Volunteers are a huge asset to our Derwen College teams.
We are actively recruiting to grow our volunteering group.
By volunteering with us you will be helping to provide work experience opportunities and encouraging students to truly thrive. We use work experience and out of classroom learning to improve independence and employability skills to help prepare students for adulthood.
There are many areas to volunteer in and gain new experiences from our skilled staff and play a part in something amazing. As a volunteer you will also receive 10% off in our Walled Garden Café, Garden Centre and Gift Shop.
Come to our upcoming volunteer taster day
Come along to our next Volunteer Taster Day on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
Speak to staff about what volunteering opportunities are available at Derwen College.
To find out more details or to register your interest, please get in touch with Megan Charman on charity@derwen.ac.uk or call 01691 661234
Where you can volunteer
The Walled Garden
Our beautiful, award-winning walled garden truly flourishes with the care and attention our skilled gardeners put into it. If you’re a keen gardener or would like to get your hands dirty and learn to create beautiful borders and flower beds, we would love for you to join our team of gardening volunteers.
The Vintage Advantage Charity shop
The Vintage Advantage sits within our Derwen Marketplace and is always busy with customers and new donations. As a volunteer here, you would be helping to sort donations, stocking the shop and serving the customers. This is such a great place to meet new people and work with a friendly, committed team of staff.
Outdoor Activity Centre and Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards
Our dedicated base for students to practise the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards expedition skills includes different terrains, gates and stiles, a canoe simulator and outdoor cooking facilities. It is such a wonderful addition to the College and maintaining this area creates a huge sense of pride.
Read about Kev’s experience as a Derwen College volunteer.
Our DofE team is also looking for volunteers to help on expeditions and trips. If you think this is something you’d like to get involved in, please get in touch.
Beekeeping
Derwen College is home to three beehives, which are looked after by our resident beekeeper and our Derwen College Bee Club.
Students learn how to look after bees along with the process and production of honey. Once our honey is collected it is then bottled and labelled in our on-site Food Centre and sold in our Garden Centre and Gift Shop. Whether you are an experienced beekeeper, or a novice keen to learn, we’d love to hear from you.
Grounds Team
The Gobowen campus at Derwen College is a large 50-acre site, and our grounds team always welcome extra hands to keep it looking amazing. There’s plenty to muck in with from planting spring bulbs and lawn maintenance to sweeping autumn leaves.
Fundraising Events
We are always looking for volunteers at our fundraising events throughout the year, these include the Derwen 10km Challenge, the annual Derwen Fete and Dog Show and our Christmas Fayre. There is always lots to be done whether it’s on the days leading up to the event, or on the day itself. Whether you’re selling raffle tickets, marshaling at our fun run or meeting and greeting guests at our annual Fete, there is a job for everyone.
Benefits of volunteering
- Support the work at Derwen College and finish the day with a sense of achievement.
- Meet new friends with shared interests and hobbies and enjoy the opportunity to socialise with our large number of employees.
- Learn new skills and gain knowledge from our professionals.
- Proven to be good for your physical health as well as your mental health and well-being.
- 10% off in our Walled Garden Café and Garden Centre and Gift Shop.
Here’s what one of our volunteers had to say about why they choose to volunteer at Derwen College:
I’ve been volunteering in the Garden Centre at Derwen College for three years. I enjoy coming here once a week. It’s a lovely environment, I love gardening, and I enjoy that it’s flexible.
How to become a volunteer at Derwen College
All volunteers must be over 18 and will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check before their volunteering can start.
Come along to our next volunteering taster day, to speak to staff about what volunteering opportunities are available. We have one coming up on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
We would love to have you on board!
For information on how to sign up as a volunteer get in touch on charity@derwen.ac.uk or call 01691 661234