What's a Big Help Out?

Big Help Outs are one-off events where you can volunteer your time during an activity designed to make a real impact in our local communities. Whether it's environmental clean-ups, crafting, cooking, or helping at community festivals, these events are a great way to give back, make friends, and be part of something bigger!

Why Get Involved?

Meet like-minded UCL students and have fun!
Volunteer your time without a long-term commitment
Have your volunteering recognised on their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), if you complete 20 hours or more
Explore new places around London
Start to gain valuable experience for your CV
Enjoy the mental health benefits of taking part in group activities, especially outdoors, and feel the wellbeing boost that comes from doing something with a social purpose.
Make a positive impact in local communities
Receive a certificate and a badge for taking part
No previous experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help out.

Support Available

We want to make it easy for you to take part in Big Help Outs. Here’s how we support you:

  • Travel expenses within London reimbursed – so cost is never a barrier. (For zones 1-6 in London).
  • Meet the team – you'll have the chance to meet fellow volunteers and a UCL staff member before the event
  • Travel together – a staff member will accompany the group to the Big Help Out location, so you won’t be going alone

Whether it’s your first time volunteering or you're just looking for something new, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Join The Community

Want to hear about the latest Big Help Outs and other one-off volunteering opportunities at UCL?
Join our brand-new Volunteering WhatsApp Community to stay up to date, connect with other students, and make sure you never miss out.

✨ Quick updates straight to your phone
✨ Be the first to know about new events
✨ Go along with other students to the same events
✨ Meet like-minded people and make friends while volunteering

Join the WhatsApp Community

Big Help Outs

Volunteering
Big Help Out: Spruce up a local Community Garden!
24/09/2026 | 13:00 - 16:00
Join us to give a well-used outdoor space in Newham a much-needed makeover for the local community!The Dockland Settlements is a London-based charity that supports disadvantaged communities in Newham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets by providing affordable childcare, sports, education, social activities, and community programmes.
Volunteering
Big Help Out: Hands-On Animal Care at Surrey Docks Farm
30/09/2026 | 13:30 - 16:00
Join Us for a Volunteer Day at Surrey Docks Farm – Animal Care & Horticulture, RotherhitheJoin fellow UCL students for a hands-on volunteering day helping with animal care and horticulture tasks at Surrey Docks Farm. Activities include mucking out stables, feeding goats and sheep, pruning hedges, and improving the farm’s gardens and paths.
Events & Activities
Speedfriending: Connect for Change
01/10/2026 | 10:00 - 11:00
Speed Friending for Social ImpactLooking to meet like-minded students and make a difference in your community?Join us for a special Speed Friending session designed to connect students who are interested in volunteering, community action, and creating positive change. Whether you're new to UCL or simply looking to expand your network, this is a fun and welcoming way to meet others who share your…
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Last updated 2 days ago