IT’S NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK- a time to thank the millions of people across the UK who dedicate their free time to helping the vulnerable and those in need.

To celebrate we have rounded up some of the local places which are currently looking for volunteers.

From dog walking to telephone befriending, there truly is something for everyone on the list.

Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale CVS service

Communicars

Volunteer drivers are needed for elderly and vulnerable who have difficulty travelling via public transport.

These are just a few of the most common reasons for using Communicars:

  • Doctor’s appointments
  • Hospital visits
  • Dental appointments
  • Going to the hairdressers
  • Trips into town
  • Taking you shopping
  • Collecting your pension from the Post Office
  • Travelling to visit friends and family

Young Carers

Young Carers at BPRCVS is a project that provides a number of services directly to young carers in recognition of the hard work they do every day.

They provide young carers with regular breaks from their caring responsibilities and specialise in delivering long-term support to young carers aged 8-18.

Currently, they are looking for volunteers who can give up two hours a week to support these young carers and give them a break.

You can find out more about the volunteer opportunities over on their website.

Pendleside Hospice


(Facebook/ @PendlesideHospice)

Burnley lad and Radio 1 DJ, Jordan North, is a great advocate of Pendleside Hospice.

The hospice is now looking for volunteer drivers to deliver meals and conduct a welfare check on their clients.

Posting to Facebook, they wrote: “We are looking for volunteers who can spare us approximately 2 hours a day between the hours of 11:30am and 1:30pm over a 7 day week, particularly at weekends.

“You can assist us on 1 day or several days - it is up to you.”

If you wish to apply to be a Driver/Welfare Volunteer please complete our Volunteer Application form by following this link.

Blackburn Library, Town Hall

Love working with books and also doing some good with your time?

Blackburn library is looking for volunteers to help deliver library items to those in their community who are unable to access the service because of poor health.

Volunteers will be helping to provide a service to home library service customers.

All volunteers will be required to provide two character references and successfully complete an enhanced DBS checks prior to starting their role.

You can apply online.

Keep Blackburn tidy

Litterpicking is a classic volunteer opportunity which also allows you to keep your local community looking sparking clean.]

From litter picking a street or a local park, hundreds of Keep It Tidy volunteers are out and about making a real difference

To take part simply sign up as a volunteer and they will send you your own litter picking kit for you to get started straight away.

Litter picker, gloves, bags and lots more will all be provided.

You can fill out an application form online in order to take part.

Lancashire Police Cadet, Cadet Leader

(Facebook/ @Lancpolcadets)

This unique opportunity allows you to support young police cadets who are young people aged 13 – 18 years of age who meet weekly (term-time only) they are also involved in local community projects, fundraising and Princes Trust achieve programme.

The Unit meet at Burnley College on a Tuesday from 5 – 9pm.

This opportunity is subject to police vetting and to qualify you must have been a resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

There are plenty of volunteer oppourtunites across East Lancashire, including in locations such as Leyland, Blackburn, Nelson and Burnley.

Apply online.

RSPCA Lancashire East

Do you love animals but can’t commit to getting one of your own? Volunteering at an animal shelter is the perfect way to get your animal fix.

RSPCA Lancashire East is always looking for volunteers and you can find an interest form online.

You can volunteer to take some of the rescues for a walk- or you could even open your home to them and become a foster doggy animal parent.

Here are some of the volunteer activities you can partake in:

  • Dog walking 
  • Helping within the centre general animal care 
  • Fostering (see separate page)
  • Helping in the shops
  • Fundraising

A telephone befriender, Blackburn and Darwen

Sometimes, all people need is a friendly voice and a listening ear in order to feel better.

With this volunteer service all you need is a mobile phone.

They are looking or people who have excellent listening skills and enjoy a good old fashioned chat on the telephone.

You have to be able to commit to calling one, two or more people for up to a 40 minutes chat at least once a week, to see how they are doing, and to help reduce loneliness and feelings of isolation and reassure people in these difficult time.

This is strictly a telephone befriending service – in no circumstances should you visit your clients. This opportunity is subject to a DBS check. To qualify you must have been a resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

You will be also be required to complete Safeguarding Adults and Prevent online training and information regarding Data Protection.

Apply online.

A gardening club volunteer, Albion Mill Community Hub, Blackburn

Green-fingered volunteers will excel at this volunteer opportunity.

As a Gardening Club Volunteer you will be part of a team of volunteers and residents at Albion Mill Community Hub who develop a gardening scheme in the hub’s extensive grounds.

They are on the hunt for volunteers who love the outdoors and want to be part of this exciting project.

Feel free to apply online.

A digital buddy, Blackburn with Darwen

Digital Buddies is a new project linked to the Adult Learning provision in Blackburn with Darwen.

The aim is to keep help people with low-level skills or inability to use technology to become more digitally savvy.

his could include helping people who don’t have access to devices and connectivity to the internet. The digital buddy will help people use their device, troubleshoot any problems they are having with their equipment and generally help build their confidence with the device, using the internet or social media.

The centre base is at Bank Top Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Arthur Way, Blackburn, BB2 1QP.

Apply online if you want to volunteer.

A celebration for Lancashire's volunteers

To thank the county’s volunteers, Lancashire’s Volunteer Partnership is hosting a week of virtual celebrations for volunteers and community groups across Lancashire.

This will take place between June 1- June 7.

The celebrations include a virtual garden party, an online quiz, mindfulness sessions and more.

Julie Sumner, Manager at Lancashire Volunteer Partnership said: "We are celebrating National Volunteers' Week because it's an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the commitment of our volunteers, and their hard work, particularly over the past year during the pandemic.

"They have played a huge part in helping our communities cope with the consequences of coronavirus."

Find out more on their Facebook page.