Volunteer at ELHAP and make a real difference
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”
Know us already? Apply to volunteer.
Have a Volunteering question? We might have answered it, here.
Volunteering at ELHAP is more than just giving back; it’s exciting, rewarding, and full of fun experiences! Whether you’re getting messy in the outdoor nature activities, getting creative with arts and crafts, or sharing laughs with incredible people, every day brings something new.
Even better? You don’t have to do it alone! Bring your friends along and turn volunteering into a shared adventure. You’ll meet new people, build lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories, all while making a massive difference in the lives of adults and young people with complex additional needs.
Beyond the fun, volunteering at ELHAP gives you real-world skills that stay with you for life. You’ll gain confidence, strengthen your CV, and enhance future opportunities, whether for university applications, career paths in teaching or healthcare, or simply finding purpose in meaningful work.
Perks! Every volunteer receives a free ELHAP T-shirt and a reusable water bottle – because heroes should stay hydrated and look the part.
Why Volunteer at ELHAP?
✔ Complete your Duke of Edinburgh Award Volunteering (Bronze, Silver, and Gold)
✔ Boost your CV and increase your employability
✔ Strengthen your UCAS application
✔ Gain valuable experience for careers in teaching, medicine, nursing, and social work
✔ Develop practical skills that benefit every aspect of life
✔ Find fulfilment and purpose in meaningful work
✔ Give back to your community in a real and impactful way
✔ Create inclusive and enriching experiences for everyone
If you’re ready to make a difference AND have an unforgettable time, ELHAP is the perfect place to start.
We understand that everyone has different commitments, which is why we offer a flexible booking system.
✔ Saturdays during term time (no need to commit every week)
✔ Weekdays during school holidays
✔ Pick morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions
This means you can volunteer around your studies, work, and personal life, while still making a real difference in the community.
Volunteering That Fits Your Life
At ELHAP, we believe every life has a purpose. That includes our service users, staff, and volunteers. Many who start as volunteers go on to become paid playworkers, continuing their journey in making a real difference.
Anyone can apply to be a volunteer, no previous skills or experience required! All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate.
If you work for an organisation and are interested in bringing a group of colleagues for a volunteering day, please contact fundraising@elhap.org.uk
How to Apply
Applying to become an ELHAP volunteer is easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Complete the Online Form
Start by filling out our simple online application form.
2. Vetting Process & DBS Check
Once we receive your application, we’ll guide you through the vetting process. This includes completing an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which is required since you'll be working near children. This will be paid for by ELHAP.
DBS checks can take up to two weeks during the summer, so please be patient while this is processed.
ELHAP follows NSPCC Safer Recruitment guidelines, meaning we take extra care to ensure a safe volunteering environment. This might take a little more time, but it’s all to create the best experience for everyone involved. We use Better Impact to manage applications and scheduling, making it simple for you to track your volunteering days.
3. Provide Two Referees
To ensure a safe and supportive environment, we ask you to provide contact details for two people who have known you for over two years (but are not related to you). These can be teachers, club leaders, employers, or other trusted adults.
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Yes! All volunteers receive an induction, training, and ongoing support to ensure they are comfortable in their role.
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Yes - come with some friends – you don’t have to volunteer alone (although it’s fine if you do as you’ll meet plenty of new people from all walks of life!). Volunteering is a great way to connect with others and be part of a diverse, welcoming community.
We also welcome corporate groups, school groups, and community organisations looking to make a difference together.
Corporate volunteering days at ELHAP are a fantastic way to build team spirit, step away from the office, and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities.
We offer meaningful, hands-on opportunities where your team can get involved in everything from improving our adventure play spaces to supporting creative and outdoor activities. It’s a chance to connect with your community, strengthen bonds within your team, and contribute to a truly magical place.
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Yes! If your circumstances change, you’re always welcome to return when you’re ready.
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If you have experience of working with children and or disabled people, that’s great but it is not required at all.
ELHAP is non-stop, but great fun and a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and make friends. You need energy, enthusiasm, the ability to work as part of a team, a great work ethic and a positive can-do attitude to ensure everyone is having the best time.
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Volunteering is a great way to gain the skills and experience needed to apply for a Playworker role once you turn 18. In fact, many of our Playworkers began their journey at ELHAP as volunteers — including our CEO and Deputy CEO! Most of our Casual Playworkers are currently studying at university or working in schools, and pick up shifts at ELHAP during the long summer, Christmas, and Easter breaks. They tell us it’s great to be able to plan their work in advance and fit it around their holidays and other commitments.
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If you are volunteering on our playschemes, you’ll help set up and tidy away activities and most importantly, join in the fun! You might accompany siblings of disabled children as they play a game, climb a tree in our woodland, zoom around the walkway in a shopping trolley, decorate a tree, create a new habitat for the huge amount of wildlife, or play hide and seek in the disco prison. You might even find yourself onboard our life-sized double-decker bus!
The list of adventures is endless – but your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to support our Playworkers in making sure every child and young person has the best time ever. And trust us – you’ll have a blast too!
Don’t worry! You’ll be supported every step of the way by our Volunteer Project Administrator, and during the playscheme, a Team Leader will be there to guide you and help make the most of your experience.
You can also volunteer to drive our minibus, fundraise or help with gardening and maintenance (this is more suited for larger groups).