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About volunteering

What is volunteering?

Volunteering is about giving your time to a good cause. You don’t get paid, but you do get the chance to use your talents, develop new skills, and experience the pleasure that comes from making a real difference to other people’s lives, as well as your own.

Who can do it?

Anyone. Whatever your age, background or work experience, you will have a skill someone needs. No matter how busy you are, there will be something you can do. It can be trickier to find volunteer roles if you are under 16, but not impossible. Just ask us.

A volunteer serving tea in the café.
Among many possibilities, volunteers run the Over 60s Café in Thornbury Town Hall.

What can I do?

Anything. (Almost.) More than 100 different volunteer roles are available in Thornbury and its surrounding area. Everything from driving to gardening, befriending to administration, fundraising to shop work. There’s something for everyone.

Worried about risk or liability?

We will do our best to ensure that we signpost you towards organisations with appropriate insurance cover and safeguarding procedures to ensure that your volunteering experience is happy and healthy

Volunteers collecting furniture for resale.
Volunteers collecting furniture for resale at the Multiple Sclerosis People’s Help charity shop

How do I do it?

There are many ways to get in touch with the Volunteer Centre and find an opportunity that inspires you.

You can contact us by phone or email or drop in to the office for a face-to-face meeting where you can talk through your thoughts and needs with a Volunteer Co-ordinator.

You can browse a range of opportunities or register as a volunteer straightaway.

Want to find out more?

See our our Frequently-asked questions (FAQ) page for more information or download (PDF) our leaflet about volunteering.

News & information

Swan charity

We are to be charity of the month during May at the Swan Inn. Many events are planned — details to follow.

Spring sale

Join us at our Spring Sale on Saturday 27 April at the Thornbury Methodist Church Hall.

Christmas tabletop sale

Our sale on 11 November was hugely enjoyable and financially successful.

Sources of Help booklet

Our invaluable guide to organisations that can help you in need is available online.

Discover your perfect volunteering opportunity

Contribute your time and skills to the local community.

Social media

We post details of new volunteering opportunities on and local groups.

Visit our page on X Visit our page on Facebook

Thornbury Volunteer Centre is a registered charity, number 1180775. The Town Hall, 35 High Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AR. Tel: 01454 413392. Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30-12.00. This site © Thornbury Volunteer Centre. Site design by Michael Quinion. Page last updated 10 Feb. 2024.