The Top Volunteer Opportunities in Glasgow to Help You Make a Difference
When I first started volunteering in Glasgow, I was amazed at how many opportunities were available to make a real difference. Whether it’s helping at food banks or supporting youth groups, every role felt like an important contribution.
Each experience has given me something new, whether it’s a skill or a lasting connection. I can’t recommend these roles enough if you want to make an impact and feel part of the community.
Glasgow is full of people who care about their city, and I’m proud to be part of that. These volunteer opportunities are the best ways to get involved and give back.
Volunteer Glasgow
Website: https://www.volunteerglasgow.org/
Address: Brunswick House, 51 Wilson St
Phone: +44 141 226 3431
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Opportunities: Admin/office work, arts and crafts, mentoring, conservation, digital support, and more
Age Requirement: 16 years old and above
Volunteer Glasgow, founded in 1970, helps people access volunteering opportunities with over 80 organisations. It also offers health and employability benefits and provides befriending and mentoring for young people.
Membership with Volunteer Glasgow is free and open to individuals and organisations. Members can participate in shaping the charity’s work, attend meetings, and receive updates on the charity’s impact and events.
Pro Tip:
Another way to help Volunteer Glasgow is by donating through the Give As You Live website.
Starter Packs Glasgow
Website: https://starterpacks.org.uk/
Address: 7 Harmony Row, Govan
Phone: +44 141 440 1008
Office Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Opportunities: Sorting donations, preparing packs, assisting the van crew, helping in the shops, and more
Starter Packs Glasgow has been providing essential items like bedding and kitchenware since 2000. These packs support those rebuilding their lives after homelessness, domestic abuse, or leaving care, helping them settle into a new home with dignity.
I’ve had the chance to volunteer with Starter Packs, sorting donations and preparing packs. Other ways to get involved include helping with the van crew, assisting in the shops, or preparing items for distribution, with no time commitment too small.
Pro Tip:
Visit The Magpie’s Eye and The Magpie’s Nest on Burleigh Street for affordable vintage finds, clothing, homeware, and more. Both shops support Starter Packs Glasgow’s work in the community.
Glasgow Life
Website: https://volunteer.glasgowlife.org.uk/
Address: Commonwealth House, 38 Albion Street
Phone: +44 141 287 4350
Opportunities: Cancer support, group facilitators, health walk leaders, young mentors, community volunteers, and more
Age Requirement: No minimum age required
Glasgow Life offers volunteering roles for people of all ages and abilities, including one-off events and regular opportunities at places like museums and libraries. You can track your progress through their online portal.
The program is open to everyone, with support available for those who need extra help, like a sign language interpreter. Volunteers under 16 need parental consent, and those under 18 are supervised according to their child protection policies.
Pro Tip:
Donate to Glasgow Life Museums to help preserve collections and provide free access to cultural experiences. Your support directly funds educational services for thousands of visitors each year.
Glasgow’s Golden Generation
Website: https://www.glasgowgg.org.uk/
Address: David Cargill Centre, The David Cargill Centre, 166 Ledard Rd
Phone: +44 141 221 9924
Office Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Opportunities: Driver, kitchen assistant, support escort, admin assistant, and more
Glasgow’s Golden Generation (GGG), founded in 1948, helps improve the lives of older adults through daycare centres, community support, and befriending. They also offer volunteering opportunities to get involved in these services.
I’ve been to their day centres and volunteered as a kitchen assistant. It was a fulfilling experience where I helped prepare tea, toast, and a three-course lunch, as well as assisted with cleaning the kitchen.
Pro Tip:
Take part in one of GGG’s fundraising events to support their work. It’s a great way to contribute and help raise vital funds for a worthwhile cause.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC)
Website: https://www.nhsggc.scot/staff-recruitment/volunteering/
Address: 1055 Great Western Rd
Phone: +44 141 201 4444
Office Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Opportunities: Talking to patients, guiding visitors, supporting staff, assisting with navigation, and more
Age Requirement: 16 years old and above
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde provides health services, including hospitals and general practice, working with local authorities and voluntary organisations. They have 38,000 paid staff and many volunteers who help improve the patient experience.
Volunteers commit 3–4 hours per week for at least six months and receive training and support. They assist with tasks like chatting with patients, guiding visitors, and supporting staff, all while making a positive impact on the hospital environment.
Pro Tip:
Keep your ID badge visible and wear the NHS uniform when volunteering in the hospital.
Glasgow SRC
Website: https://www.glasgowunisrc.org/volunteering/
Address: McIntyre Building, University Avenue
Phone: +44 141 330 5360
Office Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Opportunities: Charity work, community projects, sports coaching, committee roles, classroom representation, and more
The Glasgow University Students’ Representative Council (SRC) supports students by offering volunteering opportunities to enhance their university experience. They help students get involved in charity work, community projects, and university roles.
Volunteers are students who give their time to help others. By joining, you’ll have a profile to track your hours and skills. Some roles need specific skills or time commitments, but many are flexible, and the SRC offers support and training.
Pro Tips:
- If you’re unsure about the role, ask for clarification from the SRC or the organisation. They’re there to support you and make sure the experience is a good fit.
- For remote volunteering roles, make sure you have the necessary tools, like a stable internet connection. These opportunities can be a great way to help from anywhere.
Scottish SPCA – Glasgow
Website: https://volunteer.scottishspca.org/opportunities/results
Address: 125 Kinnell Place, Cardonald
Phone: +44 300 099 9999
Office Hours: Open daily – 1 PM to 4 PM
Opportunities: Community engagement, fundraising support, event participation, animal care assistance, wildlife rescue support, and more
Age Requirement: 16 years old and above
The Scottish SPCA promotes animal welfare in Scotland and offers a range of volunteering opportunities. Their Glasgow rescue centre includes kennels, a cattery, spaces for small animals, and a sensory garden for dogs.
When I applied as a dog care volunteer, I had a quick interview followed by training to prepare me for the role. My tasks included cleaning kennels, grooming dogs, and helping them feel at ease through socialising and exercise.
Pro Tip:
Your donation helps ensure that Scotland’s only all-animal emergency service can operate every day of the year. By contributing, you’re directly funding crucial campaigns, research, and projects that tackle animal cruelty and neglect across the country.
Glasgow Women’s Library (GWL)
Website: https://womenslibrary.org.uk/how-to-get-involved/volunteer-at-gwl/
Address: 23 Landressy St, Bridgeton
Phone: +44 141 550 2267
Opportunities: Tour guiding, researching the archive, cataloguing, staffing reception, admin work, and more
Glasgow Women’s Library is a charity and public library focused on women’s history and achievements. When you volunteer at the library, you can help with tasks like workshops, research, and events, with roles that match your skills and interests.
The library prioritises volunteers from specific groups, including women from the local area and those with disabilities. They provide support and training and reimburse travel expenses to create an inclusive environment.
Pro Tip:
If you’re not eligible for the volunteering programme, consider supporting GWL by recommending it to a friend, joining the PaperGrrls, or attending events like Story Café.
Glasgow Central Citizens Advice Bureau
Website: https://www.glasgowcentralcab.org.uk/volunteer
Address: 201 North St
Phone: +44 141 552 5556
Office Hours: Open daily – 9 AM to 5 PM
Opportunities: Adviser, administrator, social policy, fundraising, IT, communications, social media, behind-the-scenes support
Glasgow Central Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, confidential advice to anyone in need, helping with a wide range of issues. They rely on donations and volunteers to offer support to thousands of clients each year.
Volunteering at the Bureau allows you to contribute meaningfully to the community in roles like advising, administration, and IT. Volunteers are supported with ongoing training, and their contributions are vital to the continued success of the service.
Pro Tip:
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from more experienced volunteers or advisers. Everyone is there to support each other and ensure the service runs smoothly.
Volunteers Tutors Organisation (VTO)
Website: https://www.vtoscotland.org/
Address: 13 Kelvinside Gardens
Phone: +44 141 946 6498
Opportunities: Tutoring, helping in the office, finance, funding, marketing, and more
Age Requirement: 16 years and above
Since 1974, the Volunteers Tutors Organisation has supported volunteers to help children and young people with their education. To get started, you just need to sign up, have an interview, and join the PVG scheme (the disclosure process).
Once you’re accepted, you’ll attend a training session and be paired with a pupil to help them with their learning. You can volunteer online, at the child’s home, or in one of their Learning Hubs.
Pro Tip:
Join Easyfundraising to support children’s tuition while you shop online. Each purchase earns a donation at no extra cost. Follow their video or guide to get started today.
Glasgow Riding for the Disabled
Website: https://rdaglasgow.org/
Address: Sandyflat Stables, Caldercuilt Rd
Phone: +44 141 945 1369
Office Hours: Open daily – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Opportunities: Yard helpers, session assistants, centre maintenance, fundraising support, event organisation, and more
Age Requirement: 14 years old and above
Glasgow Riding for the Disabled offers 36 hours of equine therapy each week, helping around 400 children and adults with disabilities. Over 100 volunteers are essential in keeping the sessions and activities running smoothly.
There are various ways to get involved, from assisting with horses and sessions to helping with fundraising and maintenance tasks. Volunteers can also work towards earning a Duke of Edinburgh Award while contributing to the centre’s activities.
Pro Tip:
Be patient and flexible, as tasks can vary from day to day, and every role contributes to the bigger picture. Taking initiative and offering help, even with small tasks, can make your volunteering experience more rewarding.
Home-Start Glasgow – South
Website: https://homestartglasgowsouth.org.uk/
Address: Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, 2025 Pollokshaws Rd
Phone: +44 141 570 8735
Office Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Opportunities: Home visits, English tutoring, fundraising, trustee roles, and more
Home-Start Glasgow provides support to families helping them through difficult times with trained volunteers and expert Family Support Workers. The organisation focuses on giving children the best possible start by offering tailored support to parents in need.
Volunteers offer practical and emotional support for 2–3 hours a week. Volunteering offers flexible roles, from home visits to fundraising, allowing individuals to contribute in ways that suit their skills and interests.
Pro Tip:
Host a charity event at your local school or community centre to raise funds for Home-Start, from bake sales to talent competitions. Download the sponsorship form and explore the Youth Philanthropy Initiative for more ways to get involved.
The Hidden Gardens
Website: https://thehiddengardens.org.uk/volunteering/
Address: 25a Albert Drive
Phone: +44 141 433 2722
Office Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 3 PM
Opportunities: Gardening activities, corporate group sessions, trustee roles, advisory group participation
The Hidden Gardens feels like a peaceful escape where I can slow down and enjoy a bit of greenery. It’s a space that brings people together through gardening, creative projects, and the chance to meet others from different backgrounds.
I volunteered in one of their gardening sessions, helping to plant seasonal flowers and tidy up the beds. During the activity, I learned about composting techniques and how to support pollinators, which was both practical and enjoyable.
Pro Tip:
Get involved in composting by visiting the garden’s Compost Co-Lab. Check out the compost bins at the far end of the lawn to learn how composting helps reduce waste and improve soil health.
ENABLE Glasgow
Website: https://www.enableglasgow.org.uk/
Address: Curran Suite, 61 Esmond Street, Yorkhill Parade
Phone: +44 141 332 7420
Office Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Opportunities: Social activities supporter, gardening assistant, supported living assistant, garden centre worker, volunteer driver, and more
Age Requirement: 16 years old and above
ENABLE Glasgow supports people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers with services based on members’ needs. They help individuals live independently, contribute to the community, and advocate on key local and national issues.
I had a chance to take part as a social activities supporter, helping people with games, crafts, and other activities. I was trained with flexible hours, which allowed me to gain experience working with people with learning disabilities.
Pro Tip:
Support ENABLE’s #MyOwnFrontDoor campaign to ensure people with learning disabilities can live close to their families and communities. To get involved, visit this page.