Student Mentorship Programme

Run by the Student Futures Team, the Student Mentorship Programme is an initiative that connects current students with alumni for guidance and support. Not only can you volunteer to mentor, but you can also learn from others who have walked a similar path!

Find out More:

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/alumni/volunteer/mentoring 

Cardiff is one of the most welcoming cities which thrives on kind-hearted people who spend time contributing back to the community. If you still don’t see any volunteering activities you’re interested in here, don’t worry! There are still many other opportunities unlisted here that you can join to give back to the community. So don’t wait any further, go out and have fun volunteering!