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
Crafternoon: Create Cultural Bookmarks for Young People
14/10/2026 | 14:00 - 16:00
Join us to make bookmarks for young peopleOur very popular crafternoon event returns! Last year, we created cultural bookmarks for a children's reading charity called Doorstep Library and we asked UCL students to create a bookmark based on their culture. We want to celebrate the diversity in UCL as well as providing value for children.
Volunteering
Big Help Out: Paint Planters and Share Stories with local older people!
15/10/2026 | 10:30 - 14:00
Come along and help brighten an older people's residence, whilst making intergenerational connections!Brighten up a local sheltered housing scheme and make a meaningful difference in the community surrounding UCL East. Join fellow students to paint outdoor planters, helping to create a more vibrant and welcoming space for residents.
Volunteering
UCL East Welcome Crafternoon
20/10/2026 | 12:00 - 15:00
Join Us for a Crafternoon with SapphireTake a break, get creative and make something meaningful at this special Crafternoon at UCL East.During the session, you’ll create positive affirmation cards for young people and friendship cards for refugees and asylum seekers supported by Sapphire.These handmade cards will provide encouragement, positivity and a sense of connection to people who may be…
more
Last updated 1 month ago