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Make a difference

Volunteering can help you meet new people, build valuable experience and support causes that matter to you. From campus projects to local initiatives and national charities, there are plenty of ways to contribute during your time at Herts in a way that fits around your interests and schedule.

Societies and volunteering on campus

Getting involved with your community can start right here on campus. You might take part in societies, support student-led initiatives, or volunteer on projects that make a real difference to your peers and the wider local community.

The Hertfordshire Students' Union offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, societies and community projects throughout the year, making it easy to get involved in the causes you care about.

These include the Community Garden on College Lane Campus, where students and staff grow vegetables together. It’s a relaxed, hands-on space open to everyone – no experience needed – and a simple way to connect with others while contributing to a shared project.

Students can also get involved through the Students’ Union Volunteering Programme, which includes opportunities such as fundraising events, community outreach and one-off volunteering projects with local organisations, offering flexible ways to contribute alongside your studies.

Students talking to each other

Local volunteering and community organisations

Across Hertfordshire, there are plenty of organisations that connect students with meaningful volunteering opportunities in the local area.

Both Volunteering Herts and GoVolHerts match people with roles across charities, community groups and local initiatives, allowing students to search for flexible roles in events and community support including youth programmes, food banks and wellbeing activities.

People volunteering

Community spaces and local initiatives

Community life in Hertfordshire is shaped by shared spaces where people come together for events, support and everyday connection.

Hertfordshire Libraries provide volunteering roles, digital support sessions and community events for people of all ages, helping to build skills, knowledge and bring people together.

Local town centres such as Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City and St Albans also host markets and community events – such as St Albans Charter Market and Welwyn Garden City’s weekly town centre market – where independent businesses, residents and visitors connect in welcoming, social settings.

Green spaces such as parks, nature reserves and community gardens and allotments also play a key role, offering places for volunteering, outdoor activities and informal community gatherings.

Two people talking in a community space

London charities and large-scale impact opportunities

London significantly expands volunteering opportunities, giving students the chance to contribute to large-scale social and environmental impact projects.

Crisis supports people experiencing homelessness through services and volunteering programmes; The Felix Project tackles food waste and food poverty by redistributing surplus food to communities in need; and Thames21 focuses on environmental improvement projects, including river clean-ups and urban green space restoration.

These organisations give students the chance to contribute to large-scale social and environmental impact projects.

People helping at a charity event

Events and campaigns

Beyond regular volunteering, there are also opportunities to get involved in campaigns, events and national initiatives that support community causes.

The London Marathon Volunteer Programme is one example of a major event where volunteers play a key role in supporting participants and operations.

Across Hertfordshire and London, ongoing initiatives and outreach programmes allow students to engage with issues such as equality, sustainability and social justice. 

A person grabbing water at an event