Volunteer With TOC
Share your skills. Support young people. Grow with us.
Join The Outdoor Collaborative and help create outdoor, photography, filmmaking and digital-learning opportunities for young people across Greater Manchester — in person or online, there's a way for you to get involved.
Why Volunteer With TOC?
Volunteering with TOC is a chance to make a visible difference while building your own confidence, skills and local connections.
Make a Direct Difference
Help young people build confidence, learn creative skills and connect with nature and their community.
Develop Practical Skills
Build experience in leadership, event support, youth engagement, photography or partnership development.
Strengthen Your CV
Gain practical charity-sector experience that can strengthen your CV, portfolio and future applications.
Join a Local Network
Meet volunteers, charities, schools and community organisations from across Greater Manchester.
Receive Recognition
Earn certificates and progress towards ambassador or leadership roles as you contribute.
Access Volunteer Benefits
Eligible volunteers may receive travel reimbursement, refreshments, DBS support and outdoor-brand discounts.
Choose How You Would Like to Help
You can volunteer with us in person, remotely, or through a combination of both.
In-Person Volunteering
Support activities and connect directly with young people.
Help participants use equipment, support group activities, assist facilitators, document sessions or help activities run safely and smoothly across our outdoor-learning, photography and filmmaking sessions.
- Support young people during outdoor and creative activities
- Assist facilitators with photography, filmmaking or practical tasks
- Help with registration, attendance and activity logistics
- Follow TOC's safeguarding and health & safety procedures
Approved travel expenses, refreshments on longer sessions, training and support, and — where a role requires it — a fully supported DBS check are all available to eligible volunteers. Some roles also offer up to 50% off with selected outdoor brands (availability varies).
Apply for an In-Person RoleOnline Volunteering
Use your digital and communication skills from wherever you are.
Help us tell TOC's stories, promote our projects and build relationships with organisations across Greater Manchester — flexible, remote roles with hours to suit you.
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Social Media Volunteer
Turn project updates into posts, draft captions and help create simple visual content.
ContentCanvaComms -
Blog & Storytelling Volunteer
Write short project updates, interview volunteers and turn sessions into stories for supporters.
WritingEditingInterviews -
Partnership & Outreach Volunteer
Research local charities and schools, and help maintain TOC's partner contact list. (Formal commitments are always approved by an authorised TOC representative.)
ResearchOutreach
TOC Youth Ambassador Programme
Volunteers who show commitment, enthusiasm and a positive approach may have the chance to join the TOC Youth Ambassador Programme — taking on greater responsibility, supporting future activities and helping represent young people's ideas within TOC.
- Leadership and event-organisation experience
- An official TOC Youth Ambassador certificate
- Priority access to selected opportunities
- Connections with local charities and community organisations
Our Youth Ambassador Programme is primarily designed for people aged 18–30. Other volunteer roles may be available to applicants outside this age range.
Your Volunteer Journey
Start with a small commitment and grow at your own pace. Progression depends on experience, availability, performance, safeguarding requirements and suitable opportunities within TOC — it isn't automatic.
Register your interest & join the volunteer community
Induction & role-specific training
Support your first few activities or assignments
Become a regular volunteer
Progress towards Youth Ambassador or leadership roles
What We Look For
You don't need to be an expert. We particularly value people who are:
- Reliable and able to communicate clearly
- Respectful and supportive towards young people
- Willing to learn
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Supportive of equality, diversity and inclusion
- Able to follow safeguarding and confidentiality requirements
- Based in Greater Manchester, for activity-based roles
- Interested in outdoor learning, creativity or community development
Previous volunteering or youth-work experience is helpful but not required for every role — training and guidance will be provided.
What Happens Next?
Have a Question Before You Apply?
If you'd like to ask about accessibility, availability, DBS checks, expenses or which role might suit you, get in touch with our team.
- Email: info@outdoorcollaborative.org
- Based at: 2 Higher Pastures, Saddleworth, Oldham, OL4 4AQ — serving Greater Manchester