Skip to main content Skip to footer

Help and support for volunteers

We’ve published this range of information and resources to help you apply for a volunteering opportunity using the NHS Volunteering service. 

Find a volunteering opportunity with the NHS 

You can find information about volunteering and volunteering opportunities with the NHS on the NHS Volunteering service.  

You do not need to create an account to use the NHS Volunteering service. 

We've also published a guide with more information about how to search and apply for NHS volunteering opportunities.

How to search for a volunteering opportunity using the NHS Volunteering service (PDF: 466KB)Watch our video on how to search for NHS Volunteering opportunities on YouTubeHow to register your interest in a volunteering opportunity (PDF: 926KB)Watch our video on how to register your interest in a volunteering opportunity on YouTube

Who can volunteer with the NHS 

There is no age limit for volunteers, but some opportunities may have a minimum age requirement.

There are lots of different volunteering roles available. Your suitability depends on: 

  • the nature of the role  
  • how the role is supervised 
  • what the setting is 

If you live overseas 

We welcome volunteers of all nationalities. 

We advise you to wait until you are in the UK before applying to be a volunteer. You may need to attend a face to face interview or identity check meeting before you can start volunteering. 

We may also need to do overseas criminal records checks and these can take time. 

NHS Volunteering cannot support you with visa applications or relocation. 

Check you have right to volunteer in the UK 

You must have the right to volunteer in the UK within your visa terms and conditions if you want to volunteer within the NHS. If you have the right to work in the UK, you also have the right to volunteer.

Visit NHS Volunteering

Contact and support 

If you have a question about a specific volunteering opportunity, you'll need to contact the recruiter directly. You can find their contact information on the opportunity advert. 

For help and support with using the NHS Volunteering service, you can contact us by:

Telephone: 0300 330 0012
Email: nhsvolunteering@nhsbsa.nhs.uk

We're available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (except bank holidays). 

Find out about call charges