What is a volunteer? Meaning, types and benefits

A volunteer is someone who gives their time, skills and energy to help others or support a cause, without being paid. Volunteers choose to take part, and they’re driven by compassion, a wish to give back or a cause they care about. From food banks and hospices to sports events and environmental projects, volunteers make a huge difference to the lives of others, and often to their own.

Why volunteering matters

Volunteering helps hold communities together. It supports the people charities and community groups serve, and it gives volunteers a chance to broaden their perspective, learn new skills and build lasting friendships. Read more about why people volunteer.

Types of volunteering

Volunteering covers a wide range of opportunities. Some of the most common are:

Community volunteering

Community volunteering focuses on initiatives that directly benefit local residents, such as organising events, supporting local charities or joining a litter pick.

Environmental volunteering

Environmental volunteers help protect nature, through tree planting, wildlife conservation or campaigns that raise awareness of environmental issues.

Humanitarian volunteering

Humanitarian volunteers support people who need help most, such as refugees, people affected by disasters or communities facing hardship.

Skills-based volunteering

Skills-based volunteers use their professional expertise, from medicine and law to graphic design, to help charities and community organisations.

Volunteering can also be formal, through an organisation, or informal, such as helping a neighbour. See our guide to the different types of volunteering and the roles volunteers take on.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Volunteering benefits volunteers and the communities they serve.

Personal growth

Volunteering gives many people a sense of purpose and fulfilment. It’s a chance to explore your interests and discover new strengths.

New skills

Volunteers build skills such as leadership, communication and problem-solving through hands-on experience. See our guide to volunteer skills.

Social impact

Volunteering addresses real needs and supports people who need help, building stronger, more caring communities.

New connections

Working alongside people who share your values leads to friendships and contacts that last well beyond a single role.

Better wellbeing

Research published by the National Library of Medicine found that volunteering is linked with better mental and physical health, greater life satisfaction, higher self-esteem and happiness, and fewer depressive symptoms.

How to start volunteering

1. Think about what you care about

Choose a cause that matters to you, whether that’s education, the environment, health or your local community.

2. Look for local opportunities

Research local charities and community groups, and find out what roles they offer and how much time each one needs.

3. Get in touch

Contact the organisations you’re interested in. Many offer an informal chat or a taster session first.

4. Commit what you can

Be realistic about your time. Regular commitment helps organisations plan, but one-off and online roles count too.

5. Share your experience

Tell friends and family about your volunteering. It’s one of the best ways to encourage others to get involved.

Is a volunteer the same as an employee?

No. Volunteers aren’t paid and aren’t employees, so they don’t have employment rights such as the minimum wage. They are still protected in other ways, for example by health and safety law. Our guide to volunteers’ rights explains more.

What is a volunteer? FAQs

Is volunteering paid?

No. Volunteering is unpaid, although many organisations reimburse out-of-pocket expenses such as travel.

Are there different types of volunteers?

Yes. Volunteers can be involved in community, environmental, humanitarian and skills-based volunteering, among others, and can volunteer regularly, occasionally or online.

How do volunteers contribute to society?

Volunteers help tackle social, environmental and humanitarian challenges, and make a meaningful difference to other people’s lives.

What is the difference between volunteering and voluntary work?

They mean the same thing. See what voluntary work involves.

Getting started

Looking to volunteer? Download our app for volunteering and find opportunities near you.

Involving volunteers in your organisation? Volunteero is volunteer management software for charities, nonprofits and events. Book a demo to see how it works.