Volunteer with us
All of our activities rely on time generously given by our brilliant volunteers, whether motivated by giving something back to the community, developing their experience or skills in a particular area, or wanting to be more connected and involved in their neighbourhood. In 2026, we had 87 active volunteers working across all our projects - some are befrienders, some help with baby bank sorting, others help with small repairs or running a creche, or even helping with staff interviews - there is something for everyone!
In 2025, our volunteers donated 1,701 hours of their time. They range in backgrounds from medical students to retired teachers. Nine of our current staff came to us through volunteering their time with Karis or having had support from us. We welcome feedback and input from our volunteer body into what we do and how we do it.
If you have as little as an hour or two a week free, and are interested in volunteering with a small, friendly team, there are a number of roles and activities we can offer.
Have a look through the different projects we run, fill out a volunteer form and get in touch with us to chat about what project or activities you might be interested in. We're happy to tell you more about the scheme and introduce you to what we do without you needing to make any commitment.
"Time for Tea – It is the kind of place I’d like to go to!! Warm, welcoming, and thoughtful every time. Seeing the lady I befriend has brought me such pleasure and enriched my life: she has an interesting life and we enjoy staying in touch in between the Sunday events."
Helen, Volunteer, Karis Befriends
Please do be aware that if you do decide you want to volunteer we will ask you to provide two references who can comment on your suitability for the role, and that certain roles may require a DBS check.
You can fill in a volunteer application form to tell us you would like to volunteer and indicate which of the areas we are currently looking for help with that you would be interested in.
Current volunteers can find other resources, including copies of our policies and procedures below.
"I think that if I had to make a choice as to who I would choose to do voluntary work for then it would be Karis. Having done voluntary work here and there for a few years now (since lock down) I can honestly say that people such as David and before him Edd, are great people to be around. Volunteering gives me the satisfaction that, although I am unemployed, like a lot of other very capable people, I can still be seen to be able to work."
Stephen, Men’s Space Volunteer
“I started volunteering at Karis after donating some items to baby bank. I’d seen a programme about Karis many years ago (Secret Millionaire) and was blown away by their work, but didn’t have time then to get involved. Five years ago I came and met Ruth (then Children and Families lead) and started volunteering at baby bank. I was immediately impressed by the time taken with each client even when things were hectic and stressful, and the compassion and love shown to people during some of their worst times. It’s been an amazing time being a very small piece of this part of Karis’s work and getting to know all the wonderful staff and volunteers who help to improve the lives of so many people around them, with humility, grace and kindness.”
Hannah, baby bank volunteer, 2026
Keep up to date
As well as getting involved directly in our work, having people who support us in prayer, share our work with others and stay up to date with what is going on is an enormous source of encouragement and helps to widen our support base.
If you would like to receive our newsletters and other updates please contact us.
Downloads - pdf
Volunteer guidelines
Volunteer agreement
Volunteer drivers - checklist
Volunteer expenses claim form
Volunteer travel allowance form
We're here to help
If you need anything more from us to help you share information about our work with others, please do let us know.
We'd also be happy to come and speak at an event you're organising.