Give back through the 7 best volunteering groups in Edinburgh
My mum always said, “A little kindness can make a world of difference.” She raised me to treat everyone with compassion, even strangers, and to withhold judgment when meeting someone new.
That lesson has stayed with me and shaped how I raise my kids. They’ve grown up to be empathetic and caring, so much so that they eagerly volunteer whenever they can!
Volunteering, no matter how small the effort, can truly change someone’s life. If you’re looking to spread a bit of kindness yourself, here are the best places to get involved!
Volunteer Edinburgh
– Media from volunteer.edinburgh
Address: 222 Leith Walk
Contact Details: +44 131 225 0630
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Type of Volunteer Work: Research and policy work, arts, administrative work, human rights
Volunteer Edinburgh has been a great source of volunteering opportunities since 1973. They offer a plethora of opportunities, ranging from administrative work to human rights advocacies that help thousands of locals and beneficiaries across Scotland and beyond.
They’re also the very first volunteer centre in the UK to establish a dedicated mental health project to help people suffering from mental diseases and disorders receive the care and support they need. If that’s your cup of tea, I recommend signing up here!
Tips:
- For volunteering work outside of Edinburgh and Scotland, you can find listings on this page. Just note that signing up for overseas volunteer work requires a residency of at least 3 to 6 months and you’ll be working across several sectors like strategy, financial planning, research and more.
- If you still have a lot of questions and concerns, I highly recommend visiting the office to get answers. You don’t need to make an appointment just to drop by, and doing so will allow you to make informed decisions about where to get placed in case you decide to volunteer!
Volunteer Midlothian
– Media from volunteermidlothian
Address: 4-6 White Hart St, Dalkeith
Contact Details: +44 131 663 9471
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Type of Volunteer Work: Gardening, financial planning, volunteer support, mental health
If you’re looking to extend a helping hand to beneficiaries just outside of Edinburgh, I recommend Volunteer Midlothian. They have really good opportunities, especially for volunteer support if you want to expand your capabilities for more complex work.
This includes getting the right training for certain work like gardening, consulting, and delivery driving. You also get free advice and a wide database of volunteering opportunities based on skill levels and preferences.
Tips:
- If you want to learn more about how to get the right volunteer support, you can drop by The Salon in Dalkeith for a session. They run every Tuesday and Thursday and include a counselling section and volunteer drop-ins if you have any concerns or suggestions on how to make the organisation run better. Learn more about it here.
- If you know people between the ages of 14 and 25 who want to join as volunteers, I recommend sharing the Transform Project with them. This project gives young volunteers access to full support and supervised work that doesn’t require too much training and qualifications. Learn more about it here.
The Ripple Project
– Media from ripplerestalrig
Address: 198 Restalrig Rd S
Contact Details: +44 131 554 0422
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Type of Volunteer Work: Cooking, cashier jobs, general kitchen work, baking, marketplace vendor work, fundraising
The Ripple Project has made it their mission to lift those living below the poverty line, one act of kindness at a time. Based in the vibrant communities of Lochend, Craigentinny, and Restalrig, this cherished charity has become a lifeline for many.
Their volunteer efforts are as diverse as they are impactful, spanning elderly care, teaching, leading local walks, and even baking.
The network of opportunities is wide enough to welcome everyone Whether it’s lending a hand at the gift shop, running a café fundraiser, or simply spreading cheer.
Tips:
- Since a lot of the open volunteer work involves handling food and drinks, be aware that the charity is strict with regard to adhering to the Food Standards Agency’s hygiene codes.
Also, be mindful of any allergens you may encounter when volunteering at food shelters or at the cafe (because nobody wants an allergic reaction on the job!).
- Some volunteer work and opportunities are only available at certain times and days of the week. Some hours are longer than others, so it’s important that you check out this page of their schedules first before confirming which volunteer opportunity you’re willing to commit to!
Rock Trust
– Media from therocktrust
Address: 55 Albany St
Contact Details: +44 345 222 1425
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Type of Volunteer Work: Homelessness support, mentoring, fundraising
Rock Trust offers a chance to make a real difference through long-term volunteering. Their standout role, flatmate, involves living rent-free with young people facing homelessness and offering support.
I volunteered with them a few years ago, and it was incredibly rewarding. Helping someone get back on their feet while living alongside them was a life-changing experience.
You’ll also get a monthly stipend for activities, making it even more flexible. It’s a 12-month commitment, but if you’re ready to transform lives, this is your shot.
Tips:
- The organisation has a strict application process for volunteers because a major part of their work involves living long-term with children and families. It’s important that every volunteer is screened and properly trained, so I highly recommend setting up a meeting via phone or in person with Rock Trust to get as much info about the work as possible.
- The organisation also hosts mentoring programmes across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Perth & Kinross. They have specific dates for these sessions, and they regularly update their calendars on their website. If you want to learn more and attend a session, check out this page.
Alba Volunteers
– Media from alba_volunteers
Address: 24 Broughton St
Contact Details: +44 800 756 1046
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Type of Volunteer Work: Medical research, clinical research, cosmetic testing, skin diseases and disorder studies
Consider volunteering with Alba Volunteers and their Eurofins team to support vital research on skin diseases and disorders. You’ll help test the safety and effectiveness of cosmetics and toiletries, contributing to global advancements in dermatology.
All tests are conducted with your full consent and overseen by qualified medical professionals, ensuring your well-being. It’s a safe and meaningful way to play a role in shaping the future of skincare and product development!
Tips:
- In order to help you understand their volunteer work, you can check out the charity’s volunteer brochure detailing all the procedures and mechanics on the website. It details what kind of products will be tested and the test they do, so that you can make an informed decision about signing up!
- Note that this is compensated volunteer work. You will receive a cheque for taking part in the tests and for any expense you incur when travelling to the test centre in the city. Registration is required to be eligible for the stipend. Learn more about it here.
Vintage Vibes
– Media from vintagevibesed
Address: LifeCare, 2 Cheyne St
Contact Details: +44 131 343 0955
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Type of Volunteer Work: Elderly care, isolation support, loneliness support, mentoring, banquets, fundraising
If spending time with the golden generation warms your heart, Vintage Vibes is calling your name! Don’t be fooled by the name. The folks here might have a few extra candles on their birthday cakes, but their spirits are as young as ever!
This charity is all about helping Edinburgh’s elderly combat loneliness and isolation. Volunteering means you’ll dive into one-on-one hangouts, bingo nights, group activities, and even banquet celebrations.
Tips:
- Since the charity aims to foster meaningful relationships, it’s imperative that volunteers commit at least 6 months to the programme. This is to ensure that the elderly maintain a good relationship with the people they befriend without having to start over again and again.
- It’s important that you disclose your daily schedule with the charity so that they can match you with a beneficiary. If you’re working full-time and can only visit during the weekends, you’ll most likely be paired up with an elder who is free on weekends. If you can’t commit to weekdays, you have to let the charity know in advance!
Project Esperanza SCIO
– Media from uk_esperanza
Address: Thorn House, 5 Rose St
Contact Details: +44 131 243 2616
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Type of Volunteer Work: Daily support, food banks, mental health, sewing, fundraising, anti-racism awareness
Project Esperanza SCIO, based in North Edinburgh, is a womanist initiative dedicated to supporting families of African heritage and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Their services range from food assistance to family support and empowerment events.
As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact—whether it’s raising awareness for anti-racism campaigns, assisting in food shelters, organising youth empowerment events, or participating in fundraising and family support sessions.
With plenty of opportunities to get involved, the welcoming staff will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your skills and passions.
Tips:
- Some beneficiaries who have been with the charity for a time have begun joining the volunteer work as well. You’ll be able to learn and work together with the people that the charity has helped get back up on their feet. I highly recommend you find time to get to know them and learn their story while you’re there.
- If you know someone who may require support from Project Esperanza SCIO, you can refer them to become a beneficiary. Simply have them sign this form, and they’ll be sent an email regarding the details to become part of the organisation.