Opportunities for young people

Volunteering for young people

Volunteer with us to help vulnerable people and make a difference in your community. You can search for a range of volunteer roles near you and get involved in your community. 

Benefits of volunteering

• improve your CV 
• gain skills and experience 
• meet new people 
• get certification for your time, whether that's through our internal programme, or the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) scheme
• join the largest humanitarian Movement in the world. 

Search for a volunteering opportunity near you 

Volunteering at college or university

Up and down the country, groups of passionate students are running British Red Cross on campus supporter groups, acting as fundraisers, advocates and taking part in our calls to action. We have groups in sixth form colleges, further education establishments, youth organisations and universities.

You can set up your own group and make a real difference, gain valuable skills and get recognised for your volunteering.

Contact the team to find out more

Volunteer placements

Make a difference to people’s lives on a volunteer placement with the British Red Cross. You could be developing a project, working on a marketing campaign, or conducting research.  

Please note that our volunteer placements are not paid opportunities. 

Benefits of our placements 

• join training and development courses  
• receive an induction and supervision from an experienced staff member  
• get a certificate and reference on completion of your placement 
• join the largest humanitarian Movement in the world. 

Search for a volunteer placement

When searching for a placement, please use the word 'placements' to filter all opportunities. 

Work experience

If you’re aged 15 to 18, you can apply for a one-week work experience placement with us.  

From marketing to HR to finance, we offer a range of opportunities to gain experience and improve your CV. We also offer virtual work experience opportunities which you can do from home.  

Applications for work experience in 2024 are now closed. We will be accepting applications for 2025 summer work experience between 7th April – 6th June 2025.

Volunteering abroad

Join our international youth volunteering programme and gain new skills, experience a different culture, and help people in crisis.

If you’re aged between 18 and 30, you could volunteer across Europe for 8 to 12 months. 

We particularly welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. 

What do international youth volunteers do? 

You can choose from a wide range of placements. You could volunteer with young people, refugees, people with disabilities or other vulnerable individuals. 

All our placements are full-time volunteering roles which support British Red Cross services in the UK and overseas. 

Certificate 

Every volunteer will get a Youthpass certificate, which proves your participation in the scheme and highlights your achievements. 

What skills do I need? 

You do not need any specific skills, and you will receive all the necessary training for the role. All you need is commitment and motivation for an exciting opportunity.  

Email IYVP@redcross.org.uk with questions or for more information. 

Search for an international volunteering opportunity 

Volunteering in an emergency

Please note, we don't send volunteers overseas after a major disaster. Read more about our approach to international volunteering.

Keeping our young volunteers safe

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who has contact with the British Red Cross. Find out what you can do if abuse is happening to you or someone you know. 

Download our safeguarding booklet (PDF)

Would your organisation like to support young volunteers?

Download our free Inspired Action toolkit for top tips and resources for supporting young volunteers, with a focus on including disabled young people.