Volunteering opportunities

Supported by our friends at Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) and Partner organisations all over the greater Reading area, here's our list of current volunteering opportunities in arts, culture and heritage in Reading - from one-off projects to those organisations that are always happy to sign-up new volunteers!

Got a role you'd like to advertise? Email us with the details.

Voluntary roles from RVA

Berkshire Music Trust are looking for enthusiastic fundraising volunteers to help them at events and support the Berkshire Music Trust Bursary Fund. 

You’ll have the chance to get involved in a variety of activities, from helping at our own events (such as craft fairs) to supporting us at external events where we’ve been chosen as the charity partner.

Reading Mencap is currently looking for sociable volunteers at its Tuesday Gateway Club, Performing Arts group and monthly disco. You will be helping adults with learning disabilities who may not otherwise get the chance to take part in meaningful activities with their peers get the most out of the clubs. These clubs are based at Alexandra Road, Reading RG1 5PE. Contact Abbi, their clubs manager, at clubsmanager@readingmencap.org.uk for more information. All volunteers will be DBS checked.

Other volunteering opportunities

Shinfield Players Theatre is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with Front of House duties, including working behind the bar, serving in the coffee shop, selling ice creams and raffle tickets and helping in the box office. No experience needed, just bring a smile and some enthusiasm!

The Rising Sun Arts Centre is looking for passionate people to bring creativity, community, and culture to life. They are currently looking for people to join the following teams:

  • Bar Volunteers
  • Programming Volunteers
  • Graphic Design Volunteers
  • Sound Volunteers
  • Social Media Volunteers

There's more info on these roles on their volunteering page. To enquire or apply, email Larry Watson at larry.watson@risingsunartscentre.org or Barkha at reachinfoteam@gmail.com

Reading Comic Con returns on 30 November 2025 and there are a variety of different roles available again this year. As a Creed Conventions volunteer, you’ll get to be part of a large, friendly community of people who share a passion for all things SC-FI. There are no small roles and you will play a crucial role in helping create memorable and exciting experiences for fans of all ages. 

 

Caversham Community Café (3C’s Café) is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Café Assistant to join the team and help create a warm environment for customers, support kitchen operations, and assist with cashier duties.

Role & Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and assist with food and drink in the kitchen, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards
  • Handle front-of-house customer service, greeting guests, taking orders, and serving food/drinks
  • Operate the till/cash register, process payments accurately, provide change, and issue receipts
  • Ensure tables and dining areas are clean; wash-up and assist with basic kitchen cleaning tasks
  • Work as part of a small team, helping out wherever needed, with flexibility and a positive attitude

Skills & Qualities:

  • Friendly, polite, and customer-focused
  • Reliable, punctual, with good time-management skills
  • Able to work independently when required and as part of a team
  • Basic numeracy skills (for handling cash and till operations)
  • A willingness to learn food hygiene and safety procedures

Time Commitment:

  • Approximately 6 hours once per week each Tuesday - flexible depending on your availability

If this sounds like you, please contact info@3cscafe.co.uk, visit http://www.3cscafe.co.uk or drop by the café in person to apply.

Reconstruct, a service that supports children and young people in care, are currently recruiting for Independent Visitors. Volunteers commit to befriending a child or young person for a minimum of two years, spending 2-4 hours per month engaging in activities such as cinema trips, bowling, or simply enjoying time together. The role provides vital consistency and support to a young person who may not have a dependable adult in their life. Volunteers receive full training, expenses, and an activity budget.

ReadEasy do great work helping adults learn to read. Could you support local people to learn to read by using your skills, or developing your skills, as a: Publicity Organiser, Referrals Networker, Volunteer Recruiter, Fundraiser or as an Administrator? If so they would love to hear from you

The Welcome to Reading Ambassadors at Reading Station are looking for like-minded people to join them to help welcome visitors to Reading. Launched last July, the volunteer-led scheme provides a friendly welcome to visitors arriving by train and helps them with their onward journeys in Reading with local information and directions.

Organisations always on the lookout for volunteers

Volunteers make up such a key part of so many of our arts, culture and heritage scene. The following organisations offer lots of wonderful opportunities for volunteers and are always looking for new people to join them:

Become a school governor

  • Would you like to shape the future for the next generation?
  • Do you want to promote school improvement?
  • Do you have professional skills you can share?
  • Do you want to contribute to your local community?

School governors are the unsung heroes of our education system. They are one of the biggest volunteer forces in the country, working in their spare time to promote school improvement and to support headteachers and teachers in their work.

Cultural & Community Resources for Reading