What's a Big Help Out?

Big Help Outs are events where you can volunteer your time during an event or 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!
  • Explore new places around London
  • Make a positive impact in local communities
  • Volunteer your time without a long-term commitment
  • Start to gain valuable experience for your CV
  • Receive a certificate for taking part
  • Have your volunteering recognised on their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), if you complete 20 hours or more through our Big Help Outs programme.
  • 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.
  • 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: Support an Elder's Christmas Lunch
18/12/2025 | 9:00 - 15:00
 Join Us in supporting an Older People’s Christmas Lunch in Stratford Town HallThis festive event supports isolated older residents in our community by creating a warm and welcoming space to celebrate together. The lunches bring people together for great food, conversation, and companionship, spreading joy and connection during the holiday season.
Volunteering
Big Help Out: Film Screening Volunteering in Stratford
19/12/2025 | 15:00 - 19:30
🎬 Join Us for Film Screening Support with The New Black Film Collective in StratfordVolunteers will play a crucial role in the successful execution of a film screening in Stratford. Responsibilities include seating guests, supporting contributors, checking in attendees, preparing the screening space, and engaging during the Q&A session.
Volunteering
Big Help Out: Pop-Up Toy Shop at UCL Bloomsbury Campus
20/12/2025 | 10:00 - 17:00
Join Us for a Festive Pop-Up Toy Shop at UCL Bloomsbury CampusVolunteers will help bring the event to life by moving gifts from the storage unit, wrapping presents, greeting families, running arts and crafts activities with children and distributing toys to families.
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Last updated 2 weeks ago