Volunteering has many benefits. From learning new skills to gaining confidence and going towards achieving awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh, volunteering is a rewarding way to spend your time.
There are hundreds of different opportunities available; if you are not sure what kind of volunteering you would like to do here are some ideas;
- Helping in a charity shop
- Environmental volunteering (such as litter picks, gardening and helping nature)
- Looking after animals
- Getting involved with social and political issues
- Peer mentoring
In Sefton, there are a number of organisations who work with younger volunteers. Scroll on to find out more.
Volunteering Opportunities in Sefton for under 18s
Freshfield Animal Rescue
Age 16+
Freshfield Animal Rescue can take on volunteers 16-17 of age to help with looking after their animals. However, you have to be 18 to walk dogs. Just a few hours can make a big difference.
Crosby Wombles – Waterloo/ Crosby
Any age (may need to have adult supervision if under 18)
Crosby Wombles are a litter picking group that organise litter picks throughout the Crosby and Waterloo area. They welcome children, young people and their grownups,
Friends of Crosby Beach
Any age (may need to have adult supervision if under 18)
This friendly group always welcome young people, children and their families on their monthly beach cleans.
Merseyside Youth Commission
Ages 14-25
The Merseyside Youth Commission is currently recruiting young people to join the new Merseyside Youth Commission (MYC) on Police and Crime. This is an exciting initiative in partnership with Merseyside Police.
The Youth Commission allows young people to support, challenge and inform the work of the Merseyside police and enables young people to have a voice on the issues most important to them. It’s a brilliant opportunity to develop skills, work directly with key decision-makers and high-ranking police officers and gain valuable CV experience. The MYC is looking for a diverse group of young people from different backgrounds and life experiences to take part, including those who have direct experience of the criminal justice system or as victims of crime.
Buddy Up
Ages 13-21
Buddy up is a Sefton based mentoring and befriending project for young people aged between 13-18 who have additional needs and disabilities, who are at risk of social isolation. They are looking for young people aged between 13-21, who want to support their peers with additional needs by befriending them and spending time doing fun activities.
Queenscourt Hospice
Age 16 +
Queenscourt Hospice is a Southport based charity and hospice. They need help to run their charity shops; whether sorting stock, serving customers on the till, or enhancing window displays, there is always lots to get involved with.
St. Joseph Hospice
Age 16 +
Volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospice charity shops is a fantastic opportunity for young people to make a meaningful difference while gaining valuable experience. By donating your time, help raise essential funds for vital hospice care, and connect with your local community. It’s a chance to build teamwork, communication, and retail skills that look great on your CV, all while meeting new people and supporting a cause that matters.
Please note: Volunteers for the hospice itself must be 18 or over.
Oxfam
Age 14 +
Volunteering in charity shops is a fantastic way to contribute to the community while gaining valuable skills and experience. Charity shops often rely on volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, and the roles can be both fun and rewarding Oxfam has a number of shops across Sefton that are seeking new volunteers to join their team.
British Heart Foundation
Age 16+
There are a number of British Heart Foundation shops across Sefton. At 16 you can volunteer and support a worthwhile charity whilst enhancing your skills. The BHF support people living with heart and circulatory diseases and as with most charities with shops, a large proportion of their funding comes from retail.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
Age 16 +
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the leading UK lung cancer charity dedicated to helping everyone affected by the disease. At age 14 you can volunteer at their shops with parental consent.Those age 16 and over can volunteer for their fundraising events as well.
North West Air Ambulance
Age 16 +
The North West Air Ambulance’s helicopters and response vehicles providing highly skilled enhanced pre-hospital care and hospital transfers to patients across the entire North West. They can’t keep on providing this without volunteers. If you are over 16 you can help out in their shops or at one of their fundraising events. They also offer taster slots so young people can ‘give it a go’ before signing up fully.
Girl Guiding Sefton
Age 13 +
If you are a member of a Girl Guiding unit or want to be involved, you can volunteer with your local unit for the Duke Of Edinburgh award when you are 13. At 16, you can be a young leader or unit helper by registering with Girl Guiding and completing some training. At 18, you can be a helper or leader with Girl Guiding.
Crosby RDA
Age 14 +
Crosby Riding for the Disabled Association works with volunteers aged 14+. They are looking for people to lead their horses or walk next to the horses during their rides to suppor t the riders and coaches. They also need people who are experienced with horse welfare to become horse carers and take care of yard duties
Park Run
Age 11 +
Sefton Currently have two Park Runs, one in Crosby and one in Southport. They take place every Saturday at 9am. They have a number of volunteering roles for under 18s to get involved in.
Alder Hey Youth Forum
Ages 8-18
If you have been a patient in Alder Hey you can join the Alder Hey Youth Forum if you are aged between 8-18.The forum is there empower children and young people to share ideas and to influence decision making and innovations for the future of Alder Hey.
Martin Mere Wetland – WWT
Age 16
Martin Mere Wetland Centre is one of ten WWT sites across the UK doing major conservation work to ensure wetlands thrive. Although outside of Sefton, volunteers can travel to their site to support their fantastic work in a variety of roles. . You may have to have a parent or guardian with you.
National Charities
National Trust – The National Trust is a UK conservation charity dedicated to preserving historic sites, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. Managing over 500 properties, including castles, gardens, and coastlines, it provides educational experiences and access to nature. The Trust protects these treasures for future generations, supported by memberships, donations, and volunteers.it is possible to volunteer with the National Trust for all Duke of Edinburgh award levels.
Action for Children – Action for Children is a UK charity supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families. It provides services like fostering, mental health support, and early years care, ensuring every child has a safe and happy childhood. Through advocacy and practical help, it works to break the cycle of disadvantage and build brighter futures. this national charity takes on volunteers from age 14
Save the Children – Save the Children is a global charity dedicated to improving the lives of children through education, healthcare, and emergency relief. Advocating for children’s rights, it works to protect them from poverty, conflict, and exploitation. With programs in over 100 countries, it ensures children thrive and reach their full potential. They are looking for young people age 12-17 to join their Youth Advisory Board. They are particular looking for volunteers from the North of England.
Mind – Mind is a UK charity dedicated to supporting mental health and well-being. It offers advice, resources, and services to those experiencing mental health challenges. Mind campaigns to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve mental health policies, ensuring everyone has access to the support they need to live fulfilling lives. They are looking for young people age 11-24 to join their Youth Voice Network.
Contact Us
Please note: This is only a guide and the information collated was correct at the time of publication. We recommend that you register with Volunteer Centre Sefton or you or your parent/ guardian contact an organisation you or your child may be interested in volunteering with.
Volunteer Centre Sefton 