Happy International Volunteer Day to all our volunteers.
Every month, around 120 people choose to join us to raise more funds, influence more decision-makers, and inspire more people to help ensure greater impact for children.
From our youngest volunteer, aged 14, to our oldest, aged 102, the reasons people choose to volunteer with Save the Children are many and varied. The reasons they stay – whether for a few months, years, or even decades – are just as diverse.
We want to thank every volunteer for choosing to stand with children.
What our volunteers say
We are delighted our recent volunteer satisfaction survey shows that over the last five years, scores for support and satisfaction have remained high and have increased this year compared to last:
97% of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied overall with their volunteering experience
An average score of 4.3 out of 5 for support
96% of respondents would recommend volunteering at SCUK to friends and family
A highlight of the annual survey is hearing from volunteers who share what they enjoy about their roles, here are a few of our favourite comments / quotes
I enjoy getting to know my local community as a result of being in the shop and serving regulars, as well as meeting brand new people every day from a range of backgrounds. I feel like it adds enrichment to my life
Shop Volunteer
It is a great way to build confidence in the workplace either as a person starting out or someone who has been out of the workforce a number of years
Shop Volunteer
Being part of a team with the same aims is very important
Fundraising Branch Volunteer
I really enjoy the experience ...and being part of something where you can make a real difference, not just to yourself and your own circumstances but the wider population
Parent Campaigner Volunteer
Read more about our volunteers and see some of our retail volunteers in action in this film.
What our volunteers help us achieve
Our community fundraisers and shop volunteers are set to raise over £10.5 million in 2025 as well as being our face in the community building connections with customers, donors and supporters. These funds have helped us reach 41.2 million children globally across 93 countries – to survive, to learn, to be safe, to simply be children.
Along with our Youth Advisory Board, Young Peacemakers, Speakers, Researchers, Ambassadors and Trustees, our volunteers have chosen to fight for the right of childhood.
Volunteers across the movement
Our volunteers are part of a bigger community across the world and in the UK. Save the Children UK works in partnership with local organisations and communities, working with local volunteers to create change that lasts a lifetime.
Volunteers like Welshy at our Smallshaw-Hurst Food pantry providing meals and cooking advice to the local community in Tameside, Greater Manchester. And volunteers in baby banks through the Baby Bank Alliance, which was co-founded by Save the Children to support the UK's 400+ baby banks, who ensure more babies and children have the essential items they need to thrive.
Feeling inspired?
