Volunteering with YHA
Have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV, give something back and even travel.
YHA was built by volunteers. Together we work to help improve the health, wellbeing and life chances of all, but especially young people facing adversity and challenges.
Becoming a YHA volunteer opens doors for everyone. It’s a chance to gain experience, develop your skills and make new friends — all while having a positive impact on those who need our support most.
Ways to volunteer
Thinking of giving it a go? Great! YHA has plenty of volunteering opportunities in the UK to get involved in.
Volunteer at a hostel
Join a working party
Roll up your sleeves and help us with painting, decorating, cleaning and more. It’s a great way to meet new people and develop your skills.
Help with gardening
Our gardens and grounds need care and attention most of the year. If you’re new to gardening, we can show you how to do the tasks involved.
Manage a hostel
Some of our smaller hostels have volunteer managers. They provide a warm welcome to guests and help keep these very special hostels open.
Complete your DofE
YHA is an approved provider with the Duke of Edinburgh Award, offering Gold residentials and regular volunteering.
Volunteer remotely
Support YHA outside and at home by volunteering online. These roles are self-led so you can choose when, where and how you get involved.
Guide us on our journey
Our Trustees support YHA on a voluntary basis, guiding our charity’s direction, with input from our youth advisory team.
Volunteer as a group
Help us make a difference
YHA has youth hostels in busy cities, tranquil countryside and coastal locations across England and Wales.
Our properties offer a place to stay, a warm and safe welcome, accessible and flexible accommodation, activities and education packages. Best of all, we are open to everyone — whatever their age and wherever they are from.
As a YHA volunteer, you’ll support young people to experience some of the country’s great landmarks and sites of interest. You’ll help give them life skills like travelling independently and working as a team, inspiring them to aim high.
Benefits of volunteering
Volunteering with YHA is a great way to learn new skills, give something back and see different places.
Develop your skills
Whatever your age, volunteering gives you the chance to learn new skills and discover new things about yourself too.
To make sure you feel supported, we give all volunteers a nominated contact (line manager) who will guide them during their time with YHA.
We’ll also provide an induction and any training required to deliver the role.
Boost your CV
Volunteering is great work experience. It shows employers that you are self-motivated and can work in a customer-focused environment as part of a team — all great material for answering interview questions.
You can also use YHA as a reference. So whether it’s a new job or more education on the horizon, we’re happy to tell employers, colleges and universities how you’ve helped us.
Travel to new places
YHA appreciates the time and support given by our volunteers. To say thanks, many of our volunteering roles include free accommodation at our hostels across England and Wales. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the local area in your free time too.
We’ll also help with travel expenses while you’re volunteering and offer discounted meals while you’re on shift.
Meet new people
YHA is made up of brilliant, dedicated people. As a volunteer, you’ll get to meet other amazing people who have dedicated their time and have great stories to tell.
With YHA, you’ll also develop your personal skills such as independence, self-confidence and communication skills.
Give something back
We are a leading social enterprise and a 90-year-old movement. A charity on a mission to enrich the lives of all, but especially young people.
We couldn’t do it without our volunteers and love to recognise the great things they do. You could be nominated for our HEART awards or long service awards.
Help drive YHA forward
If you join our youth advisory team or become a YHA Trustee, you’ll provide direction and leadership to YHA.
We value personal expertise and lived experience as well as technical expertise and career history. We believe that diversity makes us a stronger organisation.
Help and FAQs
Frequently asked questions
If there is something you’re unsure of about volunteering with YHA, take a look at our frequently asked questions.
Get in touch
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Please contact our Volunteering team directly. We’re always happy to help.