Volunteer Groups in South Shields

South Shields has a proud tradition of volunteering, from the Volunteer Life Brigade -- founded in 1866 as one of the first voluntary life-saving organisations in the world -- to modern community groups tackling food poverty and protecting coastal wildlife. Here is the guide.

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade

The South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade was founded in January 1866 and provides a 24/7 search and rescue service to support HM Coastguard. It was the first organisation to save a life using the breeches buoy. Their Grade II listed Watch House near the South Pier is open to visitors and staffed by volunteers.

Best for: The South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade was founded in 1866 and was the first volunteer coastal rescue organisation to save a life using a breeches buoy. They still provide 24/7 search and rescue today.

To support or join the Brigade, visit their website. Training is provided for all active members.

Hospitality and Hope

Hospitality and Hope is a charity supporting vulnerable individuals and families experiencing poverty, homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. They run a community hub in South Shields and welcome volunteers for their cafe, food distribution, befriending, and outreach programmes.

Friends of the Parks

The Friends of the Parks love South Marine Park and the surrounding green spaces. They organise activities promoting the beauty of the parks, community entertainment, and litter picking.

Friends of Readhead Park meet regularly for park maintenance including litter picking, weeding, and planting. New members are always welcome.

COAST South Tyneside

COAST South Tyneside raises awareness of coastal wildlife and runs volunteering opportunities in spring and summer for the Ringed Plover Nesting Project, protecting nesting birds on South Shields' beaches. A great option for anyone interested in wildlife conservation.

Bede's Helping Hands

Bede's Helping Hands is a volunteer-run organisation providing food parcels, well-being calls, and shopping support to people in need across South Tyneside. They are always looking for volunteers to help with collections, packing, and deliveries.

Charity Shops

South Shields has charity shops on King Street and across the town, all of which welcome volunteers:

British Heart Foundation at 77 King Street -- clothing, shoes, accessories, books, toys, and homeware.

British Red Cross at 63-65 King Street -- clothing and accessories, supporting humanitarian work.

Farplace Animal Rescue at 104 Victoria Road -- one of the largest charity shops in the town, occupying a former Carpetright unit.

Getting Started

Inspire South Tyneside is the infrastructure organisation for the voluntary and community sector in South Tyneside, providing information, advice, and a directory of opportunities.

Love South Tyneside can match you with an organisation that can use your skills. Email LoveST@southtyneside.gov.uk.

---

Know a volunteer group in South Shields we should add? Get in touch via our contact page.