Guest post by Dot Kirk-Adams
We are lucky in East Sussex to have so many brilliant young volunteers supporting local organisations and community groups. Volunteering can be more than just helping out – it’s about building skills, confidence, and community and maybe discovering what you’d like to do for in the future. It is also great experience to list on university applications and CVs! Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and feel more connected.
We spoke to young Youth Hub volunteers
In Heathfield, young leaders have been working on plans for the new Youth Hub which recently received a five-million-pound re-build. They steered this process, inputted into architect plans, room designs and helped to run a launch event with their local MP. For the people we spoke to, volunteering feels like a natural progression after attending youth clubs themselves. It’s an opportunity to give back, learn new skills, and make a real difference. But how do they find it?
Toby, 13:
“My role is to support the running of youth clubs for younger kids at Heathfield Youth Hub. I get involved with whatever needs to be done – helping with activities like cooking, making drinks, and talking to young people. I enjoy being around young people and helping them enjoy their time here.”
Morgan, 16:
“I like getting to help and support the young people in the same way that the current youth workers have previously helped me. It’s really helped me realise that I definitely want to be a youth worker in the future.”
Holly, 14:
“Coming to youth clubs myself made me want to help as a young leader. My favourite thing about volunteering is getting to know the young people and helping them. To anyone considering volunteering, I’d say: do it! It’s a great chance to learn new things.”
Where can you look for roles?
In East Sussex we have an online volunteering and activities platform called Tribe. Tribe has over 2,000 listings on there currently and it is free to use.
There are so many to choose from, you can be sure to find something that’s flexible that can fit around studies, jobs and other commitments.
Featured roles you might be interested in…
We have searched Tribe for some examples of great roles in different areas, including roles for under 18s. Take a look, you may be surprised at the choice in volunteering opportunities for young people across East Sussex.
Roles in Hastings
Roles for 18+:
- Age UK Befriending Volunteer
- Relevant Person’s Representative – supporting people to advocate for their care needs
Roles for 16+:
- Youth Work Volunteer, Youth Hubs
- Retail volunteer with Age UK (East Sussex-Wide)
Under 16:
Roles in Eastbourne
Roles for 18+:
Roles for 16+:
- Age UK Customer Service Assistant
- Retail volunteer with Age UK (East Sussex-Wide)
Roles in Lewes District
Roles for 18+:
Roles for 16+:
- Retail volunteer with Age UK (East Sussex-Wide)
Under 16:
(The Joff youth work roles)
Roles in Wealden
Roles for 18+
Roles for 16+:
(Heathfield youth work roles)
Roles for under 16:
Roles in Rother
Roles for 18+:
Roles for 16+:
Can’t see what you’re looking for?
There are hundreds more volunteering opportunities on Tribe across East Sussex.
While it can be daunting trying new things, volunteering has so many benefits for individuals (especially young people) and for our community. So if you’re feeling inspired, why not take the leap and make volunteering your New Year’s Resolution for 2026!
We’ve written a lot about volunteering so if you’re keen to find out more, check out past articles:
How to volunteer at your local library
Beachy Head Ambassadors to guide your visit to East Sussex’s iconic destination
Four East Sussex locals give us the low-down on volunteering
