Variety is the spice of life! We have a wide range of opportunities we can offer to Volunteers. If you’d like to help support YHA rest assured there’s something for everyone.

Our valued volunteers come from all walks of life and whatever your background and interests we’re sure you’ll enjoy your time with us.

Volunteering opportunities are open to anyone who wishes to give their time freely, and without payment to benefit other people, the community or the environment.

Hostel-based support

Many people volunteer to help at their local hostel and depending on the nature and location of the hostel Volunteers are able to help with:

• Reception duties, general upkeep and maintenance
• Gardening and Conservation work where grounds permit
• Organising events, including volunteer work parties and fundraising

Do it for Real Summer Camp

You can also volunteer for our Do It For Real summer camps (for 10-19 year olds). Looking after some of the day to day running of the camp, being a role model, getting involved with all the outdoor activities that go on, and meeting a whole new raft of friends are just some of things you’ll be involved in during the Camp.

National Office Support

YHA’s National Office is based in Matlock, Derbyshire and some of the volunteering activities include working on behalf of YHA and Administrative support, within Marketing, Membership and the Volunteering departments.

Professional Services

Are you an architect, lawyer, PR or marketing professional, youth worker, photographer, property valuer, teacher, surveyor, social worker, ecologist or Health and Safety professional?

The list of professional skills that YHA could benefit from is practically endless. If you would like to help in this way please let us know what skills you would be willing to share.

Voluntary Wardening

Voluntary Wardening offers opportunities for YHA members to run a Youth Hostel for a week. The small self-catering hostels open to Volunteer Wardens are in some of the most idyllic locations in the network.

Voluntary Wardens are responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the hostel during their stay. It can be hard work but incredibly rewarding.

To apply you’ll need experience of staying in small hostels and be willing to attend a weekend training course.

I’m a student, where do I fit in?

Work experience

We have a limited number of work experience placements each year. Placements are usually for one week at a hostel but if you live in the Matlock area, placements are also available at National Office.

International students

International Students are also welcome to apply for longer-term volunteering opportunities. If you’re interested please contact us and tell more about where and what you are studying and how long your overseas placement needs to be. Applications are only considered if you are on a recognised course and a good grasp of English is recommended.

Short projects

Throughout the year we can organise a limited amount of placements for young people undertaking schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award or Millennium Volunteers. Please contact us to enquire if there is a suitable opportunity for you.

Great, I’m interested what now?

In short, there’s something for everyone, where possible we try and match your skills with the needs of the hostel. You’ll appreciate this is not always possible, so if you come with an open mind, prepared to have some fun, meet new people and friends you’ll have a great time. We look forward to hearing from you.

To apply click here to be taken to our application page. Many of our Volunteer roles are subject to CRB checks, so please check at your time of application.