10 community organisations to volunteer for in 2026
From fighting food poverty to mental health support, here are some ways to give back this year
If you wish to give your free time to the community throughout 2026, we’ve collated some organisations across England who are seeking help this year.
Ramadan Tent Project
Originally an initiative founded by students at Soas University of London in 2013, the Ramadan Tent Project has grown to host open iftars for people across the country, regardless of faith. It is looking for volunteers to help at upcoming events this Ramadan.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association is one of the largest and oldest Muslim youth organisations in the UK. It runs community projects across the country throughout the year, including an annual litter-picking initiative, which attracted nearly 3,000 volunteers across 75 towns and cities on 1 January. The organisation is looking for volunteers to help with more community work over Ramadan.
The Open Kitchen
In an effort to tackle food inequality, the charity Muslim Hands has opened three permanent locations to prepare and distribute hot meals to unhoused and vulnerable people. The Open Kitchen is seeking volunteers in London, Nottingham and Manchester.
Sufra
Sufra is another Muslim-led food bank and community kitchen based in north-west London. The organisation is seeking volunteers for a wide range of community initiatives.
Himmah
Based in Nottingham, Himmah is a Muslim-led social justice organisation focused on food, education and racial inequality. Its initiatives include distributing school uniforms to low-income families and running a food bank. It is seeking people to pack and distribute food, and to help organise stock in its warehouse.
Sustainably Muslim
London-based Sustainably Muslim encourages Muslims to learn about and take care of the environment. The organisation runs gardening workshops for children and manages a community garden for local people. If you’re not based in London, it’s likely your town or city will have community gardens open to volunteers. If not, try setting up your own.
Muslim Youth Helpline
The Muslim Youth Helpline supports vulnerable young Muslims through confidential telephone helplines. Volunteers work on the helplines, similarly to organisations such as Childline where you receive thorough training to become a practitioner.
Supporting Humanity
Based in London, Supporting Humanity provides funeral, bereavement and mental health support to those in need, particularly older people. The charity is fully volunteer-led and has won various awards for its work. Voluntary roles include helping with the day-to-day running of services, working with its over-60s club and fundraising.
Herts Welcomes Refugees
Herts Welcomes Refugees is a Hertfordshire-based group that supports refugees and asylum seekers new to the country. The organisation is looking for a wide range of volunteers, including a treasurer and trained teachers of English for speakers of other languages. If you’re interested in volunteering to support refugees, there are many regional groups around the country.
Mend
Mend aims to engage and educate British Muslims to be more actively involved in media and politics. The organisation runs a range of regional working groups and lobbies for policy reform, media accountability and protections against Islamophobia. Find your local group on the Mend website.
