Volunteering opportunities

We can help you find volunteering opportunities across Dover district (Deal, Dover, Sandwich and surrounding villages), the Folkestone, Hythe and New Romney area and Thanet. Our friendly advisors are on hand to answer all your volunteering questions and let you know about the many and varied opportunities available in your local area.

Click HERE to find out the name and contact details of your closest volunteer connector and where you can meet them.

Below we have listed some current volunteering opportunities. We change these regularly.

You can also – Search online – Just visit our friends at Kent Volunteers where you will be able to search the many Kent-wide volunteering opportunities, including in your local area.

Current volunteering opportunities

Click the link for Our Thanet Volunteer Role Directory – Supported by Thanet District Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

May 2025

Thanet Volunteering Opportunities

Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-Servicemen and women to rebuild their lives after sight loss. They provide rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to veterans, regardless of how or when they lost their sight to helping blind veterans regain their independence and live the life they choose. Most of their veterans live in the community and they are looking for volunteers to support them, get out and about or attend local events. For those less confident, they provide and are looking for volunteers to become home visitors, providing a chat over a cuppa to reduce their isolation and loneliness. Find out more here.

Heritage Lab Ramsgate, a Community Interest Company, is seeking a Treasurer (Non-Executive Director) to join their Board of Directors. Reporting to the Chair, this is a key strategic position within the Board, enabling the organisation to grow, adding value to the local community and supporting creative regeneration projects with a particular focus on Ramsgate. They have recently bought the Old Wine Warehouse in Charlotte Court, Ramsgate and launched the upper floor as Ramsgate Works, a co-working space. The other two floors will be opening shortly as an exciting part of their organisational journey. Find out and apply here.

  Citizens Advice Witness Service have a great opportunity as a Witness Service Volunteer. In this role you’ll provide vital support to witnesses, their friends and families as they navigate the court process. Your role will be to offer practical guidance and emotional reassurance, helping people feel more at ease and confident about giving evidence. Find out more here or contact Catherine Redmond, Volunteering Coordinator South Region at ws-volunteering@citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0796 2647133.

Folkestone and Hythe Opportunities

  Rainbow Centre is a Christian charity working in the Folkestone and Hythe District, supporting and empowering individuals and families experiencing deprivation and hardship, in order that they may have a future with stability, dignity and hope. As a Christian organisation we are committed to serving people of all faith groups and beliefs or none and recognise the worth of everyone. If you would like to be involved the opportunities are varied and include Money First Aid Volunteer Mentors, working t ogether with Dover, Deal and District Citizens Advice, FoodStop Volunteers and help is needed at the The Rainbow Shop, Cheriton Road, Cheriton. Visit their website to see the varied volunteering opportunities available.

Dover District Opportunities

  Thinking Schools Academy Trust are  seeking a Volunteer School Governor for Goodwin Academy. You’ll play a pivotal part in shaping the educational landscape in your local community, working with school leaders to make a positive change for the students in your school and ensure they are receiving the best of what the Trust and schools have to offer. Having recently obtained a ‘Good’ judgement in their Ofsted visit, it is an exciting time to join the school. Contact Jennifer Coates Governance Manager governance@tsatrust.org.uk or call 03333 602000

Sheep Ahoy Animal Rescue is a small animal rescue in Kent and was founded in 2012 by a mother and daughter team. Do you love animals? Can you spare 2+ hours per week? Volunteers are needed at all fields on multiple days. New helpers are sought to work alongside existing volunteer around Ash and Sandwich to ease the load and be able to cover when one of the team are unavailable. Contact details here so find out more about how you can get involved today!

  The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership have sent us their latest task programme. It’s packed full of volunteer activities and ways that you can meet new people while helping your local countryside – dip in as and when it suits you! If you would like to find out more about any of the tasks, please contact the Ranger listed and always give them a call beforehand as they will look out for you and let you know of any last minute changes.

All Area Opportunities

   Are you a dedicated person that’s passionate about helping others? Fancy joining the Volunteers Team at one of London’s most ICONIC charity events? Then look no further… the MoonWalk London team needs you! Walk The Walk is recruiting fabulous people to bring their encouragement, energy and enthusiasm to its 27th MoonWalk London taking place on Saturday 17th – Sunday 18th May 2025. Help make a difference by supporting the thousands of Walkers through the night, raising vital funds for those fighting breast and other cancers.  So what are you waiting for? For more information, contact the Walk The Walk Volunteers Team on 01483 741430, volunteers@walkthewalk.org or visit the website.

Volunteering with Look Good Feel Better is an amazing way to support the cancer community. Giving your time and skills will not only help Look Good Feel Better achieve its mission but will also have many positive benefits for you as an individual or business. Join hundreds of others across the country to volunteer with us in our workshops, in local community fundraising groups, in our office and from home. More details on their website.

  wishesjust4you believe in the power of kindness and the magic of dreams. The charity is dedicated to bringing light, joy, and unforgettable moments to children living with lifelong disabilities and life-limiting illnesses. From animal park visits to paragliding adventures, and Art Education, we’re here to turn wishes into realities. Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people facing some of life’s toughest challenges? Volunteer full or part time, flexible hours, home working, no experience necessary as a Charity Management & Administration Support Volunteer playing a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly, while directly supporting the delivery of magical experiences for the children they serve. Contact charity founder Bill Stillman at bill@wishesjust4you.co.uk or call 07342 945690 to find out more.

  Kent Coast Volunteering is looking for volunteer Befrienders for their Good Neighbours Service which is aimed at people who may otherwise not have anyone to support them. Your client could be someone who lives alone and is isolated, or they have family who they do not see often. Just to have someone visit for a coffee, maybe a volunteer who could take a client shopping, to hospital appointments, activities or just go for a walk – someone who could be that extra support for someone who needs it. Find out more details here and contact Sarah Murnane on sarah.murnane@kcv.org.uk or gns@kcv.org.uk or you can pop into the office in Park Street, Deal (adjacent to Age UK).

Kent Coast Volunteering also run the Community Transport Service across Thanet, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe districts, and we are urgently looking for more drivers to join our team. Did you know that you can do voluntary work, including driving, if you have a mobility car? Well, you can! What a great way to do something enjoyable and help your local community at the same time. Contact Jess and the team at transport@kcv.org.uk. Mileage is paid and full training and support is provided.

March/April 2025

Thanet Volunteering Opportunities

Broadstairs Folk Week ……. 60th year! Folk Week volunteers are incredibly important to the Festival, as it just wouldn’t happen without you and, to say thank you, there are a range of benefits for volunteers, depending on how much time you are able to give, which include: Seeing your favourite performers for FREE! – Free camping with access to the Campsite Hub events – Free Volunteer T-shirt – Discounts for local businesses, plus the opportunity to be part of the fantastic week of course! Look here for some ideas on the volunteering opportunities available, and complete the registration form to secure your volunteering place soon. Folk Week runs from 9th -16th August.

  Windmill Community Gardens Margate are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join their well established team, and currently have the following roles: GARDEN HELPER: Do you have some gardening or horticulture knowledge? Can you help guide participants in gardening tasks? MARKET GARDEN HELPER: Would you like to learn about chemical free food growing, would you like to help our team with our weekly veg bag by sowing, planting and harvesting. FAMILY GROUP HELPER: Are you someone who can engage children and families in diverse and interesting seasonal activities. Contact them here to find out more and apply.

  Angels4Dogs in the heart of Thanet, is the result of a group of compassionate individuals who came together in 2011 with a shared mission: to save, rescue, and rehome stray and unwanted dogs that has blossomed into a beacon of hope and transformation for countless canine lives. Have you a few hours to give to help in their charity shop in Birchington to help this vital work? They would be delighted to hear from you here

  MindSpace Thanet are looking for hub volunteers in their mental and emotional support wellbeing hubs in various locations across Thanet, who would be supporting the team, facilitating activities and assisting with the running of the hub. Are you a good listener, can you talk in a group setting, be empathetic?  Ideally, this role would suit a counselling/mental health/coaching/psychology/ psychotherapy student looking for volunteering hours. Contact Naydene O’Brien on email heartinthecommunity@gmail.com or call 07885917419

  Broadstairs Town Team Gardens‘ aim is to make the town an even nicer place to live in, work in and visit. They organise a range of gardening related activities on one or more of the eight sites maintain as a group in and around Broadstairs. Do you love working outdoors and as part of a team? Novice or experienced gardeners are needed – no experience necessary! Volunteers gain skills and enjoy the teamwork so contact Sue Wainwright, Trustee and Gardens Co-ordinator on email wainwrightsa@btinternet.com or call 07463 219836 to find out more.‬‬‬

February 2025

Thanet Volunteering Opportunities

  The Young Lives Foundation is an award winning independent children’s charity in Kent with expertise in advocacy and youth programmes, and they are looking for volunteer Mentors. Are you compassionate and dedicated? Join them in making a difference in the lives of young people in Thanet by supporting individuals aged eight to 18, either one-on-one or in small group settings. Your involvement can reshape lives —and the role is flexible, tailored to meet the specific needs of our charity and the young people it serves. Contact Hannah Chant, East Kent Services Coordinator on hannah.chant@ylf.org.uk or call 07808 772902.

  Community Lifesavers are a not-for-profit, volunteer run, community interest company with the sole purpose of improving chances of the public being able to help save a life following a sudden cardiac arrest. They provide free hands only CPR training, including how to use a defibrillator, to secondary school pupils, community groups and local businesses in Thanet. Everyone at CLS are volunteers (with full enhanced DBS certificates) and they need to recruit and train more volunteers in order to be able to respond to the increasing number of requests for their services. Contact steve.turner@communitylifesavers.org.uk for more details.

  Take this opportunity to join the amazing Volunteer Team at MiCommunity Foodbank in Margate. They need volunteers who can lift heavy goods, unload vehicles, and stack shelves to be a part of this essential community asset and fabulous volunteer family! 🌟 If you are ready to make a difference? Call now! Contact Shop Manager, Su Mills, on 07860 255675.

Folkestone and Hythe Opportunities

 
  Guide Dogs are seeking a Merchandise Coordinator. In this role you will be responsible for ordering and looking after Guide Dogs merchandise and, in return for your time, you will get a dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with them. Find out more about this interesting role here or contact Tim Seamark-Coope, Local Volunteer Attraction Coordinator on email tim.seamark-coope@guidedogs.org.uk  or call  0800 781 1444.

  Urban Pastors operates mainly in Folkestone and Cheriton, providing community support and helping to keep our streets safer. They do this by engaging with people who have been out partying, find themselves homeless, people of all ages facing difficult situations plus signposting where necessary to other agencies and organisations. They are recruiting to expand their team of volunteers now. To find out more email urbanpastors@cheritonbaptist.co.uk or call 01303 278717

Dover District Opportunities

  The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership have sent us their latest task programme. It’s packed full of volunteer activities and ways that you can meet new people while helping your local countryside – dip in as and when it suits you! If you would like to find out more about any of the tasks, please contact the Ranger listed and always give them a call beforehand as they will look out for you and let you know of any last minute changes.

  If you have a few hours a week, or a few hours a day to spare, Dover Big Local would love to have you as a volunteer! Their community hub at the Charlton Centre in Dover hosts social and learning sessions most days of the week, and they are looking for a Front Desk Volunteer to welcome and signpost visitors. Contact Linda Aldred, Projects and Partnerships Manager, on 01304 449385 or 07771 500567 for more information.

  Everglow – the Rebecca Kruza Foundation Charity is looking for Administrators for funding applications who, through applications and fundraising, will work with them to bring about their aims to procure improvements in maternal/perinatal services and care, in order to help to prevent maternal/perinatal mental ill health and suicide. More details on the charity before you apply can be found here. Contact Lyndawn Richardson, Founder and C.E.O. therebeccakruzafoundation@gmail.com or call 07879 627373

All Area Opportunities

  Help Porchlight to continue their invaluable service by volunteering in one of their current vacant roles. There are opportunities in Admin, Gardening, Fundraising and as Translators (Romanian translator and a Bulgarian translator required). As a volunteer for Porchlight you’ll have the chance to develop your skills and gain valuable work experience as part of a friendly team in a reputable charity and you can access any relevant courses in their training programme and you will also receive full travel expenses and be provided with any equipment needed in your role. Contact Donna Evans, Volunteer Services Manager at volunteer@porchlight.org.uk or call 07734 595306

Sense Virtual Buddying volunteers make a real difference to supporting young people and adults who may be lonely or isolated. Volunteers are matched with disabled people to meet for an hour a week on Zoom or by phone – learning new skills, having fun, and forming fantastic friendships to provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. If you have any questions regarding the role or would like some more information please contact the volunteering team at volunteer@sense.org.uk

 St John people make a positive impact every day, responding to emergencies, supporting communities and saving lives, and there’s never been a better time to begin your volunteering journey with them. Take a look at these great opportunities available: Community First Aider, County Clinical Lead, Fundraising and Priority Lead, Education and Volunteer Experience Lead, Operations Lead, President, Quality Assurance Lead, Youth Lead, Deputy County Commissioner, Safeguarding Officer. All roles are county-wide. For more details and to apply go to the website here.

  Kent Coast Volunteering is looking for volunteer Befrienders for their Good Neighbours Service which is aimed at people who may otherwise not have anyone to support them. Your client could be someone who lives alone and is isolated, or they have family who they do not see often. Just to have someone visit for a coffee, maybe a volunteer who could take a client shopping, to hospital appointments, activities or just go for a walk – someone who could be that extra support for someone who needs it. Find out more details here and contact Sarah Murnane on sarah.murnane@kcv.org.uk or you can pop into the office in Park Street, Deal (adjacent to Age UK).

Kent Coast Volunteering also runs the Community Transport Service across Thanet, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe districts, and we are urgently looking for more drivers to join our team. Did you know that you can do voluntary work, including driving, if you have a mobility car? Well, you can! What a great way to do something enjoyable and help your local community at the same time. Contact Jess and the team at transport@kcv.org.uk. Mileage is paid and full training and support is provided.