Volunteering opportunities during Covid-19
Opportunities for community volunteering
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have come together to support our local communities. As the situation in the UK improves, local organisations and groups still need our help.
It's not always easy to know how to best use your time and skills to help others, so we have brought together a list of some of the organisations and roles in Coventry and Warwickshire that you might be able to support. There are countless other opportunities out there, so do let us know if you come across any that we might be able to share here.
NCVO have put together some helpful guidance on volunteering in the Covid-19 context, which you can read on their website.
“At times such as this, it is more important than ever for us to work together with our regional neighbours and partners as a single community. All of our staff are working differently now and for some of us, this may present the opportunity to volunteer amongst our community.
On this page, you can find links to formal voluntary positions – please take a look through the opportunities available to you and follow the instructions regarding applications. Thank you for supporting our community by considering becoming a volunteer.
We’d love to hear what voluntary activities you’re involved with – find out how you can help us to share good news at this difficult time.”
–Vice-Chancellor Stuart Croft
Available volunteer opportunities
Help out your local foodbank
The Trussell Trust network of food banks operate across the UK. Find your local food bank and their contact information on this interactive map and offer to volunteer.
Pack food parcels for your local community food hub
A network of community food hubs has been set up across the city to support those who are struggling to afford food. They need volunteers to help pack food parcels and assist with other administrative roles.
For more information about the service, visit the Coventry City Council website. There is an interactive map that you can use to find contact information for your local Food Hub, or you can express an interest to the Community Engagement team via email (community@warwick.ac.uk) to be put in touch with a coordinator.
Have a phone conversation with someone who's shielding
Warwickshire CAVA are looking for volunteers who can make befriending calls to people who are shielding. Click here to register.
Browse opportunities listed by Voluntary Action Coventry
Voluntary Action Coventry have a searchable database of volunteering opportunities they're aware of in the city. You can find it here.
Drive a van for a local homelessness charity
Coventry Cyrenians urgently need volunteers with a UK driving license to collect and distribute donations. Duties include: collecting donated clothing, furniture and household items from the local community. Flexible hours to suit from a half day a month up to a few days each week.
Apply at the bottom of the Coventry Cyrenians volunteering webpage here.
Give blood or plasma to the NHS
If you are in good health, giving blood can support your community during this time of need. Extra measures have been put in place to help protect donors and staff from the spread of Covid-19. You can read more about how to become a first time donor here.
Register your willingness to volunteer with Coventry City Council
Coventry City Council invite you to read their guidance and then complete their offer of help form, so they can contact you if a local group needs support. They also have a map of groups and organisations that you could support. For more information, visit their website.
Join the West Midlands Police family
West Midlands Police are always looking for more volunteers to join them in various roles and will help link you up other local groups they know may need some support. Have a look at their website and email volunteers@west-midlands.police.uk.
Befriend an older person and help tackle social isolation
Good Neighbours Coventry was founded in 2016 to provide friendship and social activity for older people in Coventry. They offer friendship and support to over 50s in CV1-CV6 who are feeling lonely or isolated through telephone befriending, pen pal befriending and home befriending visitors (when it is safe to do so).
More information is available on their website along with a link to a volunteer sign-up form
Contact us
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Community Engagement team on community@warwick.ac.uk
For Students
Have a look at Warwick Volunteers' list of organisations that need your help.
Please note
We are providing this information to you in good faith and make every effort to keep it accurate and up to date but we cannot guarantee this.
Some of the information provided is by third parties and may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for this content.
It is your responsibility to check the accuracy of the information before use and to satisfy yourself that the information is correct.
The University of Warwick will not be responsible for any volunteering opportunity or role you choose to undertake and it is your responsibility to ensure it is appropriate and safe.