Categories > Guides and Tips
Make a Difference: 11 Community-Focused Volunteer Programs in Aberdeen You Need to Check
- Aberdeen Cyrenians
- Aberdeen City Council Volunteer Network
- RSPB Scotland – Aberdeen Nature Reserve
- The ARCHIE Foundation
- Friends of Hazlehead Park
- Community Food Initiatives North East
- Somebody Cares Client Services
- Maggie’s Aberdeen
- SSPCA Drumoak Animal Rescue Centre
- Transition Extreme Sports
- CLAN Cancer Support
Although I don’t have as much free time these days, I still try to give back to my community by supporting local charities and centers whenever I can. That’s why I’ve put together a handpicked list of some of the best volunteering opportunities in Aberdeen.
Whether you’re interested in supporting those affected by cancer, assisting with food security efforts, or getting involved in local environmental initiatives. So, get your advocacies ready and let’s dive into how you can start making an impact today!
Aberdeen Cyrenians
Media Credit: aberdeencyrenians
Address: Unit 6, Crombie Road
Contact Information: 0300 303 0903 or [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9am to 4pm
- Friday: 9am to 3pm
Mission: To combat homelessness and support vulnerable populations
Established in 1968, the Aberdeen Cyrenians is a local charity and social care services provider that supports individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, abuse, and tough times in general.
They’re always on the lookout for more volunteers, so if you’ve got some time to spare, there are plenty of ways to help out, whether it be full- or part-time.
Depending on what suits you best, you could get involved with street outreach, be a friendly companion for someone who needs it, help put together fundraisers, handle some office admin, or pitch in at the food bank.
Aberdeen City Council Volunteer Network
Media Credit: aberdeen_cc
Address: Aberdeen City Libraries, Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct
Contact Information: 03000 200 292
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday: 9am to 8pm
- Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Mission: To engage citizens in making their communities stronger through active participation
If you’re not quite sure where to kick off your volunteering journey, the Aberdeen City Council Volunteer Network is a great place to start. Their goal is to connect people who want to get more involved in local organizations and meaningful opportunities.
You could jump into community projects like neighborhood clean-ups or working in community gardens. If support services are more your thing, there are roles where you can assist the elderly or help people with disabilities.
Apart from that, there are also opportunities related to arts, culture, and the environment with supporting local conservation efforts or assisting in local cultural festivals and events.
RSPB Scotland – Aberdeen Nature Reserve
Media Credit: rspb
Address: 2 Lochside View, Edinburgh Park
Contact Information: 0131 317 4100 or [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5:30pm
Mission: To protect and conserve wildlife habitats in and around Aberdeen
Volunteering with the RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, is perfect if you’re passionate about protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats.
You can get hands-on with habitat management, path maintenance, or tree planting—ideal for anyone who loves being active outdoors. If you’re more of a social butterfly, there are visitor engagement roles where you can lead tours and chat with guests about the wildlife and ecosystems.
For the science-minded, wildlife monitoring lets you track species, record data, and assist with research projects. All said, it’s a great place to learn, share your passion, and make a real impact on the environment.
The ARCHIE Foundation
Media Credit: thearchiefoundation
Address: Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, Westburn Rd
Contact Information: 01224 559559
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Mission: To improve the lives of sick children and their families
For those with a special place in their hearts for young children’s welfare, health, and well-being, volunteering at The ARCHIE Foundation is a meaningful way to give back to the community.
The foundation primarily focuses on young patients at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, but also makes efforts to support other healthcare facilities in the area.
Whether you prefer hands-on roles such as helping organize and run events or working offstage through administrative work, there’s a place for you.
Friends of Hazlehead Park
Address: Hazlehead Park, Hazelhead Ave
Contact Information: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Saturday and Sunday
Mission: To keep public spaces beautiful and accessible for everyone
Friends of Hazlehead Park is a close-knit bunch of volunteers with a huge passion for keeping Aberdeen’s green spaces, especially Hazlehead Park, looking stunning and welcoming for everyone.
If you’re someone who doesn’t mind getting a bit muddy, this is right up your alley! Volunteers help with everything from maintaining paths and sprucing up gardens to boosting local biodiversity through hands-on projects.
Beyond that, there are plenty of chances to support fun events, fundraising activities, and even some behind-the-scenes work for those who prefer organization and planning.
Community Food Initiatives North East
Media Credit: cfineabz
Address: The Simmers Centre, 2-4 Poynernook Rd
Contact Information: 01224 596156
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm
Mission: To provide emergency food supplies to those in need across Aberdeen
Volunteering with Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE) is a great way to make a real difference for people facing food insecurity in Aberdeen. They run services like food banks, mobile pantries, and community food outlets.
As a volunteer, you’ll get to assist in packing food parcels, supporting food drives, or helping out in the community kitchen, there’s always a need for volunteers.
If you’re not into working directly with food, no worries. You can also help with deliveries, assist in the warehouse, or even lend a hand with marketing and events.
Somebody Cares Client Services
Media Credit: somebodycaresscotland
Address: Wellington Circle, Altens
Contact Information: 01224 460700 or [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Mission: To provide food, clothing, and furniture to vulnerable individuals and families
What started as a small charity in 2002 has grown into a vital resource, helping vulnerable individuals and families across Aberdeen through donations and the hard work of volunteers. With so much to be done, there are plenty of ways to pitch in.
If you enjoy working in smaller teams, helping with deliveries could be a great fit. For those with retail experience, you might want to get involved in managing the charity’s furniture and clothing services, helping to sort and organize donations.
Maggie’s Aberdeen
Media Credit: maggiesaberdeen
Address: Westburn Rd
Contact Information: 01224 645928
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Mission: To ensure no one faces cancer alone
Maggie’s Aberdeen is all about providing support to people at every stage of their cancer journey, whether it’s through therapy, financial help, support groups, or just being part of a strong community.
Volunteers can get involved in many ways—whether it’s greeting visitors, explaining what the center offers, or helping out with fundraising activities and events that raise both awareness and crucial funds for the center.
Under the radar, there are also roles in admin and community outreach, so there’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to give back and be part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives
SSPCA Drumoak Animal Rescue Centre
Media Credit: official_scottishspca
Address: Aberdeenshire Scottish SPCA Rehoming Centre, Drumoak, Banchory
Contact Information: 0300 099 9999
Operating Hours: Daily: 1pm to 4pm
Mission: To rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and mistreated animals in the region
Volunteering at the SSPCA Drumoak Animal Rescue Centre is a rewarding experience for those passionate about animal welfare. You’ll get hands-on experience caring for animals, maintaining the facilities, and supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
For younger volunteers, the center also offers a youth volunteering program for those aged 14-16, giving them a chance to get involved in animal care from an early age.
Behind the curtain, there are also opportunities for administrative support, event coordination, and fundraising. Regardless, it’s a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of rescued animals.
Transition Extreme Sports
Media Credit: txclimbing
Address: Links Rd
Contact Information: 01224 626279
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 12nn to 10pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Mission: To support youth development through sport and outdoor activities
If you’re passionate about sports and want to make a difference in the community, volunteering at Transition Extreme Sports is a great way to engage with young people through urban sports.
Whether you’re into wall climbing, skateboarding, or other extreme sports, there are coaching opportunities where you can share your skills with kids and teens of all levels.
In addition to this, there are also opportunities in event coordination, administrative work, and fundraising initiatives, if you prefer helping through back-end work.
CLAN Cancer Support
Media Credit: clancancersupport
Address: Clan House, 120 Westburn Rd
Contact Information: 01224 647000
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm
Mission: To provide emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer in the north of Scotland
Volunteering with CLAN Cancer Support is an impactful way to make a difference for people affected by cancer in North Scotland.
Whether you’re supporting individuals during their treatment or helping to promote physical activity through their MoveMORE program, there are a variety of ways to get involved.
It’s also a rewarding option for those who want to commit to a long-term volunteer role, as CLAN offers regular training and support to help you grow in your position.
