Volunteering for 16-17sVolunteering for 16-17s
There are plenty of reasons why you should volunteer
You might be interested in volunteering so that you can kick start your career or you may be looking for guidance on how you can gain particular skills. Whatever the reason, we're here to give you the lowdown on the opportunities we have, the skills you can develop and the support you'll be offered.
Volunteering with Cancer Research UK can be a life-changing experience. As well as learning new skills it's a great way to meet new friends and an opportunity to discover new interests and talents. Volunteering can help you stand out from the crowd by gaining real life experiences that will build your confidence and that you can add onto your CV. But don't just take our word for it - you'll get to hear from other volunteers what they have got out of volunteering with us.
Whether you love being outdoors, dressing up in a pink tutu, or upcycling fabulous vintage clothes, there’s a volunteering role for you at Cancer Research UK.
Retail volunteering
About the role: With tasks ranging from developing social media content to creating eye-catching window displays, no two days are the same in our shops.
Develop your skills in: Customer service, decision-making, organisation, multi-tasking, communication, creativity, leadership, fasion sustainability, problem solving, visual merchandising, teamwork and finance.
Time commitment: Volunteering in our shops can fit around your other commitments. To get the most out of this volunteer role we suggest a commitment of six months as we believe this will give you enough time to pick up new skills to enhance your CV.
Event volunteering
About the role: Event volunteers are a vital part of our on-the-day event support team; helping to ensure the smooth running of our events and motivating participants to reach the finish line.
Develop your skills in: Organisation, communication, teamwork, flexibility, problem solving, time management, personal motivation/work ethic.
Time commitment: This role is perfect for someone who’s short on time. For just one day of volunteering, you’ll be helping us to raise vital funds for our pioneering, life-saving research. You can sign up for as many different event opportunities as you like and this will give you the chance to take on different roles on the day.
Current Schemes
Most of our volunteer roles are suitable for those under 18 years old. If you want to volunteer in one of our shops and are aged between 16-18, you must be on a recognised scheme. Don't worry there are plenty of schemes we recognise, such as:
- Duke of Edinburgh (UK wide)
- Caritas - Scottish Catholic Education Service (Scotland)
- Boys Brigade
- Welsh Baccalaureate (Wales)
- National citizen scheme (16+) (England)
- Industry Placements
- Probation Service
If your scheme isn't listed, then drop us an email at volunteerenquiry@cancer.org.uk. The Volunteering team will then be able to check if we're able to add your scheme onto our approved list.
Hear from Lucy, one of our award-winning volunteers
“Volunteering is such a unique feeling of achievement. You’re not just volunteering for your own gratification, but to help others and to make a difference to their lives.”
Lucy is one of our passionate volunteer fundraisers, dedicating her free time to support life-saving cancer research alongside her psychology studies at Queen’s University Belfast. “After losing many family members to cancer, my mum was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer. Determined to show my support, I started volunteering in my local Cancer Research UK shop on the weekends.”
Now a full-time student, Lucy volunteers tirelessly to organise and run large events to raise money and increase awareness of cancer. "In 2018 I hosted an Enchanted Ball and hoped to raise £10,000. By the end of the night, we’d received an incredible £14,000! This was such a special moment, and in recognition of the event I was presented with a Flame of Hope Special Commendation Award for Young Volunteer of the Year.”
Contact us
Contact us by email at volunteerenquiry@cancer.org.uk.