Getting involved with a local charity or group and giving something back to the community has a number of benefits. You can make a huge difference to the lives of people involved, while learning new skills and developing existing ones at the same time. It’s a great addition to your CV as well. Best of all, volunteering needn’t cost you a penny! All you need is a bit of spare time and the ability to commit.

There are a countless amount of community groups in the Salford area which cover a range of causes. Here are a select few that I’ve found to consider getting involved with alongside your studies.

Foodbank

Salford Central Foodbank, Christ Central, Mocha Parade, Salford, M7 1QE
0161 637 4500  info@salfordcentral.foodbank.org.uk

Salford Foodbank gets emergency food to local people in crisis. Whether you take on the part-time role of a warehouse volunteer or choose to meet clients face-to-face while helping out at the centre, you will help to make a real difference to those in need.

RSPCA

RSPCA Manchester & Salford Branch, 565 Wilbraham Road, Manchester, M21 0AE
0161 882 0680 rspcamcr_salford@btconnect.com

https://twitter.com/rspcamcrsalford/status/754351343557611521

Although based in Manchester, the Manchester & Salford branch of the RSPCA covers the Salford area and rehabilitates and rehomes cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. If you’re an animal lover, you could lend a hand at the various organised events or volunteer at one of their four shops.

Emmaus

Emmaus House, 101 Fitzwarren Street, Salford, M6 5RQ
0161 737 8279 info@emmaussalford.org.uk

Emmaus is a homelessness charity which provides more than just a bed for the night. You could help locals in need by volunteering in one of the two Salford based shops or by applying for vacancies relating to e-commerce and more.

Samaritans

Manchester & Salford Samaritans, 72-74 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 5NH
0161 236 8000 jo@samaritans.org

Again, based in Manchester but covering both Salford and Manchester, this charity offers a listening ear to anyone who is struggling to cope. You could offer your support by training as a listener or by getting involved with admin roles, publicity, fundraising and more.

Talking Newspaper

St. George’s Resource Centre, Cromwell Road, Salford, M6 6SB
0161 736 8670 admin@salford-talking-news.org.uk

Join a dedicated team of volunteers to help compile a weekly audio round up of the local news suitable for blind or partially-sighted individuals. There are both speaker and admin roles available.

I’ve recently started lending a hand with this organisation by volunteering as a speaker and I’m enjoying the experience. It relates to my course, has helped to improve my confidence and I’ve already met a range of people.

Being There

Being There Salford, Langworthy Cornerstone, 451 Liverpool Street, Salford, M6 5QQ
0845 123 2329 salford@beingthere.org.uk

Being There supports local people affected by cancer and other life-limiting illness. Volunteers are essential in doing this and you can get involved as a home-support volunteer, fundraising volunteer or transport support volunteer.

Women’s Centre

Halton Bank, Langworthy Road, Salford, M6 7AB
0161 736 3844 salfordwomenscentre@yahoo.co.uk

The centre offers a friendly, relaxing and supportive environment for women in the area to focus on their personal development. They are always after new volunteers and work to find a suitable role based on your personal interests.

Mind

Mind in Salford, The Angel Centre, 1 St. Philips Place, Salford, M3 6FA
0161 212 4880 info@mindinsalford.org.uk

Mind in Salford aims to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and mental health of local people. By getting involved with this charity, you will gain valuable experience of working in a mental health setting. You could help with admin, fundraising, advocacy and more.

Sea Cadets

City of Salford Sea Cadets, The Old Boatyard, Old Boatyard Lane, Worsley, Salford, M28 2WN
0161 793 7981 salfordseacadets@yahoo.co.uk

As long as you’re aged over 18, you can get involved with Salford’s unit. If you’re enthusiastic and want to help train young cadets or can apply business skills to assist the management team, then there is a role for you. You will be supporting local young people and gaining externally recognised qualifications.

Charity shops

Popping down to a nearby charity shop and simply asking if they need an extra pair of hands can be very valuable. There are many in and around Salford, such as The Extra Care, Scope and British Heart Foundation. You can improve your retail skills while helping a variety of people at the same time.