Volunteering in East Sussex is thriving. It happens in plain view – like in charity shops and at food banks – but it’s also often happening behind the scenes in informal ways, like when neighbours help each other out. Whether visible or invisible, it all matters. It all improves our communities and our lives.
Support for people wanting to volunteer
Find local volunteering hubs across Eastbourne, Lewes District, Wealden or look further afield in East Sussex or even nationwide to help you find the role that works for You!
Eastbourne
Volunteers Network CIC
Langney Community Centre
Etchingham Road
Eastbourne
BN23 7DX
Phone: 01323 763 762
Volunteers Network promotes volunteering and addresses disadvantage by collating and sharing a database of social support and volunteering roles available locally, holding regular drop-ins, attending various events and running campaigns. Volunteers Network also manages Pevensey Community Library, Langney Community Centre and produces the Eastbourne Voice newspaper. Services they offer include a befriending and a reward card for volunteers.
Lewes District
Havens Community Hub
2a Thompson Road
Denton
Newhaven
BN9 0RS
Phone: 01273 918 226
The Havens Community Hub is a Community Interest Company (CIC) aiming to inspire a new way of thinking about community projects, support and engagement along the Havens coastal stretch – Saltdean to Seaford and the surrounding towns and villages.
Email: havenscommunityhub@gmail.com
Visit the Havens Community Hub website
Lewes Coronavirus Volunteers
Phone: 01273 569 190
Lewes Coronavirus Volunteers is a volunteer run civic response group aiming to provide support to our community through the Covid-19 outbreak. The group’s key aim is to link those who would like help or support with those who are in a position to offer help or support.
Wealden District
Hailsham Volunteer Hub
Sheriff Place
Market Square
Hailsham
BN27 1AG
The Hailsham Volunteer Hub, a project of Hailsham Foodbank, brings local volunteering opportunities into one space. The Hub matches people who want to volunteer with volunteer opportunities within charities and community organisations in Hailsham and the surrounding villages. If you are an organisation looking for volunteers, Hailsham Volunteer Hub can help you put together role descriptions and help you with your search.
Visit the Hailsham Volunteer Hub website
Heathfield & District Volunteer Centre
73 High Street
Heathfield
East Sussex
TN21 8HU
The Heathfield & District Volunteer Centre (HDVC) is a charity that was set up in 2016 to meet the needs of local people and local charities. It aims to find the right role for those who want to volunteer and match that with the needs of local charities.
Visit the Heathfield & District Volunteer Centre website
Uckfield Volunteer Centre
79 High Street
Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 1AS
Founded in 1991, the Uckfield Volunteer Centre was set up to match individuals and groups with volunteering opportunities in our local community. The Centre works to raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering and improve the quantity, quality and diversity of volunteering in Uckfield. You can find out about becoming a volunteer, as well as how to find a volunteer to help your organisation.
Visit the Uckfield Volunteer Centre Volunteer Centre website
Hastings & Rother
Hastings Voluntary Action 
Jackson Hall
Portland Place
Hastings
TN34 1QN
United Kingdom
Tel: (01424) 444 010
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Rother Voluntary Action 
47 London Road
Bexhill On Sea
TN39 3JY
Tel: (01424) 217 259
Email: office@rva.uk.com
Volunteer Centre East Sussex
Volunteer Centre East Sussex
A partnership of 3VA, Hastings Voluntary Action and Rother Voluntary Action, also has lots of information on its website to help you get started.
Nationwide
Do IT.org
Through our technology people build meaningful connections, do good things, and feel healthier and happier as a result. We know people want to do things that improve how they feel but don’t always know where to go or what to do. So we’ve created a platform – to help them do things with purpose, and to help people discover their purpose – enabling a kinder world where social wellbeing is a priority for all.
Alternative Ways to find volunteering opportunities
- Contact your local village hall, community centre or information centre to find out what’s going on locally where volunteers might be involved.
- Keep an eye on your local paper for volunteering-related events and contact the organisers to see if you can join in as a volunteer.
- Think about what you’d really like to do as a volunteer and approach an organisation in your area of interest to see if you can create that role for yourself!
If you’re helping someone with additional support needs to find a volunteering opportunity, please read our Advice for Support Workers.
If you’re under 18 and would like more advice, see Volunteering for under 18s.
Support for local volunteer-involving organisations
If your organisation is looking for Trustees / Directors / Board Members we’d be happy to help you promote your roles. Please add your vacancy to our voluntary & community sector jobs page for free using our online form. We’ll also include your role in our weekly e-Newsletter, which is distributed to contacts across the area.
Volunteer Centre East Sussex, a partnership of 3VA, Hastings Voluntary Action and Rother Voluntary Action, also has lots of information on its website, including good practice around volunteering, advice on recruiting volunteers and best practice resources.
Local volunteer hubs can also help you promote other types of volunteering opportunities.
