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Community Volunteering Opportunities


Get involved in volunteering. Do good. Feel good. Make your C.V. stand out!

We work with a range of registered UK local and national charities to help find students the right kind of volunteering opportunities. From one off volunteering days to weekly commitments - there is something for everyone, no matter how busy you are!

The charities on our hub know that you are a busy student therefore most roles require between 2 to 4 hours of volunteering per week.  The charities are all lovely and friendly and understand that flexibility is required to fit around your academic time-table - so don't be afraid to ask the charity and agree times that suit you.

Take a look at our current opportunities below and if you see something you like – click the ‘Apply’ button!

If you can’t find an opportunity that suits your interests, book an appointment with the Volunteering team for support: Book a Meeting

Did you know, participating in Volunteering activity with SUBU earns you an Award? By logging your hours and the skills you have gained through your personal volunteering profile you are eligible to earn certificates and download a full breakdown of your volunteering history for your CV!

If you are participating in the BU Graduate Skills Programme, your volunteering will count towards this award too!!!

 

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  • SUBU has been blessed with a small patch of land on Talbot Campus which will be furnished with raised planters and a polytunnel so that students can grow food. SUBU is looking for Student and Staff Volunteers to join us for weekly drop-in gardening sessions to include planting, weeding, watering and harvesting. If you are staying for summer and would like to volunteer for just a few hours a week, this could be the volunteering opportunity for you.

    We would love students and staff to come along and help to nurture this little haven on campus. Join us in the summer sunshine and fresh air.  

    We currently hold sessions on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.  The sessions are flexible - you don't have to sign up for every single one.  Just come along when ever you have the time.

    Click the apply button to find out more and sign up for individual sessions.

    • Activity AreaMental Health, People, Wellbeing, Gardening/ Conservation, Outdoor Activities
    • FacultyBusiness and Law, Health, Environment and Medical Sciences, Media, Science and Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsGood Health and Well-being, Life on Land, Responsible Consumption & Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Zero Hunger
    • Employability Skills within ActivityOrganisation, Collaboration, Interpersonal, Problem Solving, Risk Management, Self Management, Teamwork
    • Community Action
    • Teamwork
    • Interpersonal
  • SUBU Advice logo

    Community Kitchen Volunteer

    SUBU Advice

    04 Sep 2025 09:00 - 18 Dec 2025 17:00

    Support the SUBU Community Kitchen by helping prepare, serve, and distribute food, while promoting sustainability and student wellbeing through inclusive, community-led initiatives.

    The SUBU Community Kitchen designed to support wellbeing, reduce food waste, no judgemental access to food. As a Community Kitchen Volunteer, you’ll help organise surplus food, assist with pantry organisation, maintain the kitchen and support events that bring students together around food and conversation.

    Volunteers play a key role in creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where students can access nutritious meals and connect with others. You’ll work alongside SUBU staff and fellow volunteers to run themed Supper Clubs, food-sharing events, and promotion activities. The kitchen also supplies fresh produce from the SUBU Community Garden, promoting sustainability and healthy living.

    This opportunity is ideal for students who want to make a tangible impact on campus, develop practical skills, and contribute to a supportive community. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to get involved and work as part of a team.

    Volunteers will gain experience in food handling, event support, and community engagement, and will be invited to participate in seasonal campaigns and feedback sessions. Your contribution helps reduce food insecurity, build student confidence, and promote positive mental health.

    Whether you're passionate about sustainability, cooking, or simply want to meet new people and give back, the Community Kitchen offers a meaningful and flexible way to get involved.

  • SUBU Advice logo

    Community Garden Volunteer

    SUBU Advice

    04 Sep 2025 09:00 - 18 Dec 2025 17:00

    Support the SUBU Community Garden by helping maintain the space, run seasonal events, and promote wellbeing through nature-based activities. And provide food to volunteers and the Community Kitchen.

    The SUBU Community Garden is a student-led green space designed to promote wellbeing, sustainability, and social connection. As a Community Garden Volunteer, you’ll help maintain the garden, support seasonal events like mindfulness mornings, and encourage student engagement through nature-based activities. Volunteers will work alongside SUBU staff and other students and members of the community to create a welcoming environment. No gardening experience is needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. You’ll gain valuable skills in teamwork, event planning, and sustainability, while contributing to a meaningful project that enhances student life.

  • We are seeking volunteers to help support our local policing teams in looking after their fleet of marked and unmarked vehicles.This role involves performing basic vehicle checks, such as checking tyre pressures, fluid levels, ensuring all vehicle lights and sirens work. Ideally you will be happy to work outside, have a general interest in looking after vehicles and a desire to help your local police service.Possible locations: Blandford, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Bridport, Dorchester, Ferndown, Poole, Wareham and Weymouth.Please note that to apply for any Police volunteer role you will need to have been in the UK for 3 years.

    MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Regular checks, covering tyres, water and oil levels.

    Reporting faults and low stock levels.

    Keeping vehicles clean and presentable.

    Keeping the station’s vehicle store organised and tidy.

     

    ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

    Basic knowledge of cars.

    Basic maintenance skills regarding tyres, oil and water.

    Motivated and hard-working.

    Integrity, reliability and self-discipline. 

    • Activity AreaLocal Community, Outdoor Activities, Physical Activity
    • Employability Skills within ActivityInterpersonal, Prioritisation, Problem Solving, Self Management, Teamwork
    • Teamwork
    • Communication
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
  • This role will provide assistance to CSI team by assisting with the cleaning of CSI vehicles.The CSI vehicles will be cleaned to a high professional standard.Please note that to apply for any Police volunteering role you need to have been in the UK for at least 3 years.

    MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

    The cleaning of the bodywork and outside of the CSI vehicles.

    Vacuuming and cleaning the inside of CSI vehicles.

    Maintaining vehicles store cupboard.

     

    ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

    Motivated and hard-working.

    Integrity, reliability and self-discipline.

    • Activity AreaPeople, Local Community, Outdoor Activities
    • Employability Skills within ActivityLeadership, Interpersonal, Networking, Self Management, Teamwork
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
    • Leadership
    • Communication
    • Relationship Building
    • Teamwork
  • Dorset Police have a large fleet of vehicles that all need regular weekly checks. It is important to keep all vehicles clean, fully equipped and well maintained in order to keep officers and staff safe at all times.The CSI Vehicle Check Volunteer will assist with looking after the fleet of CSI vehicles to ensure that they are always safe to use.Please note that to apply for any Police volunteering role you will need to have been in the UK for at least 3 years.

    SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

    Post holder will need to have their DNA and fingerprints taken for this role.

    Post holder will be carrying out duties outside.

    Specialist training will be provided, which can be delivered via the Vehicle Workshops unit in either Ferndown or Weymouth.

     

    ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

    Basic knowledge of cars.

    Basic maintenance skills regarding tyres, oil and other fluids.

    Motivated and hard-working.

    Integrity, reliability and self-discipline.

    • Activity AreaPeople, Local Community, Outdoor Activities, Physical Activity
    • Employability Skills within ActivityOrganisation, Collaboration, Communication, Interpersonal, Problem Solving, Self Management, Teamwork
    • Communication
    • Teamwork
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
    • Leadership
    • Relationship Building
  • This role will provide help to officers by assisting with the cleaning of Police vehicles. The Police vehicles need be cleaned to a high professional standard, as the vehicles will be in the public eye. This role will entail working outside, at the preferred Police station of the volunteer's choice.Please note that you need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 years in order to be eligible to apply for any role in the Police.

    • Employability Skills within ActivityOrganisation, Collaboration, Communication, Prioritisation, Problem Solving, Self Management, Teamwork
    • Activity AreaLocal Community, Outdoor Activities, Physical Activity
    • Teamwork
    • Timekeeping
    • Interpersonal
    • Communication
    • Relationship Building
  • The Volunteer Police Cadet Leader will promote positive community engagement by working with, leading and inspiring Police Cadets to become good citizens and build their confidence as they become young adults.

    Volunteer Police Cadets are recognised throughout the UK. The purpose of Volunteer Police Cadets is to encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship amongst its members. Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background. Young people from all backgrounds are encouraged to join Police Cadets, including those who may be vulnerable to the influences of crime and social exclusion.

    The Volunteer Police Cadet Leader will promote positive community engagement by working with, leading and inspiring Police Cadets to become good citizens and build their confidence as they become young adults. No policing experience is required.

    We are looking for a commitment of 6 hours a month. A full role description can be found here - https://recruitment.dorset.police.uk/dorset-police-careers/dorset-volunteers-special-constables/dorset-police-current-volunteer-vacancies/

    Please note that you need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 years in order to be eligible to apply for any role in the Police.

    • Activity AreaChildren and Young People, Domestic Violence Support, Drugs and Addictions Support, Education, Elderly Care, Health and Social Care, Homelessness, Human and Civil Rights/Social Justice, Law and Legal, Mental Health, People, Sport and Coaching, Teaching and Mentoring, Wellbeing, Advice/ Support, Communication/ Caring, Physical Activity
    • Employability Skills within ActivityBuddying, Counselling, Mentoring, Empathy, Leadership, Legal, Organisation, Teaching, Coaching and Training, Collaboration, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal, Networking, Pitching/ Presenting, Prioritisation, Problem Solving, Risk Management, Self Management
    • FacultyBusiness and Law, Health, Environment and Medical Sciences, Media, Science and Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsGood Health and Well-being, Life on Land
    • Relationship Building
    • Communication
    • Teamwork
    • Community Action
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
    • Leadership
  • The Safe Bus provides a safe environment for anyone who may be vulnerable as a result of being in drink, injured, lost or unable to get back to their accommodation.The key role of the Safe Bus volunteer will be to provide advice, assistance and first aid to clients.This project will help to keep the pressure off the emergency services in the town centre at night.Please note that you need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 years in order to be eligible to apply for any role in the Police.

    Volunteers will be provided with Safe Bus uniforms.

    Expenses (such as parking) can be claimed through Dorset Police.

    Mandated training is required for this role, which includes First Aid training and De-Escalation Techniques.

    Partner agency will provide additional subject matter expert training.

    Volunteers will be expected to liaise with Police Officers, council officers, the ambulance service, and the hospitals, as well as friends and relatives of clients.

    • Activity AreaChildren and Young People, Drugs and Addictions Support, Health and Social Care, Human and Civil Rights/Social Justice, Leadership, Mental Health, People, Wellbeing, Advice/ Support, Communication/ Caring, First Aid, Physical Activity
    • FacultyBusiness and Law, Health, Environment and Medical Sciences, Media, Science and Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsGood Health and Well-being
    • Employability Skills within ActivityEmpathy, Leadership, Organisation, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal, Networking, Prioritisation, Problem Solving, Risk Management, Self Management
    • Leadership
    • Relationship Building
    • Communication
    • Teamwork
    • Community Action
    • Interpersonal
    • Timekeeping
  • We need someone to help with our publicity to attract adults to come and learn to read with our group. We are a small charity totally made up of volunteers and we need some expertise on how to promote on social media and across the conurbation. You would gain experience in working with a team of people from many walks of life with lots of life skills and experience in several fields.

    We are a small charity who help adults who have difficulty with their reading. This enables people with difficulties to grow in confidence, obtain better paid employment and help with their mental health. Although we have been runnng for 10 years now we are seeing less and less people coming forward. We need to advertise ourselves a little better and need someone to guide us and help with publicity going forward. How to publicise on social media and across the conurbation. 

    • Activity AreaPeople, Social Media and Communications, Communication/ Caring, Local Community
    • Employability Skills within ActivityAdministration/Office Skills, Buddying, Counselling, Mentoring, Languages, Organisation, Teaching, Coaching and Training, Communication, Digital, IT, Technology, Interpersonal, Prioritisation, Self Management, Teamwork
    • FacultyBusiness and Law, Health, Environment and Medical Sciences, Media, Science and Technology
    • Sustainable Development GoalsLife on Land, Quality Education, Reducing Inequality, Sustainable Cities and Communities
    • Teamwork
    • Interpersonal
    • Relationship Building
    • Community Action
    • Communication
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