Our doors are always open. Like other organisations and charities, we have a large and vibrant volunteer base. We have a proud tradition as a voluntary organisation.
Our volunteers are vital to us and give their time to make a difference in their communities.
Volunteers are at the heart of our work, and are vital to supporting the growth of adult education across England and Scotland. From organising courses through our branches and Scottish local associations to supporting our learners in the classroom and helping to find and share good new stories from across the WEA.
We currently have around 750 volunteers who take on a variety of roles for us. Our volunteer roles match your skills, interests and personal development goals.
Are you passionate about plants, wildlife, and community? We're looking for Gardening Volunteers to help maintain our beautiful WEA gardens in Brighton, Kilmarnock and Southampton.
Why join us?
Tasks you can get involved in:
All you need is an interest in gardening, good communication, and a team spirit!
As a WEA story club volunteer, you will play a key role in celebrating WEA’s Year of Reading by bringing people together to share a love of books and reading. Working with a WEA tutor, you will help facilitate a welcoming and inclusive book club for WEA members, encouraging lively discussion, community building, and a passion for lifelong learning. This volunteer role is ideal for someone who enjoys reading, values diverse perspectives, and wants to help others connect through literature. You’ll help WEA learners and members grow in confidence, develop communication skills, and discover the joy of reading together. Your support will create a welcoming space where participants feel included, valued, and inspired to share their ideas, making a real difference to their learning journey and wellbeing.
Being a story club volunteer includes:
Please complete the webform below to register your interest with the volunteering team.
Our learning hub at Whitehawk Inn is due to open soon.
We'd love to hear from people in the Brighton and Hove area who would like to support the running of the hub. We will have lots of volunteer roles to chose from focusing around the centre itself. Including welcoming learners, supporting learners in the classroom and connecting us the the wider community.
We're collecting expressions of interest using right now, using the webform below.
We're looking for volunteers to help us create a welcoming and friendly environment for attendees at our coffee mornings by greeting guests, making refreshments, and supporting the smooth running of the event. You’ll be supporting WEA and helping WEA learners by reducing isolation, encouraging social interaction, and supporting wellbeing—making their welcome experience enjoyable and inclusive.
Our coffee mornings run on a Tuesday.
Tasks include:
1. Welcome and greet attendees warmly as they arrive.
2. Prepare and serve tea, coffee, and light refreshments.
3. Keep the refreshment area clean and tidy throughout the session.
4. Engage in friendly conversation with attendees to help them feel included.
5. Assist with setting up and clearing away tables, chairs, and equipment. 6. Report any concerns or issues to the event organiser.
Contact us about this volunteer role by using the webform below.
Volunteering alongside the course tutor, support workers and other volunteers, we would like you to help engage and encourage students in their studies. You will be based at our partnership venue both in the classroom and also with students over their lunch break. Your role is vital in making learners feel welcome and empowered, helping them navigate daily life and participate more fully in society.
1. Helping students understand, appreciate and enjoy the topic
2. Supporting and encouraging students in the classroom, either 1:1 or in a small group
3. Helping students to record their learning and develop their study skills
4. Assisting with the set-up and running of activities
5. Provide feedback and support to help learners improve their speaking skills
6. Encourage participation and interactions among learners
7. Buddy with learners over breaks to help them around the building
I enjoyed meeting WEA staff and learners who were all very positive and welcoming. I felt valued and supported and found the whole experience really interesting.
WEA Volunteer Moderator
Interview with Andrew Cole of the WEA Walthamstow branch
When did you start volunteering at the WEA?
I joined in 1999.
What is your background / story and how did you come to volunteer for the WEA?
I worked as a health journalist until very recently. I’ve always had an interest in the local history of Waltham Forest and wanted to discover more about it. In 1999, I joined a course on industry in the Lea Valley being run by Jim Lewis (broadcaster, researcher, author) and haven’t looked back. I have attended nearly all of the evening classes run in Walthamstow since then!
What is your role within the Walthamstow branch, and what does this involve day to day?
I have a dual role where I am Class Secretary, and Chair of the branch.
The role of Class Secretary involves lots of administration and logistics related to organising and confirming new courses, liaising with tutors, registering learners and obtaining feedback, as well as sourcing venues for courses.
As Chair of the Branch, I am involved with the rest of the committee in making more strategic decisions, such as choosing the right courses and tutors, and planning marketing strategies for social media and communication to generate interest in the courses. We currently have eight people on the committee, and we meet bi-monthly.
The Walthamstow branch was officially set up in 2005. I became Class Secretary in around 2010, when Eric stopped attending evening classes and then Chair in 2012 when he sadly died.
What courses / activities are available at the Walthamstow branch?
We run two courses each year on the theatre and local history:
We also run social activities each summer; we ask the local members what they want to participate in, then organise events based on their interests. In the past, we’ve organised visits to Neasden Temple, Docklands, National Gallery, Walthamstow Wetlands and Highgate cemetery among many others. We try to keep the branch diverse and open to all.
What has been your experience of volunteering at the WEA so far?
It has been interesting taking part in most of the evening classes and being involved in the social activities. There is always a lot to learn on different topics. I developed an interest in the houses on my road and their surprising history – which I would not have done if I hadn’t been part of the WEA. I also helped form the Wanstead Flats history working group, part of the Leyton and Leytonstone Historical Society.
What are the benefits of volunteering at the WEA?
It’s great to be part of an organisation that’s socially aware and committed to supporting adult education, and truly believes that learning is for life!
One young woman who so warms the hearts of so many in and around York is twenty-two-year-old Beth Cameron.
Last year, Beth began volunteering for the Families Get Active (FGA) project, which the WEA runs in conjunction with Sport England to help families find ways to get fitter.
Prior to this, Beth had a job in retail while doing graphic design at the University of York, having previously completed a level 3 digital marketing apprenticeship before going to university.
On the FGA project, she created graphics and posts for social media and other outlets and helped promote free workshops aimed at empowering people and increasing self-esteem. ‘Working with such an amazing team of people who are so passionate about helping others has been such a great opportunity,’ Beth said, ‘It has really boosted my confidence and developed my skills.’
WEA project lead Rebecca Rowan told us: ‘Last year this young lady started as a volunteer with us on FGA and through the project we have been able to provide her with many opportunities to showcase her skills and build her confidence. How she has developed over the last year has been phenomenal.’
Now Beth, who has been promoting her talents via @bethjcreate on Instagram, is ready to start a new role at Mind, the mental health charity, where she will be creating graphics and marketing material for the charity's team in York.
She told us: ‘A few years ago I wouldn't have had the confidence or skills to be able to do this, I thank the team on the Families Get Active project for not only being so welcoming and for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do, but also to develop. It has been so great to work on a project that's had such a positive impact on so many people's lives, and I'm going to carry this mind-set through the rest of my career.’
Complete the register your interest form below and we will be in touch with our current volunteer opportunities!
If you have any questions about any of the volunteering roles, or volunteering with us in general, please drop the team a line at [email protected].
