I honestly couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked this question. It comes up all the time — at talks, in passing conversations, in emails from people who’ve seen the project or read one of the stories. Sometimes it’s someone who’s just retired. Sometimes it’s a teenager doing their Duke of Edinburgh. Sometimes it’s a tired parent who just wants to do something meaningful with their one free Saturday a month. The question is always roughly the same: “Do you know anywhere I can volunteer… but just at weekends? And near me?”
It’s a fair question, and one I never get tired of answering. Because the short answer is yes. Yes, absolutely. There are loads of ways to volunteer in Buckinghamshire at the weekend. The long answer? Well, that’s a bit more interesting — and it’s why I’m writing this.
You see, volunteering — especially weekend volunteering — isn’t one-size-fits-all. It comes in all shapes, sizes, and energy levels. Some people want to be outdoors, getting muddy and doing something physical. Others want to chat, serve tea, or just be there for someone who’s feeling lonely. Some want to support a cause that’s close to their heart. Others just want to feel useful again.
I’ve been collecting real stories from volunteers across Buckinghamshire as part of a bigger project — photographing them, writing their stories down, capturing what it actually feels like to give your time. What I’ve found is that weekend volunteering is not only possible — it’s thriving. The opportunities are there. The people are needed. And honestly, if you can spare even two hours on a Sunday morning, someone somewhere would be incredibly grateful.
The thing is, most traditional volunteering is set up for weekdays. That’s just how things have always been done. Staff are working, offices are open, services are running Monday to Friday. But people still need help at the weekend. In fact, sometimes they need it more. For older people, weekends can be the loneliest time. For food banks and crisis support services, the work doesn’t stop just because it’s Saturday. And for people who work full-time or have midweek commitments, the weekend is the only time they can give.
So more and more organisations in Bucks are opening up weekend roles. And they’re not just doing it because it sounds nice — they’re doing it because they really need people.
Over the last year I’ve had the chance to speak to loads of local groups, and I’ve been amazed by the variety of things happening on Saturdays and Sundays. You’ve got people helping with woodland conservation, clearing footpaths, and planting trees. I met a woman who volunteers at College Lake nature reserve, just outside Tring. She started going on Sundays because she liked the idea of doing something “real” with her time. She now runs the volunteer welcome table and says she’s never felt more part of a community.
Then there’s the café-style volunteering. You’d be surprised how many community hubs are open at the weekend. I’ve worked with projects in Chesham, Aylesbury, and Milton Keynes that run Saturday drop-ins, Sunday breakfasts, informal mentoring sessions, you name it. They always need someone to help in the kitchen, make tea, or just sit with someone who needs to talk. One of the guys I photographed recently said the best part of his volunteering was “having an excuse to ask how someone really is, and stay long enough to listen.”
And then there are the drivers. Honestly, weekend drivers are heroes. Foodbank deliveries, prescription drops, shopping runs for people who can’t get out — these things don’t stop at 5pm on a Friday. Some of the volunteers I’ve spoken to say they love the routine of it. They know every back road in town now. One chap in Aylesbury said, “You get to be part of someone’s Saturday. You knock on the door and you’re not just delivering food — you’re delivering the sense that someone out there cares.”
There are also loads of youth-related roles at the weekend. I met a mum and her teenage daughter who volunteer together every Sunday with Chiltern Rangers. The daughter’s doing it for her Duke of Edinburgh, the mum’s doing it for a bit of peace from emails. They started off litter-picking and ended up leading tree planting. It’s noisy, muddy, and as they both told me, “completely addictive.”
And for those who like events, there’s always something. Parkruns. Community fun days. Local fairs. Fundraisers. One-off campaigns that need someone to hold a sign or hand out flyers. Even supermarkets doing food collections need people to help out. It might not seem like much — standing by a trolley with a polite smile and a leaflet — but for the organisations relying on that food, it makes a massive difference.
Now, one thing I get asked is where to actually find these roles. Not everyone knows where to look, and that’s fair. One place I always send people is Community Impact Bucks. They’ve got a great volunteering portal where you can search by your availability — including weekends — and by where you live. Honestly, it’s a bit of a treasure trove.
That said, don’t underestimate the power of your local town or parish council. They often know what’s going on locally before anyone else. And your local Facebook group? Surprisingly good. Type in “volunteering in [your town]” and see what pops up. It’s how I found out about a community café in Amersham that needed someone to wash mugs on Sundays. Doesn’t sound glamorous, but it’s the kind of role that keeps everything running.
Hospices and hospitals often need weekend help too — sometimes in their shops, sometimes at events, sometimes just on reception. Florence Nightingale Hospice in Aylesbury, Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes, Rennie Grove — they all have weekend roles that make a real difference. And even the supermarkets themselves — Tesco, Waitrose, Co-op — often host donation weekends and need people to help run them.
To bring this to life, let me share a few real snippets from people I’ve met.
Karen in Wendover volunteers at a community allotment every Saturday. She said, “It’s basically weeding and making tea. Best therapy I’ve ever had.”
Mo in Milton Keynes can’t run anymore, but she still does parkrun every Saturday. As a marshal. “I still see everyone,” she said. “I cheer them on and I’ve made mates I’d never have met otherwise.”
Ellie in Amersham started volunteering with her teenage daughter. “It’s noisy, it’s messy, and it’s brilliant,” she told me. “She gets her volunteering hours, and I get a break from my laptop.”
And Raj in Aylesbury? He delivers food parcels every other Saturday. “The stories I hear make me feel more connected to where I live,” he said. “Plus, I know every shortcut in town now.”
Now if you’re thinking about volunteering for the first time, especially at the weekend, here’s what I’ll say. Don’t overthink it. You don’t need loads of training to start. Most places will guide you. You might not love the first thing you try — and that’s okay. You’re allowed to find the right fit. But once you do, you’ll see it’s not just about giving your time — it’s about gaining something too. Confidence. Community. A reason to get out of the house. And yes, often biscuits.
The final thing I want to say is this: Don’t wait for the perfect role. It doesn’t exist. Volunteering isn’t about ticking every box. It’s about showing up. One Saturday. Two hours. Something close to home. That’s enough.
And if you’re reading this and thinking, “This all sounds great, but I’ve got no idea where to begin” — get in touch. I’ve built a good network of people and organisations across Bucks who are doing brilliant things, and chances are I can help point you in the right direction. Whether you’re in Aylesbury, Wycombe, Milton Keynes, or standing somewhere on a muddy path in the Chilterns wondering where all the volunteers are — I promise you, there’s a space for you.
Someone out there could use your help this weekend.
And chances are, they’re nearer than you think.
