Voluntary Service with the German YMCA
Are you looking for an opportunity to spend a year living and volunteering in the heart of London or on the beautiful South Devon coast? Would you like to immerse yourself in a new country and culture, improve your English, and gain invaluable work experience? If so, a voluntary service with the German YMCA in London could be perfect for you.
Below, you’ll find all the details about what this unique experience entails, along with instructions on how to apply. The deadline for applications for the 2026/27 volunteering year, which begins in September 2026, is 15th January 2026.
What is a voluntary service?
A voluntary service offers much more than simply travelling or working abroad. It is an opportunity to:
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Deepen your understanding of a new country, culture, language, and history
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Participate in group seminars and excursions with fellow volunteers
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Make a meaningful contribution to the lives of others through your work with us and our partner organisations
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Develop valuable skills for your personal and professional growth
Who or what is the German YMCA?
Founded in 1860, the German YMCA in London is a vibrant, inclusive organisation dedicated to providing cultural, social, and practical support for German-speaking individuals, their international friends, and the local community. While our name refers to the Young Men’s Christian Association, neither being a young man or a Christian is essential to volunteering with us.
Our team is currently made up of women, and we warmly welcome individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs. Although we are a Christian organisation, religion plays a minimal role in our day-to-day activities. Our work includes cultural events, leisure activities, and support services, and we strive to create a welcoming environment for both members and non-members.
What volunteering roles are there?
For the 2026/27 volunteering year, we are offering eight exciting roles in collaboration with our partner organisations:
You will divide your time between the German YMCA and one of our partner organisations listed above.
Tasks at the German YMCA:
The German YMCA in London was founded in 1860. As a Christian movement, the association promotes respect and freedom, tolerance and understanding and welcomes people regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnic origin. In its central location, near Lancaster Gate on the north side of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the German YMCA offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities, advice, support and help for the German-speaking community, their international friends and the local church. It also runs a seniors' group and a parent-toddler group.
More detailed information can be found here.
Tasks at Pursuing Independent Paths:
Pursuing Independent Path (PIP) is a charity that works with adults with learning disabilities. The goal of the work is to enable people with disabilities to live independently. This is done through which range from basic numeracy and literacy to skills such as cooking, counting money or using public transport. There is a garden project and a shop where artwork made by PIP students is sold. The organisation also has its own small juice production company where students can gain work experience. Volunteers are not required to provide personal care to students.
More detailed information can be found here.
Tasks at St. James & St. John Primary School PFA:
The Parents and Friends Association (PFA) supports St. James and St. John C of E Primary School by enhancing children’s learning experiences and strengthening community ties. As a PFA volunteer, you will assist with a range of activities including fundraising events, social occasions, and in-school support. Whether helping at a school fair, organising a bake sale, or lending a hand in the classroom, your time and enthusiasm directly benefit the children and the wider school community.
More detailed information can be found here.
Tasks at The Association of Jewish Refugees:
The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) works for and with Jewish former refugees and Holocaust survivors and their descendants living in the UK today. In addition to financial and organisational support, the organisation organises cultural events or meetings are and the offer a home visit services. The volunteer assists with everyday organisational tasks such as writing newsletters and creating social media content. They also assist the events and outreach teams and visit Holocaust Survivors in their homes. The volunteer is not required to provide personal care to AJR members.
More detailed information can be found here.
Tasks at The Wiener Holocaust Library:
The Wiener Holocaust Library is the UK’s leading institution dedicated to the study of the Holocaust, Nazi persecution, and genocide. It preserves and provides access to an extensive archive of documents, photographs, testimonies, and books, supporting research, education, and public understanding of this history. A volunteer placement at the Library typically involves supporting day-to-day administrative and research-related tasks, such as assisting with cataloguing materials, preparing educational or outreach resources, and helping to organise exhibitions or public programmes. Volunteers may also contribute to digital projects, answer basic enquiries, or assist staff in maintaining the collections. The role is focused on organisational and educational support, and does not involve providing care or direct personal support to individuals.
More detailed information can be found here.
Tasks at St. John's School:
St John’s School, Sidmouth, is an independent day and boarding school that provides education and pastoral support for children and young people from a wide range of backgrounds. The school focuses on academic development, personal growth, and wellbeing within a supportive community environment. A volunteer placement at St John’s typically involves assisting with everyday organisational and educational activities, such as helping staff prepare learning materials, supporting classroom or recreational sessions, and contributing to school events or extracurricular programmes. Volunteers may also assist with administrative tasks or help supervise activities under staff guidance. The role is centred on educational and organisational support and does not require volunteers to provide personal care to pupils.
More detailed information can be found here.
Please note that this is a general overview of your responsibilities. Specific tasks will be discussed with the coordinators at each organisation on your first day and may vary based on their current needs and your preferences.
What are the participation criteria?
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
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Be at least 18 years old by 1st September 2026
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Be a resident of Germany and hold an EU passport
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Have a good command of English
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Be enthusiastic about meeting new people, open to new experiences, and willing to take initiative
What can we offer you?
As a volunteer, you will receive:
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A unique opportunity to live and work in either London or Devon
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Support and guidance throughout your service from the German YMCA team ( two German speakers, one English)
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The chance to gain valuable skills and experiences to enhance your future prospects
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Dedicated learning opportunities through educational activities and seminars
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Monthly pocket money payment of £250
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Accommodation in a single or shared room
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Provision of breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Access to a communal kitchen shared with other staff
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Transport for London Travel Card for Zones 1-3 (London only)
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Access to Sports Facilities
What will I have to pay?
To demonstrate your commitment to the programme, we ask the selected volunteers to arrange and cover the cost of their UK visa (approximately £300) and the health surcharge (approximately £1000). If you remain insured through your German family health insurance, it may be possible to reclaim this cost from your German insurer after 6 months in the UK. This requirement ensures that applicants are dedicated to the programme and willing to actively participate in the process.
How to Apply
To apply, please fill in our online application form by clicking here. As part of the application form, we will ask you to upload the following files:
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Your CV
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A recent passport photograph
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A two-minute video (in English) introducing yourself and explaining your hopes and expectations for the voluntary service
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A parental / guardian consent form (if under 18 years old at the time of application).
Applications must be submitted by midnight on 15th January 2026.
To help us get to know you, please try to use your own words when preparing the application form and video. AI-generated content often sounds the same from candidate to candidate, which makes it harder for us to understand your unique perspective. Authentic, personal answers help you stand out.
If you have any questions or need further information, do not hesitate to reach out via email to Sabrina Gröschel at s.groeschel@german-ymca.org.uk
or give us a call on
+44 7943 673 532
+44 20 4618 3103 (24 hour answerphone)