As well as local organisations, there are many national organisations, like those listed below, that offer voluntary opportunities in areas ranging from animal welfare to conservation.

As well as local organisations, there are many national organisations, like those listed below, that offer voluntary opportunities in areas ranging from animal welfare to conservation.

Human rights
Amnesty International is a worldwide voluntary movement of people who campaign for human rights. Student groups that are part of the Student Action Network receive regular campaign mailings, which include background information on current campaigns. Using this information, Amnesty student groups organise letter-writing and campaigning actions within their own universities, and also get involved with centrally organised actions.
www.amnesty.org.uk

Oxfam needs student volunteers to work as, for example, festival stewards, campaigners and shop assistants. Oxfam also offers internships for students, which are fixed voluntary placements, ranging in duration from a few months to a year, and are normally based around a single project.
www.oxfam.org.uk/generationwhy

Animal welfare
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has 175 local branches in England and Wales. Most voluntary activities do not involve practical animal care, although there are some opportunities to get involved in activities such as dog-walking. Voluntary jobs including campaigning and running shops.
www.rspca.org.uk

PDSA cares for the pets of needy people by providing free veterinary services and promoting responsible pet ownership. Over 4,700 volunteers work as, for example, trust officers, retail assistants, groundskeepers and fundraisers.
www.pdsa.org.uk

Conservation and heritage
The National Trust works to preserve and protect the coastline, countryside and buildings of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Volunteers help the National Trust with all aspects of their work, from preserving historic houses and gardens to fundraising and educating. Working holidays and work placements for students are also available.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Wildlife Trusts partnership is the largest voluntary organisation working in the UK on all aspects of nature conservation. From community gardening and species surveying to running Wildlife Watch groups, Wildlife Trusts volunteers carry out a huge range of tasks. If you’d prefer to work indoors, you could find yourself making good use of your IT, administrative or financial skills.
www.wildlifetrusts.org

Health and social care
St John Ambulance has a student wing – LINKS. Volunteers have the opportunity to develop their first-aid skills through, for example, a one-day or four-day course, and there are even opportunities to become ambulance-qualified. LINKS units cover major public events such as football and rugby matches, marathons, demonstrations, festivals and concerts.
www.sja.org.uk/links

The Samaritans provide confidential, emotional support over the phone and online. Their volunteer listeners are fully trained and typically work a shift of three to four hours per week, with one overnight shift a month. The Samaritans also need people to help them raise funds.
www.samaritans.org