We are proud to support volunteering
We value the contribution people make by volunteering across our services and in local organisations and communities.
Volunteering can:
- help you gain new skills and open up career opportunities
- give you useful experience to improve your CV
- support your transition from work to retirement
- give you a sense of achievement and self-worth
Before you start
When you are thinking about volunteering, consider:
- which causes you want to support
- which skills you want to use or develop
- where you would like to volunteer
- how much time you can offer
Be realistic about the time you can commit. You will have a better experience if you do not take on too much. Some roles need a regular commitment. Others may be short-term or one-off, such as during school holidays.
Volunteer with Somerset Council
We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities across Somerset for people of all ages. These include:
- working with young people
- being a volunteer driver
- helping to care for outdoor spaces
- supporting local libraries
- and many others.
Search and apply for roles on our Volunteer opportunities in Somerset page. You can use your postcode to find opportunities near you. Some roles can be done from home.
We are not currently recruiting for all roles. View the full list of opportunities to see what is available.
You can also register your interest to join a waiting list. We will contact you when suitable roles become available.
Finding the right opportunity
Once you have found an opportunity that suits you, you can apply directly for that role. When you have applied to a role, we will contact you to discuss the role further.
Once accepted, you will also need to undertake an induction, and training which will be specific to your role. For some roles you will also need to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
If you are not sure what to apply for
If you are interested in more than one role, or have questions, use our register your interest form to contact us. Our team will answer your questions and help you find a suitable opportunity.
We are grateful to everyone who wants to volunteer. However, we may not always be able to offer a placement.
This depends on factors such as:
- your availability
- service capacity
- the needs of local people
If we cannot offer you a role, we may signpost you to other volunteering opportunities.
To speak to the Central Volunteer Team, phone 01823 359200 or email Contact the volunteer team.
Other volunteering opportunities
You can find more volunteering opportunities on the Spark a Change website. It lists roles from voluntary and not-for-profit organisations across Somerset.
To speak to the Spark volunteer team, you can:
- phone 01458 550973
- email volunteer@sparkachange.org.uk
- use the live chat on the Spark a Change website
If you are a local group or organisation
You can register with Spark Somerset to access:
- volunteering opportunities
- information, advice and support
- help to find volunteers
- opportunities to take part in volunteering campaigns
Whether you are a volunteer or part of a voluntary organisation, you can also find useful guidance from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).