Find your perfect mix of volunteering outside and at home with online Virtual Volunteering.

These self-led roles allow you to choose when, where and how you volunteer. They are supported with downloadable 12-week schedules that you can use to help plan your volunteering activity.  Our self-led volunteer roles have been developed to meet the requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award Scheme.

Virtual Volunteering FAQ

Q: Should I use my own social media account for these roles? 
A: We prefer that you use an existing account and promote YHA on social media as yourself.  If you need to make a new social media account for this role, we will provide guidance on how to avoid the appearance of an official YHA account.

Q: Do I have to start the self-led volunteering activities right away or can I wait a few weeks?
A: Our Self-led roles are ongoing opportunities that you can join and start any time you like.  We do recommend that you join the opportunity as soon as you can, so you can get all the information and updates, then you can get started with the activity when you are ready.

Q: When I join the opportunity it asks for a level 1 referee - what is this? 
A: We ask all volunteers to provide a referee - a level 1 referees is a very low level check.  Our system automatically emails your referee a link to an online form with 8 basic questions - most of these questions are multiple choice and can be done very quickly.

Q: I am 13 years-old and doing my DofE Bronze award, can I volunteer with you?
A: Our minimum age for volunteers is 14 years old.  You can register as a volunteer with us if you are 13 years-old, but you cannot join an opportunity, or start volunteering, until you reach its minimum age requirement.

Q: My opportunity says the last day is 28th Febuary - Is this the last date to sign up or when volunteering ends?
A: Neither, the opportunites are ongoing!  Please ignore the closing date for these roles.  This is just to help our internal reporting.

Q: I want to volunteer for longer than 12 weeks, can I do that?  
A: Yes, absolutely. The 12-week plans are a guide only. If, for example, you are volunteering for DofE Silver and Gold, you can take on multiple roles, repeat roles or take on longer projects to reach the duration of volunteering desired.

Q: Can I visit a YHA hostel as part of my Virtual Volunteering? 
A: Yes you can. Please email [email protected] for more details and to arrange.

Q: What kind of content can I create outside? 
A: It’s up to you! You can create anything that helps to spread YHA’s message. Utilise the countryside and communities near you and your local YHA hostel. Please take a look at the 12-week plans (links below) for more ideas!

12weekplan-SocialMediaVolunteer.pdf 12weekplan-VirtualFundraisingVolunteer.pdf 12weekplan-VolunteerVideographer.pdf