Citizens Advice South Somerset is a local charity that provides free, confidential, advice to help people resolve their problems; we also campaign to change unfair policies that help cause these problems.

Volunteers are the life force of our organisation and without them we would not be able to deliver the level of service that we offer.  We have a range of volunteering opportunities available and if you want to know more please visit our website.

Yeovil Rivers Community Trust is a charity specialising in the restoration, preservation and sustainability of the rivers and streams in and around Yeovil. 

Volunteers are central to our work and we encourage the local community to get involved in our projects improving and restoring rivers, streams and ponds and the environment around them. Our aim is to create improved habitat for local wildlife and lovely spaces which can be enjoyed by the whole community, whether it is just sitting admiring the view or using them for recreational or educational purposes. 

During the pandemic, we have seen how engaging with nature and getting out into the Great Outdoors can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing.   We offer a range of volunteering opportunities and outdoor activities which include wildlife habitat enhancements, surveys, litter picking, wild flower planting, invasive plant species clearing, as well as organised nature trails, education events, and a whole lot more.  

Activities are available for everyone, irrespective of age, gender, ability, and it is a great way to get outside, meet people, to learn new skills/hobbies and to make a difference to our countryside. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you at one of our events.  

For further details please contact Lorne Thomson.

Since 1996 Carymoor has transformed 100 acres of capped landfill into a thriving nature reserve. Our nature reserve is the perfect place to connect with nature, learn new skills and to meet people. We use traditional conservation techniques to manage our reserve which help to boost physical and mental health, and to support wildlife on site.

Our visitor centre is surrounded by an orchard, wildflower and sensory gardens, and a vegetable garden, and our nature reserve has a mosaic of different habitats, including meadows, woodland and wetland.

ARK at Egwood CIC (Acts of Random Kindness) is an inter-generational therapeutic land-based day facility on 12 acres of land and woodland at Egwood, near Merriott. We offer a range of meaningful and purposeful activities and transferable life experiences, practical skills and support to improve health, wellbeing and opportunities for adults and young people, which includes horticulture/gardening, hedge-laying, animal husbandry, cooking/baking, creative arts and crafts and music.    

We also provide personal, targeted, cost-effective therapies, including counselling, nature therapy and equine facilitated therapy, helping those needing to be more active, overcoming trauma, physical recovery, or working through anxiety, stress or depression.

We want to provide an engaging environment to those needing support and reduce social isolation within our community; it is well documented that the outside space as well as being with other people can have a positive impact on mental health, confidence and self-esteem. We also provide day placements for young people in support of their education.

Egwood Field, Egwood, Merriott, TA16 5QN

Whatever your age, skills or interests, we can help you find a volunteering opportunity that’s right for you.

We have been providing practical support to the voluntary sector in Somerset for many years. Our aim is to inspire strong and sustainable communities through voluntary and community action.

We provide information, advice, training and support to charities and community groups across Somerset.

We represent the sector on strategic bodies, both at a District and County level.

We run the Volunteer Service for the county, inspiring people to get involved and make a difference in their communitites.

Community Connectors are members of the community who signpost and inform friends, family, colleagues and neighbours about how to access support groups, services and information that might help improve their health and well being.

If you would like to become a Community Connector, it is not about adding another job to your already busy day, but about using appropriate opportunities to inform people about the support that is out there.

Training for these voluntary roles is free and takes place throughout the year. For more information get in touch with Spark Somerset.

Ilminster Arts Centre at the Meeting House is a vibrant arts venue and cafe situated in the former Unitarian Church on East Street. It is fully accessible with it’s own parking, has many different activities and welcomes volunteers.

Are you 15 to 17 years-old? NCS is a 3-4 week experience that helps build your confidence and self belief so that you can take on anything in life. Live away from home, develop skills and meet amazing people. Food, accommodation and activities, all in for up to £50.

Safe Families for Children supports families going through difficult times, reducing the flow of children into foster care.

Partnering with local churches and other organisations, we care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society – children whose parents are struggling to cope.

You can help no matter what your skills! Volunteers choose how they give support, when and which needs they feel able to respond to. We provide training and guidance throughout – you are never ‘left on your own’.

For more information, see our website.

Scouting in East Somerset District is thriving, making an enormous difference to the lives of literally hundreds of young people, volunteers and our wider community.

East Somerset District is one of the largest Scout Districts in the UK. We have over 1,900 young people and over 800 volunteers.

We cover a large geographical area from Yeovil in the south to the village of Rode (north of Frome) in the North.

Fun and Adventure can be found in our Scout Groups up and down our District which includes Yeovil, Wincanton, Martock, Somerton, Bruton and Castle Cary.

Magdalen Farm near Winsham offers tranquil, accessible surroundings and a range of supported programmes for families.

Magdalen Farm is the place to come to learn a new skill or volunteer your support – as an individual or team.

Local people play a key role on the farm.  A team of growers volunteer alongside our horticulturalist in the gardens to keep a steady stream of fresh and delicious produce coming into the kitchen, and to ensure it is a first rate teaching environment. Other volunteers choose roles including essential maintenance jobs and nature conservation.

If you are interested in joining the Tuesday volunteers please contact Linzie on 01460 30144.

Volunteering with Somerset Wildlife Trust is a great way to use your skills and experience to make a difference for Somerset’s wildlife and, at the same time, a great way to spend time and socialise with like-minded people from across the county. Nearly four hundred people with a variety of interests, and from all walks of life, volunteer with us every year.

Our volunteer roles cover a range of areas and we have something that will suit a range of all skills and abilities; whether you want to get stuck into some practical conservation volunteering; would like to help in one of our offices or want to help us with a fundraising event.

NCVO champions the voluntary sector and volunteering because they’re essential for a better society.

Each day, millions of people make a difference through voluntary organisations and volunteering. Our vision is a society where we can all make a difference to the causes that we believe in.

We are committed to supporting, enabling and celebrating volunteering in all its diversity. Volunteering is someone spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone who they’re not closely related to. Volunteering must be a choice freely made by each individual.

We have a selection of resources to help you find a suitable opportunity.

Are you a problem solver, do you like a challenge? Could you use your life experience to help a child or young person having a tough time? For more information please contact Route 1 Advocacy. This volunteer role requires a criminal background check via the disclosure procedure.