Winter volunteering 2024
Looking to do some winter volunteering? This time of year makes us feel thankful for what we’ve got, and like we should give something back. This time of year can be a tough time for many, so there are lots of ways for you to give back this winter.
Volunteers are often busy or away over the festive period, so organisations may need more help than usual, or they may be looking for temporary support for the services they’re offering over the winter period.
Check out some of our winter volunteering suggestions!

Winter night shelters and homelessness organisations
Crisis works at Christmas and all year round to help people experiencing homelessness find their own stable home, as well as access education and training. Every Christmas, local volunteers come together to provide warmth, companionship and vital services to people experiencing homelessness at one of the toughest times of the year. In London, volunteering opportunities normally take place over multiple days and are based in community venues and hotels.
The Whitechapel Mission will be open this Christmas, and throughout the winter, to ensure that everybody in need of hot food, showers, clothing, advice and safety will have somewhere to go.
Citadel London is a new community support service designed to help end homelessness and make a real difference to the lives of those who need it most. Housing Justice are currently recruiting volunteers and sponsors across London and are reaching out to community groups with a similar passion for social equality.
Glass Door Homeless Charity could not operate their winter night shelters without the dedication of their night shelter volunteer teams who prepare and serve guests a healthy home-cooked meal, as well as making them feel welcome and safe. Volunteers also support Glass Door’s women’s group, partner drop-in centres and office, deliver donations, and help with translating. There may be opportunities for women to join their women’s night shelter volunteer teams; complete the form online and they’ll be in touch if an opportunity matches your availability.
Other winter night shelters: There are plenty more winter night shelters across London. Why not Google ‘Local winter night shelter near me’ and contact your nearest one to see if it needs volunteers this year?
Keeping warm
WrapUp London is collecting donated coats again this winter. They are looking for individual and family volunteers to help sort the coats into sizes, genders, and styles. Sorting sessions will continue until mid-December. If you’d like to get involved, please email wulvolunteers@handsonlondon.org.uk. You can find out more here, including where you can donate coats and how to get coats for beneficiaries.
Festive food aid and Christmas dinners
South London Christmas Dinners are looking for volunteers interested in hosting care leavers in need on Christmas day, decorating and supporting with social media.
Check out our food aid volunteering page for more. Many of the organisations mentioned there will likely need extra help during the busy festive period!
Combatting loneliness
Re-Engage is looking for volunteers to spend some time over winter to help with their Community Christmas project. This is a flexible, short-term voluntary role, based at home, where you make calls to the same older person over December. If you’re a good listener and able to make people feel at ease, this could be the role for you. Training and support will be given, and you can decide the best time for you to make calls.
Feeling inspired?
These are just a handful of ideas; there will be hundreds more projects and activities going on this winter in London’s communities.
Share your festive volunteering story and inspire others!
We’d love to hear the stories of those volunteers who have helped over the festive period before. Film a quick video message, dig out a picture and share them with us here.
Are you looking for winter volunteers?
If we can help share details of your winter volunteering opportunities, please get in touch hello@londonslifelines.org.