Last Updated on 19 May 2026 by Dave King
Volunteering in Brighton is easy to get into if you know where to look. The city has a central volunteer matching service, several well-established charities that rely on volunteers, and regular one-off events like beach cleans that need no long-term commitment. The problem with most guides to volunteering in Brighton is that they list vague categories without naming the actual organisations. This guide gives you the names, websites and contact details so you can get started.
Table of Contents
Quick Reference Table
| Organisation | What they do | How to get involved |
|---|---|---|
| Community Works | Volunteer matching across Brighton, Hove, Adur and Worthing | Browse roles online |
| Together Co | Befriending, community connection, telephone support | Apply on their website |
| Impact Initiatives | Youth work, older people’s services, food projects, supported housing | Call 01273 322940 or visit their website |
| Community Base | Connects volunteers with local groups across Brighton and Hove | Call 01273 234000 or search roles online |
| Brighton Dome | Front of house, heritage and festival volunteering | Check their volunteering page |
| Samaritans Brighton | Listening volunteer roles | Call 01273 738115 or register interest online |
| Sussex Emmaus | Charity shop and warehouse support | Visit their website |
Where to Search
The single best starting point for volunteering in Brighton is Community Works. Their website lists current roles across Brighton, Hove, Adur and Worthing, and you can filter by type of work, time commitment and area. It covers everything from one-off beach cleans to regular weekly roles with local charities.
Community Base at 113 Queens Road (BN1 3XG) also runs a volunteer search service that connects people with community and voluntary groups. You can call them on 01273 234000 or browse their directory online.
If you are a student at the University of Sussex, the Students’ Union has a community volunteering page with roles advertised through the Sussex Career Hub.
Types of Volunteering
Befriending and community support. Together Co matches volunteers with people who are isolated or lonely. Roles include visiting someone at home, telephone befriending and group activities. All volunteers attend an induction at their central Brighton office, and most roles require an enhanced DBS check and two references.
Food redistribution and food banks. FareShare Sussex redistributes surplus food to community organisations. Several food banks across Brighton also need regular volunteers for sorting, packing and distribution shifts.
Youth work, older people’s services and supported housing. Impact Initiatives runs services across Brighton including young people’s centres, older people’s day centres and supported housing. Volunteer roles range from running activity groups to gardening, serving meals and helping with art sessions.
Arts and culture. Brighton Dome recruits Front of House volunteers who work alongside the events team. Volunteers can choose events that interest them and join on a seasonal basis. Brighton Dome is part of a wider network of Sussex Arts and Culture volunteers.
Listening and crisis support. Samaritans Brighton trains volunteers to provide emotional support by phone. They are currently considering applications for 2026. Call 01273 738115 or register interest online.
Charity shops. Sussex Emmaus and other local charities need volunteers for shop floor, sorting and warehouse roles. Many of Brighton’s charity shops welcome walk-in enquiries about volunteering.
One-Off and Short-Term Options
If you do not want a regular commitment, Brighton has plenty of one-off opportunities.
Beach cleans run regularly along the seafront and are the easiest way to volunteer without signing up to anything long-term. Sessions typically last two to three hours. Equipment is provided. Check Community Works or local Facebook groups for upcoming dates.
Festival and event stewarding. Brighton Festival, the Brighton Half Marathon and Pride recruit volunteers for roles such as front-of-house, marshalling and stewarding. Brighton Fringe has a volunteer mailing list for future opportunities, so check its volunteer page before relying on it as an active option. Larger events open recruitment months in advance and may require a briefing session beforehand.
Community action days. One-off group projects like park tidy-ups, community garden work and painting sessions are advertised through Community Works and local noticeboards.
These options suit visitors as well as residents. Most need no prior experience, just punctuality and appropriate clothing.
What to Expect
Most organisations follow a similar process: you apply online or by phone, have an informal chat or interview, attend an induction, and then start your first shift. Roles working with children or vulnerable adults require a DBS check, which the organisation handles.
Time commitments vary. One-off beach cleans are two to three hours. Regular befriending or food bank shifts are typically two to four hours a week. Festival roles are usually one or two days. Ask about expected hours before you commit so you know what you are signing up for.
You will not be charged to volunteer. Some organisations reimburse travel expenses. Check this when you apply.
FAQs
Where do I find volunteering in Brighton?
Start with Community Works, which lists current roles across Brighton and Hove. You can also contact Community Base on 01273 234000 or search their online directory.
Can I volunteer in Brighton if I am just visiting?
Yes. One-off beach cleans, festival stewarding and community action days are all open to visitors. These need minimal onboarding and typically last a few hours. Check Community Works for upcoming sessions.
Do I need a DBS check to volunteer in Brighton?
It depends on the role. Positions working with children or vulnerable adults require an enhanced DBS check. The organisation arranges this for you. Most one-off environmental or event roles do not require one.
How much time do I need to commit?
It varies. Beach cleans and action days are two to three hours. Weekly roles like befriending or food bank shifts are typically two to four hours a week. Event volunteering is usually one or two days. Ask the organiser about expected hours before you commit.
Is volunteering in Brighton good for my CV?
Yes. Many organisations provide references or certificates after sustained involvement. Regular volunteering builds practical skills like event coordination, teamwork and communication. Together Co and Impact Initiatives both offer structured roles with clear responsibilities that translate well to a CV.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering in Brighton is straightforward to get into. Start with Community Works to browse current roles, or contact Community Base, Together Co or Impact Initiatives directly if you know what kind of volunteering interests you. For one-off opportunities, beach cleans and festival stewarding are the easiest entry points. For regular involvement, befriending, food redistribution and charity shop roles are always in demand. Whatever you choose, the organisations listed here will walk you through the process from application to first shift.
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