Create real impact by volunteering in Liverpool at these 10 sites
I got into volunteering after uni, mostly to fill some spare hours, but it quickly turned into something I genuinely looked forward to. Because in Liverpool, giving a bit of your time just feels like the right thing.
In fact, you see it everywhere—people running food drives, neighbours helping out at the local shelter, or students mucking in on community projects. It’s not flashy, it’s just how we are.
And, if you ever thought about getting involved but don’t know where to begin, this is where this guide becomes useful. This will show you how easy it is to start, and where your time and energy can really make a difference.
1. Whitechapel Centre
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Website: http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk/
Location: Langsdale St, L3 8DT
Contact: +441512077617
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you’ve ever walked past someone rough sleeping in town and felt helpless, volunteering at The Whitechapel Centre is a way to do something.
They’re one of Liverpool’s leading charities, offering everything from a safe place to grab breakfast and a shower to long-term support for people trying to get back on their feet.
As a volunteer, you can help with morning drop-ins (like tea, toast, and warm conversation), assist in the laundry room, sort clothing donations, or even help with administration if that’s more your speed.
Most volunteering here occurs in the mornings, especially from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, but there are other shifts available as well, depending on the role. They also give proper training, so you’re not thrown in the deep end, and there’s always staff around to support you.
Pro Tip:
If you’re volunteering early, there is usually free street parking available before 10 AM near Everton Park. Wednesday shifts are less hectic, making them perfect for first-time volunteers.
2. Liverpool Green Volunteers
Media credit: friendsofprincespark
Website: https://volunteeringlcr.org
Location: 151 Dale Street, L2 2AH
Spending a morning outdoors cleaning and giving local spaces a bit of love is one of the simplest ways to make a difference in Liverpool.
These cleanups occur throughout Liverpool in green spaces like Princes Park, city streets in Toxteth, or even overgrown alleyways behind terraced houses in Kensington.
In this kind of volunteering, what you’ll actually do depends on the day. It could be litter-picking, planting wildflowers, repainting benches, or weeding community gardens.
Thankfully, groups like Liverpool Green Volunteers, Friends of Princes Park, and Keep Liverpool Tidy regularly organise events like this. In fact, they also often advertise on Facebook, Eventbrite, or the Liverpool City Region Volunteering Hub.
Moreover, most sessions run for 1-2 hours, typically on weekend mornings, and you can just drop in. Some locals even show up with their own litter pickers, but most organisers bring extra gloves, bags, and gear.
Pro Tip:
I recommend bringing your own reusable water bottle and decent gloves (the free ones tend to rip easily when weeding or dealing with brambles). And after a cleanup, you can grab lunch at Bundu Khan or Big Taqueria on Lodge Lane.
3. RSPCA Liverpool
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Website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/local/liverpool-branch
Location: Higher Rd, L26 9TX
Contact: +441514861706
RSPCA Liverpool in Higher Road helps care for rescued cats, dogs, and the occasional rabbit or two who’ve had a rough start. So, tasks here are hands-on but easy—feeding, cleaning out kennels, doing laundry, or walking dogs who just want some company and a good sniff around.
But for those who prefer a less hands-on role, you can also help out in one of their charity shops around the big city by sorting donations, arranging displays, or chatting to customers to raise funds for the animals’ care.
Typically, volunteering shifts are during the day, and you’ll need to complete a brief form and attend an induction session. They also ask for a regular commitment—say, once a week—so that animals can become accustomed to familiar faces.
More than anything, you’ll be giving rescued animals some stability, even just for a few hours. For many volunteers, it has become a form of therapy.
Pro Tip:
After your morning shift at the Halewood Centre, I suggest popping by The Watering Can in Calderstones Park afterwards. It’s a 10-12 minute drive away and serves proper coffee and brunch in a lovely garden setting.
4. Asylum Link Merseyside
Media credit: asylumlinkmerseyside
Website: http://www.asylumlink.org.uk/
Location: St Anne’s Centre, 7 Overbury St, L7 3HJ
Contact: +441517091713
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
For something people-focused and genuinely eye-opening, Asylum Link Merseyside is one of the most rewarding places to volunteer.
Located away in an old presbytery on Overbury Street in Kensington, the centre welcomes asylum seekers and refugees who’ve arrived in Liverpool, often with nothing but hope.
On any given day, you might be chatting in English classes, helping out in the clothes room, or just offering a friendly face over a cuppa during the drop-in sessions.
Additionally, you could help prepare lunch for over 40 guests, sort toiletries, or assist with explaining the basics, such as how to access GP services or use a travel card. Most shifts occur on weekends, typically at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM, depending on the role.
Pro Tip:
After your shift, take a walk down to The Bagelry near London Road. It’s about a 10-minute stroll and perfect for a quiet bite after a busy morning. I recommend you try their salt beef and cinnamon rolls.
5. The King’s Trust
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Website: https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/
Location: Unit 203, The King’s Trust, Vanilla Factory, 39 Fleet St, L1 4AR
Contact: +44800842842
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Based right in the heart of Liverpool on Fleet Street, The King’s Trust (formerly Prince’s Trust) supports young people aged 11 to 30.
The organisation relies on around 9,000 volunteers across the UK. These volunteers work alongside over 1,241 staff to support people facing mental health issues, homelessness, and unemployment.
However, most of their mentoring and programmes focus on those aged 16 to 25, especially those who are struggling to find work, training, or simply their way forward.
These mentoring sessions usually tie into one of their core programmes. On “Explore,” you’ll support confidence-building through simple activities and regular chats. Meanwhile, their “Get Into” focuses on job readiness, like mock interviews, CV tips, and career advice.
There’s also “Enterprise Mentoring” for young people keen to start a small business, which suits volunteers with real-world experience.
Pro Tip:
I suggest you drop by their centre in person, as it’s the quickest way to learn about their mentoring roles. Staff sometimes flag opportunities that aren’t yet posted online. It’s also a great way to get matched faster and meet the team face-to-face.
6. Reach Volunteering
Media credit: reachvolunteering
Website: https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/
Contact: 0203 925 7721
Sometimes, the best way to give back is by doing what you already do best. That’s the idea behind Reach Volunteering—an online platform that connects professionals with charities needing specific skills.
When you sign up, you create a free profile outlining your skills—say graphic design, web development, HR, copywriting, or legal support. From there, you can browse live opportunities from registered charities, including many small organisations across Liverpool.
You can either apply directly or wait for charities to find your profile and send you an invite to connect. Additionally, most roles are remote or hybrid, as clearly indicated on each listing. Some might last a few weeks, while others are ongoing.
Either way, it’s all flexible, and you can choose what fits.
Pro Tip:
When browsing their website, I suggest you check in on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings. That’s when new roles usually go live. You’ll likely catch fresh opportunities before others do.
7. The Guild at the University of Liverpool
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Website: http://www.liverpoolguild.org/
Location: Students Union, University of Liverpool, 160 Mount Pleasant, L3 5TR
Contact: +441517946868
Even if you’re not a student, there’s still loads happening at The Guild (the University of Liverpool’s student union) that you can get involved in. They run year-round volunteer projects that link students and locals through hands-on work that benefits the wider community.
Depending on the season, you may find yourself planting bulbs in a community garden, packing food parcels, or mentoring local school children. They also have a “Give It A Go” series that is perfect for those who want to try something out without a big commitment.
Most of their projects are based in and around the Brownlow Hill campus, and they’re well organised. Students usually take the lead, but they love it when community members get involved.
Also, signing up is simple through The Guild’s volunteering portal. Plus, you’ll often get a quick briefing before your first session, so you know what to expect.
Pro Tip:
Volunteering slots at The Guild fill up fast, especially the “Give It A Go” sessions. So, I recommend dropping their team an email. They’re often happy to slot in community volunteers.
8. Liverpool Six Community Centre
Media credit: liverpool6centre
Website: https://liverpool6community.org.uk/
Location: 99 Queens Rd, L6 2NF
Contact: +441512601297
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
There’s no getting around it—Liverpool has some of the highest levels of food insecurity in the country. But the community response is just as strong.
Over in Everton, just off Queens Road, the Liverpool Six Community Centre is more than just a food bank. It’s a full-on support hub for families across North Liverpool. Run by Gerald Woodhouse and a small team, it offers meals, school uniforms, and crisis support under one roof.
So, a place like this is always looking for people to lend a hand since most roles involve packing food parcels, organising toiletries, or sorting donations. Some days are busier than others. Fridays and weekends tend to be more active, especially before match days, when donation collections increase significantly.
Pro Tip:
The L6 Centre gets busiest right before school holidays and at the end of the month, so you might wanna volunteer during these times. And if you drive, let the team know. They often need help with deliveries for elderly or disabled residents who can’t get to the centre.
9. Museum of Liverpool
Media credit: museumofliverpool
Website: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/museum-of-liverpool
Location: Pier Head, Mann Island, L3 1DG
Contact: +441514784545
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Right at the waterfront near Pier Head, the Museum of Liverpool tells the story of the city, its people, history, and proud working-class roots. But behind the scenes, it also runs a great volunteer programme that gives you the chance to get involved.
Most volunteer roles fall under the Visitor Engagement Programme. That could mean greeting guests at the door and answering questions in the gallery.
Aside from that, some tasks also involve helping out with events, workshops, and family activity days, especially during half-term and summer holidays when the place is buzzing with kids.
Volunteers also typically commit to one 3-to 4-hour shift per week and gain access to behind-the-scenes updates. Complimentary entry to other exhibitions within the NML group is also occasionally offered.
Pro Tip:
The Museum of Liverpool Cafe inside offers a 15% discount for volunteers. So, I suggest you stick around after your shift for a cuppa with one of the best waterfront views in the city.
10. St. George’s Crypt
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Website: http://www.stgeorgescrypt.org.uk/
Location: St George’s Church, Great George St, Leeds LS1 3BR
Contact: +441132459061
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
In the centre of Great George’s Street, St. George’s Crypt has been a lifeline for Liverpool’s most vulnerable since 1935.
Originally a place of sanctuary during the Great Depression, it’s grown into a vital community service. It offers food, clothing, emergency shelter, and emotional support to those living on the margins.
The people who come through their doors are often facing homelessness, addiction, or mental health struggles. Some have just been discharged from hospitals or released from prison, with nowhere else to go. That’s where volunteers step in.
Volunteering roles here vary widely. You might be setting up breakfast, serving an evening meal, or sorting through donations. They also run an outreach programme which sees volunteers heading out into the community, handing out drinks and essentials to people in need.
Shifts here run throughout the day, from early mornings (6 AM – 9 AM) to evenings (6 PM to 9 PM).
Pro Tip:
If you’re on an early morning shift, grab a coffee at Lovelocks Coffee Shop. It’s just a few minutes’ walk away from the Old Haymarket. It’s a proper local spot where other volunteers and Crypt staff sometimes unwind, especially after outreach.