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
Reading Borough Council are looking for a team of volunteer stewards for both Reading Children's Festival: Forbury Fiesta on 10 May and Reading Water Fest on 28 June. Volunteers will support their Events Team to help welcome visitors and manage the visitor flow. You may be assigned to a particular activity such as a workshop, or to a specific zone.
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
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.
Marvellous Festival returns to Dinton Pastures on 19 & 20 July. They’ve got lots of roles including customer service, queue management, wrist banding, litter picking, stwards, big kids village, campsite and car park marshalling from Friday through the weekend and even on Monday. In return they have lots of rewards. Whether you like working solo or in a group, there’s something for everyone.
East Reading Festival returns on 22 June 2025. It's a free community-focused event, with a music stage, spoken word/poetry stage, a funfair, a small food court with a variety of different cuisines and a wide range of community, charity and commercial stalls. They're looking for volunteers and committee members, as well as anyone else who'd like to get involved
Reading Comic Con returns on 11 May 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.
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: