Volunteer with OSH

Training in youth facilitation, trauma-informed practice, and safeguarding.

OSH felt great, it felt like family. They all made me feel really welcome. They never made me feel like I’m a stranger, even though I didn’t know anyone. They show me love. I haven’t had that feeling for a long time.”

— OSH Volunteer

From the very beginning, our volunteers have been at the heart of everything we do — creating safe, joyful spaces where young people can connect, grow, and lead.

Why Volunteer with OSH?

Volunteering with OSH is about more than giving your time — it’s about becoming part of a community.

At OSH, you’ll make a real difference in the lives of young refugees and people seeking asylum by creating welcoming, fun, and safe experiences.

Along the way, you will build meaningful relationships with young people and fellow volunteers, and grow your confidence, leadership skills, and experience.

You’ll also receive:

Travel expense coverage, so cost isn’t a barrier
Your official OSH Leader t-shirt
Support from dedicated Welfare Leads and Officers, plus regular team check-ins

Most importantly, you’ll be part of a community that values care, compassion, and leading with kindness.

As an OSH volunteer, you’ll gain:

Training in youth facilitation, trauma-informed practice, and safeguarding.

Real leadership experience on residential camps, and youth hubs.

Certificates and references to support your future goals.

Ongoing mentorship and support, with clear progression pathways.

Meaningful experiences that build confidence, skills, and connection.

Joining a diverse, welcoming, and passionate network.

Our Volunteering Roles

If your application is successful, we’ll invite you to an informal online interview so we

Our volunteering roles offer a meaningful opportunity for personal and professional growth. Through hands-on experience, training, and reflective practice, volunteers develop skills that are highly relevant to youth work, social work, education, psychology, community engagement, and leadership roles.

Many volunteers find that being part of OSH strengthens their confidence, deepens their self-awareness, and positively influences how they show up in other areas of their lives.

Residential Youth Leader

Plan and run activities and games during residential trips, supporting young people and helping create a safe, fun, and engaging environment.

Online Classes Volunteer

Support our online training sessions for LiTs by delivering maths and English classes. Sessions are fully designed in advance — your role is to deliver the content and support learners.

Activity Planning Support

Have ideas for activities or games but can’t commit to leading at residentials? Share activity plans with us in advance, and we’ll ask other leaders to deliver them during sessions or residentials.

Cycling or Camping Trips Volunteer

Support one-day or multi-day cycling trips or weekend camping trips with young people, helping ensure everyone has a safe and positive experience. For cycling trips, volunteers should be confident road cyclists. Experience as a bike mechanic, first aider, or ride leader is especially helpful (but not essential). Having a van to transport bikes or camping equipment, or acting as a safety vehicle, is a big bonus.

Youth Hub Leader

Support OSH hub sessions (weekly or ad-hoc) for young people aged 14–19 by helping create a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. Volunteers support check-ins, games, activities, trips, and shared meals.

New Volunteers & LiT (Leader in Training) Alumni Mentor (Residential-Focused)

Provide 2–3 hours of online support in the lead-up to a residential to help new or less experienced volunteers plan their activities and build confidence in their roles. You do not need to attend the residential to take on this role. This role is for experienced leaders who have supported at least 5 residentials (with OSH or elsewhere).

Workshop Facilitator

Deliver structured workshops to young people at residentials or hubs on agreed topics, using prepared materials or co-designing sessions with the team. You may also facilitate training sessions for volunteers on topics such as leadership, activity design, safeguarding, trauma awareness, team building, OSH values, or other relevant areas.

Other / Your Own Ideas

If you have a different skill or idea for how you’d like to support us, we’d love to hear it — we’re always open to new ways of getting involved.

Behind-the-Scenes Leader

Prefer leading behind the scenes rather than leading activities? Help the smooth running of residentials by supporting in the kitchen, setting up spaces, and assisting leaders with activity preparation. If you select this option, You will find a list of our residential dates and you can choose the ones you’re happy to lead on.

LiT Alumni Mentor (General)

Offer one-to-one or small-group mentoring to our LiT alumni, supporting them with job search, decision-making, and navigating life and opportunities in the UK.

Chef or Sous-Chef

Prepare and serve meals for large groups during residentials. This role is ideal for volunteers with experience cooking in kitchens or catering for groups, but interest and willingness to learn are equally welcome. We can support you to obtain a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate if you don’t already have one.

Lock-Up Support

Hold the key to our lock-up in Hornsey, North London, and open it for drivers on the first and last day of residentials. Support with stock management and help keep the lock-up organised and tidy.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR VOLUNTEERING JOURNEY WITH OUR SECOND HOME