Tips and advice to get started

We’ve put together some tips and ideas on how you can use your time to make a difference in your community.

1
Stay up to date with the latest social distancing guidance.

It’s important to stay safe and keep others protected against COVID-19 when helping out. Make sure you’re up to date with the latest guidance where you live.

Jenny helps out at a local food project. Since lockdown she’s had to adapt how she supports her community to keep herself and others safe.
2
Start with friends and family.

Pick up the phone and reach out to people you already know to see if they need help with anything, like picking up essentials on your next shop. You could also check in on neighbours you don’t know as well. They’ll appreciate you taking the time to chat to them.

During lockdown Ayesha has been checking in on neighbours by knocking on their door or giving them a call. She’s also been providing food and essentials.
3
Make contact with local community groups

Reach out to existing groups in your area to find out if they need any help. Your family or friends might know somewhere local that needs a helping hand, or you could search the COVID-19 mutual aid website.

Bob went online to look for places he could help in Torbay. He now helps with making food parcels and preparing meals to deliver to people.
4
Be realistic with how much time you can give.

It’s amazing what can be achieved with just an hour of your time. Maybe start small. You can always increase how much time you spend helping out over time.

Tricia helps out with virtual coffee mornings for around two hours a week, fitting them around her working days.
5
Have you thought about fundraising?

Your local community groups and charities would welcome your support and there’s so many ways to fundraise such as holding a virtual quiz or asking people to sponsor you to take part in a physical challenge. You could encourage friends and family to get involved too.

Jo decided to paddleboard coast to coast to raise money for two charities close to her heart, the 2MinuteBeachclean Foundation and The Wave.
6
Think about the skills you already have.

There are so many ways to help out, there really is something for everyone. It’s a good idea to think about what you’re good at and enjoy doing, and look for a way to use those strengths to help others.

When Brian could no longer play football, he decided to use his skills and passion to help out in his community as a volunteer coach.

Looking for more opportunities to help out?

Want to do more? We’ve teamed up with organisations across the UK to help you continue on your volunteering journey.

Find out more

Tips and advice to get started

Stay up to date with the latest social distancing guidance.

Start with friends and family.

Make contact with local community groups

Be realistic with how much time you can give.

Have you thought about fundraising?

Think about the skills you already have.

Looking for more opportunities to help out?