We’re always on the lookout for passionate people to add to our amazing volunteer crew. Not only would you be joining an awesome collective of over 10,000 volunteers state-wide, but by volunteering with us you’ll be growing the next generation of social justice advocates, and helping those in our community who need it most.
Volunteering with Vinnies offers you a wide variety of opportunities to get involved and provides great scope for personal and professional development. Read about these opportunities below and then select the programs you’re interested in when you complete our Volunteer Now form.
Home Visits
The simple act of visiting people in their homes is where Vinnies all began! It looks a little different today (sometimes we meet at a centre or parish) but the heart remains the same. It’s all about providing that ‘hand-up’.
Read more about Home Visits on our Conferences page.
To find out more, call or email your local youth team. Or if you’re ready to sign up, complete the Volunteer Now form and choose ‘Home Visits’.
Food Vans
Our food vans provide meals and refreshments to people in our major cities, many who are sleeping rough, homeless or lonely. Food aside, we find that the biggest impact is in the human interaction we bring.
“I am particularly passionate about our Food Van’s Services. This is because before my Vinnies volunteering I would see people experiencing homelessness and not know what to do. So, I joined Vinnies and underwent training for Night Patrols and Brekky Vans.”
– Marissa, Sydney Youth Representative 2020
Food Vans currently run in the following regions across NSW:
- Sydney (16 years min. age)
- Liverpool (part of Sydney) (16 years min. age)
- Parramatta now Greater Western Sydney (16 years min. age)
- Wollongong (18 years min. age)
- Woy Woy (16 years min. age)
Volunteers on Food Vans are all ages, not just youth. However, you can sometimes join a team with a local Youth Conference or Uni group.
For more information on the different Vinnies Vans operating in NSW click here.
Here’s a clip from the Melbourne soup van for an idea of what it’s like out on one of Vinnies Food Van Services:
Buddies Days and Teen Days
Buddies Days are where we take children out for a day of fun! Buddies Days are for children age 5-12 years, and Teen Days are for children 12-15 years. Buddies Day activities are things like sports days, crafts days, ice skating and going to the zoo. Buddies Days aim to give children experiencing hardship a cost-free, safe and enjoyable day-out. Our trained and supported volunteers are positive role models to the children and participate alongside our children and young people, ensuring their day is both safe and lots of fun!
Children come onto the program via referral. Vinnies volunteers, other support services and school counsellors can provide referrals to Buddies Days.
Buddies Days currently run in the following regions across NSW:
- Greater Western Sydney (18 years min. age)
- Maitland/Newcastle (16 years min. age)
- Sydney (18 years min. age)
- Wollongong (16 years min. age)
- Wagga Wagga (16 years min. age)
Teen Days are run in the following regions:
- Maitland/Newcastle (18 years min. age)
- Sydney (18 years min. age)
- Wollongong (18 years min. age)
Requirements
To become a Buddies Day volunteer you just need to be over 16 and attend our Youth Program Training (please note that in Sydney you need to be 18 years of age and over – see above). All Vinnies volunteers aged 18 years and older are required to complete a Working with Children Check and National Criminal History Check.
To find out more, call or email your local Team – see the Contact Us page for details. Or if you’re ready to sign up, complete the Volunteer Now form and choose ‘Buddies Days’.
Homework Help
Homework Help offers homework and tutoring support for children who are experiencing disadvantage. Trained volunteers offer their time for regular tutoring. We also provide a program with a range of activities designed to promote the educational, social and emotional development of children, as well as a focus on self-esteem, and wellbeing. Children 5 to 15 years of age from families supported by Vinnies can be referred to a Homework Help program. The program is run in Vinnies offices, schools, Society Support Services such as crisis accommodation centres, or local libraries.
Homework Help currently runs in the following regions across NSW:
- Sydney (18 years min. age)
- Wagga Wagga (16 years min. age)
Requirements
You don’t need to be a teacher to volunteer on Homework Help! We’ll provide you with training and ensure you’re matched up with children appropriate to your skills. Homework Help volunteers must attend our Youth Program Training, and all Vinnies volunteers aged 18 years and older are required to complete a Working With Children Check and National Criminal History Check.
To find out more, or register to volunteer, get in touch with your local Youth team via the Contact Us page.
Green Teams
Green Team are run by young adults to support those in need within our community by helping with gardening work for those who are unable. Youth volunteers assist with gardening work and yard maintenance which may include pruning, weeding and planting. This also gives young volunteers an opportunity to sit with those being assisted to share stories and offer companionship to individuals who are feeling lonely, isolated or marginalised within their homes and communities.
Families and residences come onto the program via referral. The local Vinnies Conference and other support services can make a referral. Green Team activities take place on specified days and times that suit the client and volunteers.
Green Teams currently run in the following regions across NSW:
- Sydney (18 years min. age)
Requirements
To become a Green Team volunteer you must be 16 years of age and over and available to attend our Youth Program Training prior to commencement (please note that in some areas you need to be 18 years of age and over). Our volunteers receive extensive training and support.
To find out more, or register to volunteer, get in touch with your local Youth team via the Contact Us page.
“Vinnies was founded by a group of young people. You’ll be amazed by what you too have to offer in leadership as a young member, where it can take you and what you can learn along the way.”
Leadership Opportunities
Vinnies is on the lookout for young leaders! There are opportunities to join local, regional and state-level boards and committees. You can represent the voice of young people, help communicate our key social justice campaigns, or simply represent the needs in your local area.
Brooke Simmons (pictured above) was selected for the Emerging Leaders Program in 2018 and has since become the NSW Vice President, Social Justice on the NSW State Council in 2020.
If you’re interested in leadership, talk to your Youth Representative. You can find out who your Youth Rep is by emailing the Youth team in your region. Checkout the Contact Us page for a list of all regions.