Sharing skills and saving lives

VSO volunteer Chris Jary, a UK doctor, worked in a severely under-resourced district hospital in Masindi, Uganda. It is meant to have 11 doctors (including Chris) – but it had just four - serving a population of around 500,000 people - some of whom live up to 80 miles away.
Challenge yourself this year

Join us this year and help fight poverty worldwide! If you're new to running why not try one of our 10km runs? Secure your place in the Great Manchester 10km Run or the Royal Parks Half Marathon today.
What's Stopping You

By volunteering you'll make a lasting change. You'll help lift people out of poverty, learn new skills, and have a life changing experience. VSO works to make sustainable improvements in some of the world's poorest countries. So what’s stopping you?
Apply to volunteer overseas today
Working with business to support cocoa farmers

In Ghana, VSO works with farmers, business and government to ensure better opportunities and more secure livelihoods for over 100 cocoa farming communities. See some of the work we’re doing in Ghana with Mondelēz International. 
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Our vision is a world without poverty

We are a charity that creates a lasting long-term solution to global poverty – and that solution is people. See what we do or donate now

Have you got what it takes to volunteer?

Around the world, your skills can make a difference. The communities we work in need experienced professionals like you.

As a VSO volunteer, you’ll live and work alongside local professionals, helping improve the quality of life for people who need it most. What’s more, you’ll experience a different culture in a way few people ever can.

You’ll change lives – including your own. Take the first step towards volunteering with VSO today.

Volunteer
“It was the most incredible 12 months of my life. Not only did I make a real difference, I also developed professionally.” Olly Jefferies, VSO volunteer
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Want to get involved?

You don't have to volunteer overseas to make a difference. In fact, another good way you can help is by staying right where you are.

We need passionate people like you to raise awareness about the realities that poor people face, and then raise money and campaign to solve it.

Your contribution matters, what will you do today?

Get involved