Volunteer as a young person

Whether you’re looking to complete your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, gain work experience, or simply want to make a difference, volunteering with Blue Cross is a great place to start.

From age 14, you can get involved, build new skills, and be part of something meaningful.

Why volunteer with us?

Every young volunteer helps pets and the people who love them - whether that’s in a shop, at events, or behind the scenes.

Charity shop volunteer Jess organises a railing of clothing.

Volunteering is a great way to:

  • build confidence and communication skills
  • gain experience for your CV or future applications
  • learn how charities work
  • be part of a friendly, supportive team

There are lots of ways to get involved, including:

  • helping customers and sorting donations in shops
  • supporting fundraising and community events
  • assisting with admin or general tasks

Flexible and supported

We know school, college and other commitments come first, so volunteering can fit around your schedule. You can also gain hours for programmes like DofE and take part in short-term or ongoing roles.

If you’re under 18, we’ll make sure you have the right support in place, including:

  • parent or guardian consent
  • guidance from a Volunteer Manager
  • training to help you feel confident

Take your first step

Applying doesn’t mean you’re committed - it’s just the first step in finding what’s right for you.

Find volunteering opportunities below:

Opportunities for ages 14-15 Opportunities for ages 16-18 Opportunities for ages 18 and over

FAQs

You can start volunteering with Blue Cross from age 14 (some roles may have different age requirements).

Yes – many of our roles are suitable for DofE and we can support you in completing your volunteering section.

No – we’ll provide all the training and support you need.

This depends on the role, but we’ll work with you to find something that fits around your schedule.