Give back with the 15 best volunteering centres in Leeds!
Leeds is a city that cares. Whether it’s helping the homeless get back on their feet or rallying together for food drives, there’s a volunteering centre here that’s about making a difference.
If you’re keen to pitch in, you’ve landed on the right page. We’ve scoured the city for options, so you can start lending a hand in no time.
Voluntary Action Leeds
– From volactionleeds
Address: Stringer House, 34 Lupton St, Hunslet
Contact Details: 0113 297 7920
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 8:30 am to 5 pm
- Fri – 8:30 am to 4 pm
Once known as a ‘council for voluntary service,’ Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) now focuses on supporting local groups.
Take Giving Time. In this endeavour, they help folks involved in the Criminal Justice System get into volunteering and turn things around.
Another noteworthy initiative is Employer Supported Volunteering, which lets people step up while having their employer’s support.
Tip: Stay updated on upcoming events by checking the website.
The Conservation Volunteers – Hollybush Conservation Centre
– From tcvhollybush
Address: Hollybush Conservation Centre, Broad Ln, Kirkstall
Contact Details: 0113 274 2335
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri, Sun – 10 am to 3 pm
The Hollybush Conservation Centre is for anyone who loves seeing nature flourish, so naturally, we joined without second thoughts. The tasks here zero in on planting trees and wildflowers, but you’ll also clear footpaths and put up stiles.
Everyone is welcome too, no matter your fitness or skill level, and there’s no pressure, as you can participate in as much or as little as you like. To top it off, there’s a dog-friendly café on-site serving vegan/vegetarian drinks and cakes!
Tip: If you’re going to call for inquiries or referrals, do it between 11 am and 2 pm on weekdays.
St Vincent’s Centre, Leeds
– From stvincentsleeds
Address: 4 Berking Ave
Contact Details: 0113 248 4126
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 9 am to 4 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 2 pm
Since 1996, St. Vincent’s Centre has been driving positive change across the community. Their efforts span everything, from providing benefits assistance to handing out emergency food supplies.
Primarily though, they offer inclusive counselling, guidance, and migrant support. Most folks they help are also income and education-deprived individuals.
Tip: You can help by scoring goodies from their charity shop.
CATCH Leeds
– From catch.leeds
Address: ARK, Hovingham Ave, Harehills
Contact Details: 0113 235 0614
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 8 am to 9 pm
- Wed – 8 am to 10 pm
- Thu to Fri – 8 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 9 pm
Founded in 2010, CATCH wants to create a safe space for the youth and change lives via social action projects.
You’ll find volunteers helping by doing youth programmes, stepping into mentorship roles, and assisting in fundraising events. Nature lovers can also get involved in their garden and animal care projects.
Tip: Beyond volunteering, you can privately hire venues here.
The Samaritans of Leeds
– From coopahruncoach
Address: 93 Clarendon Rd, Woodhouse
Contact Details: 0330 094 5717
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
For more than 50 years, Samaritans of Leeds have offered confidential, non-judgemental emotional support to those who need it most. One undertaking we’re part of is their prison outreach programme, where we train inmates to support their fellow prisoners emotionally.
They also run listening services over the phone and do school programmes to raise awareness among youngsters. But if you fancy something more behind the scenes, you can go for an administrative role—answering calls or replying to emails, for instance.
Tip: There are other ways to do your bit besides signing up for volunteer programmes. See the website for the complete details.
Leeds Mencap
– From leeds.mencap
Address: The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace
Contact Details: 0113 235 1331
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
By getting involved with Leeds Mencap, you’ll be making a difference for over 570 families and individuals. Specifically, volunteers roll up their sleeves to support people with autism and learning disabilities.
Typical roles include running play sessions and offering one-on-one or virtual support. You can also support by providing free and expert advice on topics like managing money or how to build stronger relationships.
Tip: They have soft play and sensory rooms ideal for your child’s next party.
Feel Good Factor
– From foodwiseleeds
Address: 53 Louis St
Contact Details: 0113 350 4200
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
Feel Good Factor chips in across the city with a focus on health and wellbeing. Their charitable activities include assisting in sewing workshops or getting your hands dirty in the garden.
That’s just scratching the surface. Selfless ventures such as Manbassadors and The Swift Service are also on the table, both designed to brighten the lives of isolated individuals.
Tip: If you’re not too clued up on the open volunteer role, join the training sessions. You’ll get the info by calling the number above.
Think Pacific
– From thinkpacific
Address: Leeds Beckett University, 15 Queen Square
Contact Details: 0113 335 9919
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 6 pm
Since 2009, ThinkPacific has been the go-to for students wanting to do humanitarian efforts in the Asia-Pacific. This non-profit org particularly emphasises sustainable education pursuits, with projects spread across Fiji, Thailand, and Bali.
The beauty of it all is you’ll also learn tons about local culture and traditions. Don’t mistake it for a holiday, though; you’ll be hands-on with projects, whether they’re educational or mental health-centred.
Tip: Email [email protected] if you want to arrange a Zoom meeting with the programme’s director.
Age UK Leeds
– From ageukleeds
Address: Bradbury Building, Mark Ln
Contact Details: 0113 389 3000
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 4 pm
Age UK Leeds has been a lifeline for older folk since 1975, and we take pride in being part of it. Majority of our fellow volunteers work every day of the week, tackling loneliness head-on and dishing out free advice on subjects like housing and legalities.
Our crew, though, volunteer to help the elderly learn about modern gadgets as part of the Digital Champion scheme. Teammates who aren’t too techy, on the other hand, usually serve as receptionists at the Gledhow Wing reception in St James’s Hospital.
Tip: Make sure to call the number above or 0113 389 3009 to learn their programmes’ start dates and how to participate.
Woodhouse Ridge Action Group (WRAG)
– From woodhouseridgeactiongroup
Address: Off Ridge Terrace, Headingley
Contact Details: 07929 998168
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
The Woodhouse Ridge Action Group (WRAG) is the brainchild behind keeping Woodland Ridge—one of Leeds’ most important woodlands—thriving.
For nearly 30 years, the action group has been keeping the place in prime condition. That means new volunteers should prepare to tidy up rubbish, maintain jogger and cyclist-packed trails, and design improvement projects.
Tip: Send a message via Facebook. It’s the fastest way to be a part of this centre.
Saint George’s Crypt
– From stgeorgescrypt
Address: St Georges Church, Great George St
Contact Details: 0113 245 9061
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 5 pm
The 1930-founded St George’s Crypt is one of the longest-running orgs in Leeds. Volunteering means aiding vulnerable individuals, particularly people facing addiction and homelessness.
They’re backed by big names, from celebs to health experts, so you can establish a network with impressive folks while doing good. Plus, you can chip in without any pressure to commit to set hours, thanks to their ad hoc rotas.
Tip: The best way to stay in the loop with their programmes is by giving their Insta a follow.
Home-Start Leeds
– From homestartuk
Address: Hope House, The Courtyard, 65 Mabgate
Contact Details: 0113 244 2419
Operating Hours: Mon to Thu – 9 am to 5 pm
Home-Start has been a game-changer for families in Leeds, specifically those expecting a baby or with kids under 7.
As a volunteer, you’ll undertake a preparation course before visiting homes for 2–4 hours each week. The general mission is to boost the parents’ confidence, generally by giving both practical and emotional support.
Tip: You can also support the centre by shopping via easyfundraising.
Holbeck Together
– From holbeck_together
Address: 99 Domestic St, Holbeck
Contact Details: 0113 245 5553
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 4 pm
Trying to list all the good work Holbeck Together does is a tall task since they do a lot. From helping run exercise sessions to organising community transport, they do it all.
If you’re more of a people person, you could be a ‘befriender’ for isolated individuals or lend your skills as a digital coach. Meal and trip-planning roles are also usually open.
Tip: Bring your kids along when volunteering; they’re more than welcome here!
Homeless Street Angels
– From homelessstreetangels
Address: Ünity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Rd
Contact Details: 0113 805 0474
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 11 am to 3 pm
Homeless Street Angels have snagged some serious recognition, and trust us, they don’t get awards by sitting about. Volunteers regularly hand out loads of toiletries, grub, and fresh clothes to those on the streets.
The sweet thing is you can still play your part by donating at least £5 a month. This is good news for kindhearted souls who are short on time and resources.
Tip: Make sure to book all appointments in advance. You can either call their number or drop an email at [email protected].
PAFRAS
– From pafras_leeds
Address: St Aidan’s Community Hall, Elford Pl W
Operating Hours: Wed – 9:45 am to 1 pm
PAFRAS aims to fight destitution, stand up for refugee rights, and help people through the asylum process.
They contribute through various means, typically by providing hot meals and even knitting some cosy threads for the org’s beneficiaries. Sometimes, they also organise events, including drop-ins for food parcels.
Tip: Drop-ins are every Wednesday, usually kicking off at 9:45 am. Factor that into your visit.