10 best ways to make an impact through volunteering in Birmingham
Ever felt the buzz at a big event at Resorts World Arena and wondered what goes on behind the scenes? We have too, and here’s the good news: you can get involved, and it won’t cost you a thing.
Many of Birmingham’s top volunteering organisations charge no registration fees, making it easier to participate.
But Birmingham’s volunteering scene goes far beyond events. Whether you’re uncovering stories as a guide in art galleries or supporting live performances, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to find your fit? Let’s explore some of the best ways to volunteer in Birmingham.
1. The King’s Trust
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Website: https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/
Address: The Cold Store, Beorma Quarter, Digbeth
Contact: +44 800 842 842
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
The King’s Trust, formerly known as The Prince’s Trust, has supported young people aged 16 to 30 who are struggling to access work and education since its inception in 1976.
This followed the November 2023 rebrand of The Prince’s Trust to The King’s Trust. The fun fact? King Charles III founded the global King’s Trust Group in 1976 as His Royal Highness (HRH) The Prince of Wales.
Even better, over a million young people have already been helped. Many of these individuals came from challenging backgrounds and were uncertain about their future. Thanks to The King Trust’s free programmes, many went on to become skilled professionals.
What’s also amazing is that all the help they offer is completely free. If you’re over 18 and want to give back, there are plenty of ways to volunteer, from mentoring young people to helping them get ready for job interviews.
Pro Tip:
Don’t scroll away if there are no current volunteering roles available – register your interest instead. The King’s Trust values long-term relationships with volunteers and will contact you when the right opportunity arises, putting you at the front of the line.
2. Let’s Feed Brum
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Website: https://www.letsfeedbrum.com/
Address: Old Square, B3 2QB
Contact: +44 800 001 6847
Let’s Feed Brum is a Birmingham-based charity that supports people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Volunteers take the time to talk and connect, helping individuals feel seen and valued.
This Queen’s award-winning charity is composed of passionate volunteers, board members, and corporate partners working side by side. Recognised in 2022 for its deep community impact, Let’s Feed Brum puts people first and creates real change.
Volunteer roles are varied and hands-on, from evening walkabouts and clothing drives to supply prep at the LFB Hub. Every volunteer receives guidance and training in areas like mental health and safeguarding to ensure they feel confident and capable.
What truly sets this charity apart is its flexibility. We love that there’s no ongoing commitment required – you can help out once a week, once a month, or just once.
Pro Tip:
New to volunteering? Start with one of Let’s Feed Brum’s breakfast sessions at Birmingham Cathedral. This welcoming event runs twice a week and offers a great way to ease into volunteering, serving food and handing out essentials.
3. Birmingham Samaritans
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Website: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/birmingham/
Address: 13 Bow Street, B1 1DW
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM
If you want to give back meaningfully, volunteering with Birmingham Samaritans is a trusted option. Its local presence is strengthened through school workshops, prison outreach, and in-person support.
There are several ways to get involved. Listening volunteers provide emotional support via phone or email to individuals in crisis. For those who prefer to stay behind the scenes, support volunteers assist with admin, IT, and marketing.
Others might choose to become event volunteers, taking part in fundraisers or cheering on participants. Those passionate about community work may enjoy the outreach volunteer role, giving talks in schools and local workplaces.
Visitors can drop in for face-to-face support daily from 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM, without the need for an appointment.
Pro Tip:
Before applying as a volunteer, explore the different roles at Birmingham Samaritans and think about what you’d enjoy learning. If you’re not ready for direct conversations, you can still help by learning to use their IT systems.
4. Nurture The Children (NTC)
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Website: https://nurturethechildren.org.uk/
Address: Afadlink International Resources, One Victoria Square
Contact: +44 745 649 7879
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Nurture The Children offers individuals the chance to make a global impact from within Birmingham. The charity supports thousands of children in Nigeria by providing school meals, clean water, and medical care.
In Birmingham, there are several ways to volunteer your time and skills. These include organising fundraising activities or assisting with tasks such as managing a charity’s eBay shop.
Nurture The Children also runs school programmes in the UK, teaching children about peace, kindness, and mental resilience. Volunteers have the opportunity to be part of this, helping young people understand the world and connect with children in Nigeria through pen-pal letters.
Pro Tip:
If you’re 16 or older, take advantage of NTC’s training and support. You could help run cultural awareness sessions or support the pen-pal programme that connects students in the UK with children in Nigeria.
5. Homeless One
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Website: https://www.homelessone.org/
Address: 2 Lawley Middleway
Contact: +44 797 976 7979
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Homeless One offers more than just meals; they provide comfort and hope to people facing hard times.
This organisation has been serving Birmingham’s homeless community every single day since 2014. It started with a small act of kindness to an 11-year-old girl and her dad, who were handing out tea and biscuits on Carrs Lane.
Today, the charity serves hot meals and drinks every evening from 6 to 7:30 PM in Digbeth. Anyone in need is welcome, and no paperwork or ID is required.
Volunteers help provide over 850 meals every week, and more than 3 million since the program’s launch.
Pro Tip:
Looking to make an immediate difference? A quick and secure donation through Homeless One’s website goes directly to feeding someone in need, as 100% of the donations are used to support the homeless, with no administrative fees.
6. Birmingham City Mission
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Website: https://www.birminghamcitymission.org.uk/
Address: 2 Langdon St, B9 4BP
Contact: +44 121 766 6603
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Since 1966, Birmingham City Mission has been helping the city’s most vulnerable areas. They’ve been offering meals, support, and the Christian message of hope to the homeless and struggling families.
Today, their work extends far beyond food and shelter. Volunteers now support the charity in many ways. This includes sorting supplies, visiting care homes with prayers, sharing Bible stories in schools, and supporting various youth activities.
Behind the scenes, people help wrap gifts for ToyLink, assist in the charity shop, or organise fundraisers. And it’s true, even a few hours a month can make a significant difference.
Pro Tip:
Pick up Birmingham City Mission’s invite cards to discreetly offer real help to rough sleepers. A small card can open the door to a hot meal, support, and a safe place to rest.
7. Age UK
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Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/birmingham/
Address: Stratford House, Stratford Place, B12 0HT
Contact: +44 121 437 0033
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Age UK has supported older adults across Birmingham and Sandwell for over 30 years. It provides a range of services, including legal advice, social groups, and daily care and support.
Some opportunities are practical, like helping prevent falls or driving someone to appointments. Others are more tech-focused, supporting adults as digital champions. You’ll help older adults take their first steps online, such as booking GP appointments.
One particularly special role is the Memory Care Activities Volunteer. You’ll spend time in day centres offering conversations and companionship, often the highlight of someone’s week. It’s a great reminder that being present is powerful.
Pro Tip:
Start as an Information and Advice Form Filling Volunteer! You’ll provide vital assistance to older adults who struggle with paperwork, whether online or on paper. It builds trust with every form you complete.
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Website: https://faresharemidlands.org.uk/
Address: Metro Triangle, Mount St, Nechells
Contact: +44 116 286 7735
Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
When we think about food waste, it’s easy to forget how much of it could actually feed people. Luckily, FareShare Midlands is tackling both food waste and hunger by collecting surplus food and getting it to those who need it most.
Volunteers are at the heart of FareShare Midlands’ work. They sort, pack, and transport food to food banks, schools, and charities.
In fact, over 60,000 people benefit from this initiative every week. And in 2024, 5,000 tonnes of food were redistributed.
This organisation also offers flexible roles to match your schedule, from delivering food as a volunteer driver to sorting stock in the warehouse or assisting with administration and logistics.
Pro Tip:
Start your day with a morning shift at FareShare Midlands’ warehouse. It’s fast-paced but friendly, and you’ll quickly see how food gets from surplus to local groups.
9. Feedo Needo
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Website: https://feedoneedo.org.uk/
Address: 24-28, Smithfield House, Digbeth
Contact: +44 300 311 1312
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Feedo Needo is a community-focused, not-for-profit charity that began in 2006 under UKCAB. They provide free food and basic necessities to anyone in need, regardless of their background, promoting compassion and unity.
The organisation originated in Birmingham and has since expanded across the UK, as well as internationally, to countries such as Pakistan and Nigeria.
Volunteering here involves helping to pack and distribute food parcels, assisting with food bank operations, or supporting street distributions in areas such as Birmingham City Centre.
And here’s the best part: Feedo Needo adheres to a 100% donation policy. This means every penny donated goes directly to those in need; not a single cent is used for administrative costs.
Pro Tip:
If you’re ready to make a real difference – one plate, one person at a time – try volunteering at Arabica Cafe. Located at the heart of Feedo Needo, it serves free, warm meals to thousands each month.
10. Oscar Birmingham
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Website: https://oscarbirmingham.org.uk/
Address: 22 Regent Place, B1 3NJ
Contact: +44 121 212 9209
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Oscar Birmingham is a local charity that supports people with sickle cell and thalassaemia conditions that require lifelong care. They offer mentoring, health workshops for children, and tailored support programmes to help manage daily life.
The charity also helps households navigate financial strain, advising on grants, benefits, and energy bills. Their community-centred approach ensures no one feels isolated while facing health or money challenges.
Volunteers’ roles range from assisting with youth sessions to supporting administrative tasks. However, all volunteers must complete an interview, undergo a DBS check, and provide references, which we believe is a very thorough process.
Pro Tip:
Want to make a lasting impact? Join Oscar’s mentoring programme. You’ll receive comprehensive training, connect with like-minded volunteers, and form genuine bonds with young people navigating sickle cell or thalassaemia.