Make a difference to children, young people and families – and to yourself
Volunteering is a powerful way to support your local community, and in Hampshire there are many opportunities to get involved. From mentoring young people and supporting families, to helping in libraries, country parks or community organisations, there is something to suit everyone’s interests, skills and availability.
By volunteering you can make a meaningful difference.
Why volunteering is good for you
Volunteering isn’t just about giving – it also brings real benefits for the volunteer.
Many people find that volunteering:
Whether you can give a few hours a month or more regular time, volunteering can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
Volunteering with Hampshire County Council
Hampshire County Council offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, including roles specifically designed to support children and families.
Why volunteering matters for children and families
Children, young people and families across Hampshire benefit hugely from having trusted, supportive adults around them – but there are not always enough volunteers to meet demand. For many children and families, especially those facing additional challenges, having someone consistent, kind and reliable alongside them can be life-changing.
Volunteers can:
A small commitment, a big impact
Even small amounts of time can have a lasting impact. A regular mentor, a supportive family volunteer, or a Community Buddy can help a child feel valued, capable and hopeful about their future.
You don’t need specialist experience or lots of free time to volunteer. What matters most is your willingness to listen, support and care.
With more volunteers, we can ensure that every child, young person and family in Hampshire has the opportunity to thrive.
Your time. Your experience. A real difference.
Mentoring (Regular commitment)
Young people aged 11 and over who are facing challenges benefit from having a consistent, trusted adult in their life.
As a mentor, you will:
Mentoring is about showing up consistently and helping a young person believe in themselves.
Mentoring (Regular commitment)
Young people aged 11 and over who are facing challenges benefit from having a consistent, trusted adult in their life.
As a mentor, you will:
Mentoring is about showing up consistently and helping a young person believe in themselves.
Family Support – (Regular visits)
Some families experience challenges such as parenting difficulties or major life transitions. Having someone alongside them can make a big difference.
As a Family Support volunteer, you will:
Your support can help children remain safe, supported and thriving at home.
Family Support – (Regular visits)
Some families experience challenges such as parenting difficulties or major life transitions. Having someone alongside them can make a big difference.
As a Family Support volunteer, you will:
Your support can help children remain safe, supported and thriving at home.
Independent Visiting – (Monthly, 12 month commitment)
Children and young people aged 8 and over who are in care benefit greatly from consistent, caring adults who are there just for them.
As an Independent Visitor, you will:
These relationships can transform a young person’s care experience and positively shape their future.
Independent Visiting – (Monthly, 12 month commitment)
Children and young people aged 8 and over who are in care benefit greatly from consistent, caring adults who are there just for them.
As an Independent Visitor, you will:
These relationships can transform a young person’s care experience and positively shape their future.
Community Buddy roles – (Weekly, 6–12 month commitment)
Children and young people aged 10–17 with disabilities or additional needs deserve opportunities to explore their community and build independence.
As a Community Buddy, you will:
Each Buddy relationship is shaped around the young person’s interests and needs.
Community Buddy roles – (Weekly, 6–12 month commitment)
Children and young people aged 10–17 with disabilities or additional needs deserve opportunities to explore their community and build independence.
As a Community Buddy, you will:
Each Buddy relationship is shaped around the young person’s interests and needs.
Return from Missing support – (Flexible, ad hoc)
When a child returns home after being missing, they need someone who will truly listen.
As a Return Conversations volunteer, you will:
These are one-off conversations that can have a lasting impact. This role is ideal if you want to make a difference without committing to regular weekly sessions.
Return from Missing support – (Flexible, ad hoc)
When a child returns home after being missing, they need someone who will truly listen.
As a Return Conversations volunteer, you will:
These are one-off conversations that can have a lasting impact. This role is ideal if you want to make a difference without committing to regular weekly sessions.
Volunteering with Hampshire County Council gives you the opportunity to:
Whether you can give a few hours a month or commit to regular visits, your time can change lives.
Whether you’re interested in a regular commitment or more flexible, one-off opportunities, your time can make a real difference.
Volunteering with Hampshire County Council gives you the opportunity to:
Whether you can give a few hours a month or commit to regular visits, your time can change lives.
Whether you’re interested in a regular commitment or more flexible, one-off opportunities, your time can make a real difference.
Get in Contact
📧 CandFVolunteers@hants.gov.uk
🌐 Volunteering for Hampshire County Council
Get in Contact
📧 CandFVolunteers@hants.gov.uk
🌐 Volunteering for Hampshire County Council
There are also many local and national organisations offering volunteering roles across Hampshire:
Hampshire County Council volunteering
Opportunities in areas such as libraries, country parks and cultural services
Find volunteer opportunities – GOV.UK
Information about volunteering, including your rights, expenses and who can volunteer
Get Volunteering
Search by postcode to find local roles matched to your interests and skills
So:Linked (Southampton area)
A range of local opportunities such as befriending, driving and community support
Volunteer First (Hampshire-wide)
Opportunities across charities, heritage, libraries and more
GoVo – Flexible volunteering opportunities
Search in with your postcode on GoVo to find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.
There are more local and national organisations looking for volunteers in Hampshire in our Community directory.
There are also many local and national organisations offering volunteering roles across Hampshire:
Hampshire County Council volunteering
Opportunities in areas such as libraries, country parks and cultural services
Find volunteer opportunities – GOV.UK
Information about volunteering, including your rights, expenses and who can volunteer
Get Volunteering
Search by postcode to find local roles matched to your interests and skills
So:Linked (Southampton area)
A range of local opportunities such as befriending, driving and community support
Volunteer First (Hampshire-wide)
Opportunities across charities, heritage, libraries and more
GoVo – Flexible volunteering opportunities
Search in with your postcode on GoVo to find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.
There are more local and national organisations looking for volunteers in Hampshire in our Community directory.
Hampshire has a strong history of working alongside people who use services to design and improve them. This is known as co-production.
If you have lived experience or want to help shape services for others, you can:
Find out more about co-production:
Let’s Go with Co-Pro (Hampshire County Council)
Hampshire has a strong history of working alongside people who use services to design and improve them. This is known as co-production.
If you have lived experience or want to help shape services for others, you can:
Find out more about co-production:
Let’s Go with Co-Pro (Hampshire County Council)