Does anyone do any volunteering in London?

[FelixFelicis6]

If so, where?

I work full time 9-6 during the weekdays but happy to commit each week for a few hours. When I last looked I couldn’t see a great deal around that I think would suit me. I’d like to do something directly engaging with people rather than back office admin type of thing (although that is obviously v important too). I think I looked on the Mayor’s website for volunteering (forgotten name) and Do It. Weirdly there was a lot for a charity which helps sexual offenders which didn’t really appeal personally!

Previously I’ve volunteered for a week at a time at a Vitalise holiday home centre - which gives people with disabilities and their carers a welcome break. This was both very rewarding and I hope did some good. But I’m looking for something regularly and for a few hours each time really.

Ideally not looking for volunteering with children either (again no offence )

If you volunteer, what do you do and can you give me any good ideas on how to get started?

Museums like Imperial War museum , galleries, National Trust, English Heritage all have volunteer schemes.

The Social Mobility Foundation takes people who have professional careers - finance, science, engineering, law, medicine etc - and matches them with high potential A-level students from disadvantaged backgrounds. You can do a lot online or over the phone but can meet them especially in large cities (they'll sort a DBS). It's a few hours a week early on and then less later in the academic year. You help them through deciding uni courses, careers, UCAS etc.

I know they're technically children, but they're usually lovely, thoughtful, intelligent near-adults.

Both interesting ideas, thank you! Please keep them coming!