Although it now seems an understatement, it must be said: 2020 has been a strange year. The outbreak and global spread of the novel coronavirus Sars-CoV-2 and the disease which it causes (COVID-19) have upended our lives in ways few of us could have imagined, let alone predicted. The economic cost has been enormous, the toll in human lives has been tragic, and healthcare systems around the world are struggling to cope and continue caring for people suffering from this illness as well as all of the medical issues which pre-existed COVID-19.

So much is happening in the regional, national, and global news. And yet, the most significant aspect of day-to-day life for many people is a crippling sense of sameness and powerlessness. Whether working from home, studying from home, writing exams and assessments online, or just beginning to take the first tentative steps back outside again, most of us have been living and re-living some variation of the same day for the past several months. Plans which seemed certain have been cast into chaos and uncertainty, work experience opportunities have been cancelled, and many people feel powerless to do anything to help.

All of these feelings are justified, and there are real mental health concerns at the best of times – even more so during a crisis like the current one. However, if you are just looking for a way to help, look no further. City’s Community Volunteering Service works with dozens of charitable and community organisations which have been active throughout the crisis – collecting and donating food to those in need, buying groceries for people who are self-isolating, telephoning and videoconferencing with elderly local residents who are now unexpectedly isolated in their homes.

This crisis has brought people together even as it has forced us apart for health and safety reasons. While it has understandably made many people feel helpless, the fact is that you can help – right now, today. It doesn’t matter whether you are self-isolating, or if you feel safe travelling out of your home to collect groceries and “care” packages for others who are self-isolating, we have volunteering opportunities for you to get stuck in with, to improve your local community, practice your skills, build your employability, enhance your certifications and add to your CV.

Colleagues at City are working on a range of programmes to help you make a difference, gain professional experience, and to help you remember that we really are in this together. Even in a time of self-isolation, you are not alone and your skills and enthusiasm are needed in the world around you. The information on this page is subject to change as new developments emerge, so please check back here for more information as time moves on. This page will continue to be updated with further details as additional programmes take shape and new opportunities arise.

For students who choose to volunteer during this time, City’s Community Volunteering Service is offering a certificate to help you demonstrate your contribution. From March 2020, all students who log time volunteering and have these records successfully validated by their volunteering supervisor will be eligible to apply for a City, University of London COVID-19 Volunteering Certificate. You can log time volunteering through opportunities you find here at http://volunteering.city.ac.uk, or through opportunities with which you are already engaged – you just need to register or log into your existing profile here.

Volunteering during COVID-19 Opportunities List (Updated as Opportunities Arise)

COVID Mutual Aid UK - Local organising to support the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is a group of volunteers supporting local community groups organising mutual aid throughout the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK. They focus on providing resources and connecting people to their nearest local groups, willing volunteers and those in need.

You can search the COVID Mutual Aid UK database to get connected with local chapters in your immediate area and get stuck in providing assistance as it is needed in your area.

British Red Cross Community Reserve Volunteers are a network of people ready to help in an emergency, supporting the community by sharing public health messages, safely connecting with others, and helping provide basic supplies.

When a crisis hits, members of the public are often quick to offer their support. Through community reserve volunteers, the British Red Cross can harness goodwill to help your community get back on track in emergency situations.

The British Red Cross is working with the authorities to support the COVID-19 response in the best possible way.

Online Volunteering with the UN - Change the world through online volunteering

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Online volunteering allows organizations and volunteers to team up to address sustainable development challenges – anywhere in the world, from any device. Online volunteering is fast, easy – and most of all, effective. When skilled, passionate individuals join forces online with great organizations working toward sustainable development goals, everyone wins.