12/03/2026
Historic Lent Bumps Campaign for WCBC
There are many options for volunteering, some of which have been curated in the sections below. These vary from mentoring, volunteering in schools, sports, language and culture exchange, arts and crafts, supporting refugees, and so much more. We hope that the options curated will match your interest and the skills you would like to develop or build on.
Contact us
Have an idea, want to start a student group, society or an activity? The Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator, Simona Obeng, would be happy to help you bring your idea to life. Simona can help you identify the skills you would like to develop, find the right opportunities, plan a volunteering activity, and explore available resources.
Volunteer Café
Every Saturday, 14.00 - 15.00 | Combination Room
Are you a volunteer, a student leader or new to volunteering? Join us for free tea and cake and connect with like-minded people to:
- reflect on your initiatives and inspire others to give back to the College and the local community
- find out how you can volunteer your time to a cause that’s close to your heart and gain valuable skills for life
- get help with bringing your projects and initiatives to life
Are you a volunteer and would like to showcase your experience at one of the Volunteer Cafés?
Contact the Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator at clic@wolfson.cam.ac.uk to find out how you can lead a session about your passion to volunteer and inspire others.
The data you provide will be used to process your expression of interest to participate in the College's Volunteering programme and the administration of volunteering opportunities. For further details of how your data is processed, please see: https://www.wolfson.cam.ac.uk/about/governance/data-protection
Volunteering in College
- Become a student ambassador
Tour guide, speaker
Become a student ambassador by supporting outreach events. To find out more about this opportunity, email the Outreach and Student Recruitment Officer.
- CB Mentoring
CB Mentoring was initiated by Wolfson Fellow, Edwin Panford-Quainoo, after the life-changing events of the global pandemic and the shocking murder of George Floyd in the US in the same year. CB Mentoring aims to support young people to be well-equipped with the right life skills for the future ahead and to make an impact in their community.
CB Mentoring works along three main pillars: The Bridge (Saturday homework club during Michaelmas and Lent), mentoring, and social-cultural activities.
The Bridge provides a study space for secondary school children where they can get help with homework or a project of their choosing. The Bridge runs every Saturday, 10.00 – 12.00 in Michaelmas and Lent, and ends with a relaxed brunch. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to volunteer their time and skills to provide the children with educational help and inspire them to achieve more.
Click through to their website for further information.
Mentoring is available to children between the ages of 13 and 18, and the support provided could be for educational projects or personal matters. The mentor and the mentee will agree on meeting in person or over the phone, and how often they meet.
Social-cultural activities
The charity organises a range of social events throughout the year in partnership with Cambridge based organisations and businesses. In the past, they have hosted professional explorers, Cambridgeshire based business leaders, and even the Mayor of Cambridge. They have held sports and fitness sessions at the nearby Nuffield Health and been invited on private tours at some of Cambridge's best museums.
CB Mentoring is primarily looking for volunteers for The Bridge, however we welcome expressions of interest for mentoring and to chaperone the social-cultural activities, which tend to take place during Easter term.
For more information on these projects or to submit your interest to volunteer, please email CB Mentoring.
- College Choir & Chamber Singers
Wolfson Choir is a mixed choir which draws its membership from across the College community. All College members are welcome to apply. There are no auditions for Wolfson students for the first term, but enthusiasm, commitment, and a basic ability to sing in tune and some music reading skill are expected. There is a short vocal assessment once new singers have served one term to assess whether a singer should continue in the choir. The Choir does fewer concerts/services than many other college choirs, suiting the busy schedules of graduate students and those who might also sing elsewhere.
Wolfson College Music Society puts on regular concerts throughout the year ranging from student instrumental and vocal performances at our Saturday lunchtime concert series to professional musicians at our termly Music and Madeira concerts.
Students can get involved by volunteering their time and skills to steward at concerts and occasional religious services. Most concerts take place at the weekend in the Lee Hall and occasionally at St Mark's Church. As steward, you will welcome people, guide them to their seats, hand them the concert programme, and ensure the performances run without interruptions. The volunteers will get to meet the performers backstage, attend the concert, develop communication skills, and contribute to the College community.
If you'd like to volunteer or find out more about getting involved, please email the Director of Music, Lyn Alcántara.
- Manifest Monday
This is a College initiative where students are welcome to join for a free breakfast and the chance to set out their goals for the week or a specific project with help from the librarians and the Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator.
Every Monday (term-time only), 8.15 – 9.00
Dining Hall
Drop in at a time convenient to you, no booking required.
Students can volunteer to lead sessions by answering questions from other students and helping them set their goals. Students can also volunteer with organising and manning the activity. Ideas and feedback on improving the activity are welcome. Please email clic@wolfson.cam.ac.uk for an informal chat about helping with the activity or providing your feedback.
- Society and sport club roles
Participating in a society can be a very valuable way of getting to know your fellow students and play a role in the College community. It can help to relieve stress and provide an outlet to balance your academic life. If you can't find a society to suit your interests, consider starting one yourself!
Wolfson itself has many thriving societies, academic, entertaining or sporty, from our successful and competitive Boat Club to our fascinating Science Society and more. Some societies are managed by members of the College, others by our Student Association, WCSA. At the beginning of Michaelmas Term, a Freshers' Fair takes place in College so new students can explore all the options open to them.
- Student Representatives
Each year, Wolfson appoints student representatives to a number of College committees, providing a student voice in College affairs. College business is overseen by a range of committees that include areas such as: Arts & Exhibitions, Buildings & Estates, Development & Networks, Educational Policy, Health & Safety, House (Facilities, Services & Events), Student Welfare, and Sustainability.
Each committee has between one and three student seats to ensure that students' views are directly represented in the College's decision-making processes. The Wolfson College Students' Association (WCSA) also has representation on some committees.
The time commitment is three to four meetings per academic year, usually once per term. Student representatives are expected to read the agenda, papers, and minutes for committee meetings and contribute as appropriate. In return students will receive valuable experience, insight and the opportunity to input into College processes.
Click through to view the committee list and information on applying.
- Wolfson College Research Networks (WCRN)
The Wolfson College Research Networks are the College's central hub for research activity, fostering excellence in learning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Organising and curating a diverse programme of academic events, the Research Networks support the College's research hubs and initiatives, and facilitate knowledge exchange by connecting scholars across disciplines within Wolfson, the wider University, and industry.
Students are welcome to contact the WCRN directly to find out how they can volunteer to organise events or take on other roles that may be of interest. For more information or to have a discussion with the WCRN team, please email research-networksmanager@wolfson.cam.ac.uk.
- Wolfson College Student Association Committee roles
The Wolfson College Students' Association (WCSA) is Wolfson College's combined Junior Combination Room (JCR) and Middle Combination Room (MCR). WCSA represents Wolfson students on various College committees and in dealings with the College. Three members of WCSA (the President, the Vice President and the Junior Treasurer) are members ex officio of the College Council, which is the executive committee of the Governing Body. WCSA also has representation on a number of other College Committees.
Click through for information on the roles available.
Click through for information on elections.
Serving on the WCSA Committee is a fantastic way to contribute to the Wolfson community and to participate in College governance. This is also a fantastic way to develop leadership skills and valuable work experience in a committee role, as well as making friends and building meaningful connections.
- Wolfson Research Event
The Wolfson Research Event (WRE) is a showcase for the research being carried out by Wolfson students on a daily basis. From across the sciences, social sciences, and arts, they share their hypotheses, findings, and conclusions to a diverse audience comprising other students, fellows, staff, and visitors.
Participants are challenged with communicating their research to a generic, academic audience. To support them in developing these skills, they are invited to attend a series of workshops before the conference.
A distinctive feature of the WRE is that it is organised by a student-led committee. Elected in Michaelmas Term, they manage the submission of abstracts, peer-review, workshops and rehearsals, as well as promoting and organising the two-day event.
It is an excellent opportunity for students to develop academic and transferable skills in event planning and administration, assisted by College staff to make the day run smoothly.
Click through for further information about past events and how to get involved.
Volunteering in the University
- Cambridge Festival
Event support, teamwork, crowd management
Cambridge Festival is looking for volunteers remotely or in person. The festival takes places in March/April every year. The volunteers will help with greeting attendees, ticket checking, managing queues, support with running the event, setting up the venue, etc.
The volunteers can benefit from engaging with high-profile organisations, supporting sharing up-to-date research with the public, and access to stimulating science, arts, and humanities events.
Students can also volunteer to contribute to a talk or an activity to the Festival. Click through to their website for further information.
If you would like to discuss your event idea with the Festival team, please email cambridgefestival@admin.cam.ac.uk.
- Cambridge Students' Union
Event support, trustee roles
Cambridge Students' Union regularly seeks volunteers for major events, such as the annual Freshers' Fair and the Shadowing Scheme. Register your interest to be notified of up-and-coming volunteering opportunities: email membership@cambridgesu.co.uk.
- Cambridge University Student Societies
There are over 700 student societies that provide thousands of committee roles and the opportunity to develop leadership skills, communication, interpersonal, digital & technical skills, make friends and create a sense of belonging.
Click through to the list of Cambridge University Student Societies.
- The Language Centre
Languages, tutoring, one-to-one support, translating, conversation practice
The Language Centre offers volunteering opportunities for UK residents for two projects: Friends without Frontiers and the Language Volunteer Bank.
Friends without Frontiers aims to encourage friendships across countries and cultures by inviting native speakers to volunteer to help others. As a volunteer, you will help someone to practise the language or offer feedback that supports them to improve. You will need to give an hour of your week to support a learner in a one-to-one capacity with their language skills.
The Language Volunteer Bank needs students on an ad-hoc basis to help other students or staff members with:
- Understanding the basics of a language for fieldwork/research purposes
- Gaining occasional conversation practice
- Making a quick uncertified translation of a short article
In the past, students have volunteered to help other students with understanding the basics of Yoruba and Igbo languages.
Click through for further information on these opportunities.
- University of Cambridge Museums
The University of Cambridge Museums is a consortium of the eight University Museums and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. This includes:
- Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
- The Museum of Classical Archaeology
- Cambridge University Botanic Garden
- The Fitzwilliam Museum
- Kettle’s Yard
- The Polar Museum
- The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
- The Whipple Museum of the History of Science
- The Museum of Zoology
Volunteering opportunities vary in the time commitment required, from one-off events, such as helping guide visitors at our annual Twilight at the Museums after-hours events, to more formal, recurring roles, such as becoming a tour guide for our Bridging Binaries LGBTQ+ Tours.
Have an idea?
Want to start a student group or activity? The Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator would be happy to help you bring your idea to life. Email Simona at clic@wolfson.cam.ac.uk.
Volunteering locally
- Arts and Events Group at St Mark's Church
This is a local drama group which organises regular events at St Mark’s Church. Some examples of the events organised are a talent show for St Mark's congregation, a presentation on the significance of bread, with readings, music and visual images, interviews with members of the congregation and a theatrical Christmas. The group is planning a pantomime, and would welcome student volunteers with technical, creative and acting skills.
For further information and to express your interest in volunteering with the group, please email clic@wolfson.cam.ac.uk.
- Bookmark Reading Charity
Bookmark Reading Charity is an entrepreneurial and tech-led charity. It delivers essential reading support and resources to the children who need it most. The charity reaches children by partnering with primary schools and community groups in disadvantaged areas, alongside growing its brilliant network of volunteers, partners, and supporters.
Become a reading volunteer
You can help a child who's at risk of falling behind by becoming a reading volunteer. You'll be delivering fun 30-minute reading sessions, in which you will read and play games with a child, giving them the support they need to develop their confidence and enjoyment of reading. Volunteers can choose to work face-to-face or online.
*Ensure you're able to commit to two 30-minute sessions per week for six consecutive weeks, along with a commitment to participate in at least three programmes a year*
- Cambridge Carbon Footprint
Cambridge Carbon Footprint works to raise awareness of climate change issues and to support people in moving to low-carbon living. They offer a varied programme of events and activities which will inspire people to engage with climate change and empower them to join to build a low-carbon future. They aim to engage at many levels, including with individuals, community groups, and local organisations.
You can volunteer for the following roles:
Supporting the office and operations, helping out with admin, website, and comms.
Delivering strategy and governance that ensures CCF is effective, engaging, and well-run.
Do you have a local, well-retrofitted older home or a sustainable new one that you could show, in-person or online? Others would love to learn from you to help create their own version.
Click through to their website for more details.
Events volunteers
Helping at occasional events, setting up and pack down, meeting and greeting, serving teas and coffees, etc.
Outreach volunteers
Talking to others about climate change and carbon reduction, helping us by giving talks and running outreach carbon footprinting stalls.
Further information about each role is available on the links above.
If you can help with any of the other roles (or have other suggestions for how you might be able to support their work), please email volunteering@cambridgecarbonfootprint.org.
- Cambridge City Council
Cambridge City Council have a webpage with information on volunteering which includes litter picking and volunteering in sport.
Group volunteering activities
The Council can organise group volunteering activities for students with a minimum of 5 students. The activities could range from tree planting, wildlife conservation, to DIY.
Students could also volunteer as a group by taking ownership of a local space and looking after it. The Council will provide support by supplying the necessary tools, resources and knowledge. If you would like to volunteer as a group, please email the College Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator.
- Cambridge City Foodbank
Cambridge City Foodbank is an independent local charity and part of the Trussell community of food banks. They serve local people regardless of background, inspired by their inclusive Christian ethos and values.
Volunteers are welcome to help with sorting food donations and packing crates, greeting visitors in their centres, offering a listening ear, delivering food to where it needs to be, administration, etc.
Click through to their website for more information about the roles needed and how to volunteer.
- Cambridge Community Kitchen
Administration, communication, time management, leadership
Cambridge Community Kitchen is a food solidarity collective tackling food poverty in Cambridge by offering free, hot, plant-based meals to those who need them every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. They are located at The Lockon, 11-12 Fair Street, Cambridge, CB1 1HA (10 minutes bike ride or 34 minutes' walk from Wolfson College). Volunteers are needed for the following roles: cleaning, cooking (Thursday, Sunday, 3-7pm), delivery (Thursday, Sunday, 6-8pm) and shopping. A variety of admin roles are also available which can be done remotely.
- Cambridge Convoy Refugee Action Group (CamCRAG)
CamCRAG is a charity that helps refugees in Northern France and elsewhere. Their projects include the CamCRAG poncho project which makes ponchos and snoods for refugees in France from blankets purchased in the UK. It is an excellent way to support refugees with your time, either at home or at the communal craft sessions. Anyone can join in, regardless of experience of equipment. Other roles include joining a sort out day to keep on top of donations, organising a fundraiser, or organising a donation drop.
CamCRAG welcomes volunteers for a variety of opportunities, ranging from regular hours every week to an hour or two when you have the time.
- Cambridge Model Engineering Society
Cambridge Model Engineering Society runs ground level steam, battery-electric and petrol-hydraulic locomotive hauled trains on 7¼in, 5in and 3½in tracks. The Society is located 8 minutes' walking distance from the College and enjoys a quiet and peaceful location bordering fields on the southwestern edge of the city. The site is open to the public for Running Days on the second Sunday of the month from April to October inclusive. The gates to the site are open from 12.30pm and trains run from 1.30pm until 5.30pm. Volunteers are welcome to help with the safe running of the public events, which would include selling tickets, directing people on site, servicing locomotives and general maintenance of the grounds.
If you would like more information about volunteering or becoming a member, please email Roy, the Chair of the Society.
- Cambridge Museum of Technology
Cambridge Museum of Technology is the home of our industrial heritage. Based in the city's historic sewage pumping station, the Museum helps people to explore, enjoy, and learn about their industrial heritage by celebrating the achievements of local industries and the people who worked in them. Volunteering roles range from welcoming visitors and selling tickets, running the engines, marketing the Museum, maintaining the buildings and grounds, helping with school visits and events, giving guided tours and caring for their collections.
As a volunteer, you will develop your skills, gain experience, meet new people, and have the satisfaction of giving back. You will also get free entry to the Museum and its events, and a chance to attend private views and volunteer social events.
- Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign (CRRC)
CRRC is a registered charity for the purpose of supporting the resettlement of refugees in the Cambridge area. They provide a wide range of practical support to resettled refugee families and work closely with the Cambridge City and Cambridgeshire County Councils and other local stakeholders. They advocate on behalf of their service-users for their wellbeing, assistance with housing, healthcare and education.
CRRC has a Board of Trustees that oversees all operations, but practical responsibilities are divided into working groups. When you sign up to volunteer, you can choose which group you would like to join. You can change roles if you want to or take on more than one. If you need to contact one of the working groups, please ask the Administrator for the email address of the Lead Contact.
Working Groups:
- Employment
- English (Adults)
- English and Tutoring (Children)
- Operations and Admin: Faye
- Finance
- Communications
- Family Support
- Activities (Holiday Programme)
- Activities (Cultural)
Volunteers are asked to undertake their new role for a minimum of six months as there are both monetary and time costs involved in inducting new team members. If you need to move away or find that you no longer have the time to give, please give advance notice so that the CRRC can find replacements. If you have a limited period of support to offer, please let them know when you apply. If, when you leave, you would like a reference from CRRC, please talk to your group leader.
- Cambridge Sustainable Food
Cambridge Sustainable Food CIC (CSF) is a non-profit organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable food system which supports the community and the environment. It campaigns to achieve healthy and sustainable food for everyone; food which is good for our health, the planet, and the local economy.
Cambridge Sustainable Food CIC has lots of projects and volunteers could get involved through a variety of roles, from drivers, to fruit picking in the summer, to cooking and serving lunches to disadvantaged families during school holidays or helping with running the stall at festivals.
- Cambridge Women's Resources Centre
Archiving, feminist history, tutoring, mentoring, volunteer coordinator
Collating the history of CWRC. The Centre has 40 years of archive records of CWRC's activities over the years, which will be donated to the Cambridgeshire collection for public record. The volunteers will put together a timeline history of CWRC. This would be a great role for someone with knowledge of archiving and an interest in local and feminist history.
Plant care. The Centre is looking someone who can come and repot our existing plants, nurture some new ones and keep them all healthy and happy.
Other roles available are volunteer tutor/facilitator, volunteer session support and volunteer coordinator to help coordinate a team of potential and current volunteers.
- Cambridgeshire Duke of Edinburgh Open Award Centre (DofE)
The DofE helps over 14-25 year-olds to achieve an award. They are looking for people keen on expeditions and the outdoors, as well as all sorts of other skills, including financial, website, fundraising, social media.
To become a volunteer, you will need to complete training for the role you are interested in. Click through to their website for further information.
If you are interested in completing the DofE scheme, please email the Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator. The scheme is open to anyone between 14 and 24 years old.
- Camdram
Camdram is the portal website for amateur theatre in Cambridge, which brings together volunteering roles in theatre. Camdram has been 100% free and volunteer-run since its inception in 2004. Click through to their website to explore vacancies.
The website is maintained by volunteers in their spare time, most of whom are former University of Cambridge students. If you're interested in helping, please contact Camdram.
Camdram is also an open-source software project. All the code that runs Camdram is openly accessible and freely licensed under permissive open-source software licenses.
- Care Network
Care Network is a charity that provides information, guidance, and practical and emotional support to help people and communities. They work alongside local people to improve confidence and connection.
You can volunteer to 'check and chat', as a trusted friend, to service map, as a trustee, to provide help at home and as an event ambassador. If you would like to learn more or start the process to become a volunteer, please email Care Network or call 01954 211919.
You can complete and submit your volunteer application online.
- Friends of Paradise
Friends of Paradise is a local group formed by residents to celebrate the reserve and help with its preservation and management. The Paradise Nature Reserve lies alongside the river, between Lammas Land Car Park and the bottom of Owlstone Rd and forms part of the green corridor which stretches along the river Cam between the city centre and the open countryside of the Grantchester Meadows (10 – 14 minutes walking distance from the College). The group has planted snowdrops, had meetings about hedgehogs and recycling and formed work parties, giving Vic Smith (the City's ecology officer) some hands-on help. They have also organised a successful Bat Walk, had talks about various aspects of wildlife and held a summer Picnic, where everyone joined in the Tug-of-War.
- It Takes A City
It Takes A City provides a range of services that support people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge, particularly those who find themselves sleeping rough, with the focus on accessing the help needed to begin their journey away from the streets. Students can volunteer for the Crossways project and The Haven project.
Crossways is a winter emergency accommodation project for rough sleepers, providing twenty ensuite rooms for those who would otherwise be on the streets, plus three emergency beds during SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) periods.
Volunteers can help with cooking meals, welcoming guests, housekeeping and food collection/delivery.
If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please email volunteer@itac.org.uk.
The Haven is an overnight drop-in space for women, open on Mondays and Thursdays (8pm-8am). It’s a 12-month pilot project to support homeless and vulnerable women in the centre of Cambridge, offering hot food and drinks, a shower, clothes washing and a safe place supported by an experienced support worker and security guard. The Haven is also open on a Friday morning (8-10.30am) to offer similar services with the support of other local organisations.
You can volunteer as a lead cook or an evening host. To volunteer or to find out more about the project and how you can help, please email volunteer@itac.org.uk.
Other ways you can help
It Takes A City would welcome the following: UHT milk, tinned goods, sugar, instant coffee, crisps, biscuits, chocolate, men’s deodorants, sleeping bags, warm clothing (coats, tracksuit bottoms, hoodies), but are happy to discuss any items you have available.
Volunteering can help you develop life-skills, confidence, communication skills, being supportive in a non-directive and non-confidential way, hear people’s stories and show empathy, there's a community feel and a free meal to enjoy.
- Jimmy's
Jimmy's opened in 1995 as Cambridge's first all year-round night shelter and now offers a much wider range of support – personalised support such as life skills and budgeting, accessing health services or help with substance use and addition; mental health and recovery support; accommodation support. It remains one of the most prominent organisations within the community supporting people who have been rough sleeping in the city.
Jimmy's relies on the volunteers' kindness, commitment, and empathy to provide the best possible services to those in need of support. They offer a safe, supportive environment, the opportunity to develop your skillsets, gain a broader understanding of the issues surrounding homelessness and feel truly valued for your role in the community. From 18 to 80, their volunteers come from all walks of life and bring a huge variety of skills and experiences.
Whatever your level of experience and wherever your skills lie, you'll get the opportunity to help others and to realise your full potential.
- KJV Community Children's Choir
KJV Community Children's Choir has been offering free choral singing to Cambridgeshire children since 2008. KJV offers accessible choral singing to children who might not have the opportunity to join a high-quality choir either because of financial reasons, disability or lack of provision in their school.
The choir rehearses on Saturday morning on West Rd (10 minutes walking distance from the College).
Volunteers are welcome to support with the safe running of rehearsals and concerts. The charity will organise any necessary training and a DBS check. You will get the chance to learn how a choir is rehearsed behind the scenes, develop communication skills and how to manage challenging situations with confidence and calm. Dedicated volunteers will be rewarded for their contribution to the community by observing experienced teacher Lyn Alcántara and her staff. Past volunteers have been able to request references for their time volunteering at the choir. Lyn is Director of Music at Wolfson and runs a busy singing teaching studio, including teaching Choral Scholars at Sidney Sussex, Wolfson, and Queens' Colleges amongst many other achievements including having sung with the BBC Singers for many years.
If you'd like to volunteer, please email Lyn.
- Museum of Cambridge
The Museum of Cambridge is a unique cultural institution dedicated to safeguarding the extraordinary stories of everyday people from Cambridge and Cambridgeshire. Set in the Grade II-listed 17th century White Horse Inn, the Museum has been telling these stories since 1936. Its collections include objects related to the everyday life, customs, and traditions of the local people of the area.
The Museum is currently looking for the following roles:
Front of House Volunteers
As the first face visitors see when they arrive, you would be selling tickets and items in our shop, providing a warm and friendly welcome and helping visitors on their visit. This role would involve a mixture of standing and sitting at a desk, speaking to visitors, and using a digital till to make sales. Shifts are Mondays, Thursday-Saturday 9:45-1:30pm and 1:15-5pm and Sundays 10:45-4pm. The Museum is open 5 days a week, Thursday- Monday. Saturday and weekdays 10-5pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays 11-4pm.
Click through to their website for further information.
Learning and Education Volunteers
The Museum is open 6 days a week, Wednesday- Monday. Saturday and weekdays 10-5pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays 11-4pm. Education sessions will be running on Thursdays in term-time. The Museum is looking for someone who is friendly, likes to start conversations, and is approachable; enjoys engaging with children of all ages; has great solution-based thinking when part of a team; is creative and happy to help set up and put away crafts and activities; is understanding and compassionate; is interested in community building and history.
- Museum of Classical Archaeology
The Museum of Classical Archaeology is in the Faculty of Classics on Sidgwick Avenue, around 10 minutes' walking distance from the College.
The Museum welcomes volunteers as tour guides, event support and exhibition engagement.
- Nature Reserves
The City Reserves Officer runs two volunteer groups, one which meets every week on a Thursday 10am - 2pm and one which meets on the last Sunday of the month 10am - 1pm. Both groups carry out conservation work on all the nature reserves in Cambridge City.
The Council provides all the necessary tools and training, and tea and biscuits. Please wear old clothes and strong shoes, and bring waterproofs and a packed lunch.
- Newnham Croft Primary School
Newnham Croft Primary School is a few minutes' walking distance from Wolfson College. Its aim is to help every child find the confidence, self-belief, and resilience that will enable them to explore, value and appreciate the world. The school welcomes volunteers who can help the children develop their reading and math skills. If there was interest in science or humanities and the school could make the timetable work, then that would be an option, however the focus would be on what works well for the pupils.
Student volunteers will need an enhanced DBS check, which the College can help organise. In the first instance, please use the SCA DBS services to obtain a DBS. Please email clic@wolfson.cam.ac.uk to get support with the application fee.
Students will also need to complete safeguarding training which the school will deliver.
For further information or to have an informal chat about the roles available please email the school's Headteacher, Mr Edward Ferguson, or call 01223 508737.
- Newnham Scout Group
Newnham is fortunate to have its own local Scout Group, only a few minutes' walking distance from the College. The group is thriving with about 150 children aged 4-18. The Centre welcomes student volunteers who may be looking for something worthwhile to do in their spare time with a feeling of satisfaction that they have really made a difference.
Volunteering in Scouting is flexible and can be tailored to suit you. Whether you can give a little time (or a lot), every minute you give will help improve lives in your community and enable young people to have fun.
Right now, the Group has some roles they're actively trying to fill. The Trustee Board, Admin Team, Finance Team, Meeting Place Team and Vehicle Team all support the Section Leadership Teams for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts (both Amazons and Spartans) and Explorers to deliver their exciting and fun range of activities and events.
If you'd like to volunteer or find out how you can use your skills to contribute to the group, please fill in the contact form or email the Group Lead Volunteer, Frank Lee.
- Power2Inspire
Empowering young people through inclusive, accessible sport
Power2Inspire is a charity whose vision is to see people having fun playing sport together regardless of age, gender, faith, ethnicity or disability.
PowerHouseGames is a multi-team event playing inclusive and adapted sports, usually for about 2-3 hours. All the activities are especially designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, old and young, with disabilities and none, sporty and not – and in so doing are wonderfully inclusive. The object of a PowerHouseGames is to play sport together in a way that encourages all from schools, universities, sports clubs, corporations and the local community to engage in inclusive sport.
This project requires a group of around 24 university volunteers, from Wolfson or in collaboration with other colleges. The volunteers lead a series of inclusive sport games for school children from a SEN school, a state school and an independent school. No particular skills are required, and any level of sport knowledge and ability is welcome, as the games are adapted, inclusive and accessible, as well as full training will be provided.
The activity will take place on a weekday that suits the students and the school children, coordinated by Power2Inspire, usually in the University Sport Centre, between 8.30am and 1pm. The volunteers will receive a light lunch at the end of the games.
If you would like to discuss this further, please email the Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator.
- Red Balloon Educational Trust
Red Balloon Educational Trust helps young people who have self-excluded from mainstream school for various reasons, including Emotion Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA). Students often access the Trust due to bullying, trauma, mental ill-health or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs that were not able to be met in their previous school. Its provision has proved to be particularly suitable for Autistic, ASC and neurodivergent young people.
Red Balloon Educational Trust has lots of different volunteering roles. If you’re interested in finding out how you can help, please contact the centre you'd like to volunteer for.
- Parkrun
Event organisation and event support, leadership and management roles
Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event entirely organised by volunteers. The event runs every Saturday at 9am, and it takes place at Storeys Field, Garrod St, Eddington, Cambridge, CB3 1AA. See the course page for more details. Students can volunteer as run directors, timekeepers, finish token volunteers, barcode scanners, tail walkers, marshals, warm-up leaders, funnel manager, car park marshals, etc. The roles suit students with a variety of skills and provide opportunities to develop communication, interpersonal & social skills, organisational skills, and leadership skills.
Further information on the roles available, the reward scheme for volunteers, and how to get involved is available here.
Interested in organising a 'Wolfson College Parkrun Takeover'? Please email the Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator if you need help organising this or connecting with other interested students.
- Student Community Action (SCA)
SCA provides volunteering opportunities that fit with the student lifestyle. Some volunteering roles are befriending children and elderly, helping primary children with their schoolwork, helping Ukrainian refugee children improve their English, volunteer at a kids club for disadvantaged and vulnerable children, and volunteer for a musical entertainment group.
You can also get involved in other roles, such as applying to be part of the SCA student committee, SCA College Rep, or become a project leader.
- Toddles
Toddles is a parent/carer – child group that runs every Thursday, 9.30 – 11am during term time, at the Community Centre behind St Mark’s Church on Barton Road (5 minutes walking distance from the College). It's an informal gathering, where parents/carers and their children are welcome to drop-in to play and make friends. It is hugely valued by adults and children alike. Fresh coffee and snacks (for all ages) are provided. Volunteers are welcome to help with setting up, and providing a welcoming environment, including serving refreshments. Click through to their website for further information.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Community & Leadership Impact Coordinator at clic@wolfson.co.uk.
- Transition Cambridge
Transition Cambridge is a group of people who live or work in the Cambridge area and get together to do things such as learning how to live well using less energy; growing more of the food locally; reusing and recycling stuff so that less is wasted; and valuing and protecting green spaces.
Transition Cambridge has a variety of volunteering roles available.
Administration, organisation and publicity roles
- fundraising and writing grants
- charing meetings or acting as secretary
- writing press releases and liaising with the local media
- updating the website
- coordinating and running stalls at events
- running workshops and giving talks
- liaising with the council as required
Repair Café Repairers and Helpers
Skills needed:
Repairers: an ability to engage people with their items' repair, plus specific practical skills e.g. sewing expertise, electronics know-how, mechanical skills, bike repair skills, software and hardware problem-solving.
Non-repairing volunteers: meet and greet, admin, run the kitchen/café area, help set up and take down.
Time commitment: 2 - 6 hrs, on Saturdays or Sundays. 3 - 4 times a year in Cambridge city, plus opportunities in South and East Cambs
Contact Kate for more information.
Help the communications team
The team needs writers to compile and edit the bulletin, social media users to spread the word, and bloggers to write short pieces about sustainability, environment and community.
Skills needed: Enthusiastic communicators with a decent grasp of written English, online editing skills and Wiki mark-up knowledge – desirable but training will be given.
Time Commitment: 1-3 hours per hours per bulletin, approximately once per 6 weeks.
Contact Anna for more information.
Permaculture Group Help Wanted
The group is looking for help with looking for items of interest to group and arranging visits; feedback on what will help you develop your practice; sharing your experience with the rest of the group; hosting visits to where you are practising permaculture; editing and updating the permaculture pages. If this is on interest, please contact the Permaculture Group.
Energy Group Help Wanted
The group is particularly looking for assistance with authoring FAQ pages and fact sheets, both writing the answers and writing the questions, so you don't have to be an expert to help. Please contact the group if you're interested in helping or contributing t the group with any other ideas.
- Volunteer Cambs
Search for a variety of volunteering roles available in Cambridge and beyond. The search function can help you find a role you would like to do in your preferred area. Some of the current roles are in administration, as listening volunteer, trustee, family friends, tutor, fundraising, marketing and engagement, treasurer, chair, wildlife friend, etc.
Volunteering nationally
- Compass Wellbeing
Compass Wellbeing CIC is a subsidiary of East London NHS Foundation Trust and plays a key role in supporting voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across east London, Luton, Bedford, and Central Bedfordshire. Through its work with the NCEL CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) Provider Collaborative, Compass Wellbeing also supports projects across north, central, northeast, and east London.
As a connector, Compass Wellbeing brings together VCSEs, the NHS, and statutory bodies to foster meaningful partnerships. These collaborations aim to break down barriers, improve population health, and promote health equity — in line with the Marmot principles.
Compass Wellbeing’s mission is simple: to help grassroots organisations grow, thrive, and make a measurable impact in their communities. By supporting these groups, Compass Wellbeing helps to preserve vital community resources and ensures they can contribute meaningfully to public health goals.
Opportunities for Students
Compass Wellbeing links students with small VCSEs that are actively seeking volunteer support. These organisations welcome help with:
- Creating and analysing qualitative and quantitative evaluation materials
- Drafting end of project reports
- Delivering bitesize training sessions to the wider community of VCSEs
- Supporting additional development needs as they arise
Students have played a valuable role in helping VCSEs build confidence in evaluating their work — generating insights, sharing learning, and strengthening future funding applications.
If you're interested in applying your skills to a meaningful community project, they’d love to hear from you. For an informal chat about how you can get involved, contact Ian McKay at ian.mckay5@nhs.net Kalbir Shukra at kalbir.shukra@nhs.net.
- CharityJob
CharityJob is a site for charity jobs and volunteering opportunities for internship and trustee positions available.
- Vinspired
Vinspired offers volunteering and work experience placements to young people. National in scope, and with a good range of filters to quickly find the opportunities and causes that you are interested in.
Volunteering internationally
Be wary before spending money on volunteering opportunities, and consider what you and the community you are working in will gain from the experience.
The UK Government has issued safety guidance for those seeking more adventurous volunteering.
- International Citizens Service
International Citizen Service (ICS) is a UK Government funded programme providing volunteer placements to 18-25 year olds and Team Leader placements to 23-35 year olds.
- Doit
Doit offers a well established volunteering database with thousands of opportunities covering many different activities and roles.
