Volunteering

Image by Bichelle at Spot On Art & Photography

Here at Mudchute, much of our work relies on the support of our wonderful team of volunteers. We welcome enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers and work experience placements. Unfortunately we can only take on volunteers who are 16 or older. If you are interested in volunteering with us as a corporate group, please see our section on corporate volunteering.

Ways to volunteer

There are many ways to support Mudchute through volunteering. Your role as a volunteer depends on the amount of time you have to volunteer and your skills and interests.

Volunteering opportunities at Mudchute are diverse and can include anything from:

• helping our Equestrian Centre
• washing up in our restaurant, Mudchute Kitchen
• assisting with fundraising activities
• mucking out and caring for the animals
• helping in the after schools club
• planning and marketing events

Benefits and rewards

Becoming a volunteer can be personally rewarding and help you give back to the community. But volunteering can also provide you with many other benefits including:

• the chance to have fun doing something you've never tried before
• increased confidence
• a sense of satisfaction and achievement
• the opportunity to make new friends and contacts with diverse backgrounds and experiences
• increased job and career prospects and new skills

How to become a volunteer

First of all, decide how much time you have to give and in what area you would like to volunteer your skill. Looking after animals can be hard, physically demanding work so think about the level of commitment you are willing to provide. To find out more about becoming a volunteer, please download our information pack for prospective volunteers and work experience placements here and send your completed application form the appropriate departmental contact (all relevant contact details are provided within the document).

Work Experience

Mudchute offers Work Experience placements for those aged 16 and upwards on the Farm, in the Stables, in the Children's Centre, and on the open space.

Short-term Work Experience placements run from Monday through to Friday for one, or ideally, two weeks.

Long-term Work Experience placements are for one day a week (Monday to Friday) for 3 months and usually coincide with school terms. These are more suited to young people interested in vocational work who may benefit from some education outside of the classroom environment.

We host placements throughout the year and prioritise those from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The summer term can get booked up, so please apply as early as possible.

To reserve a work experience placement you should first email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to establish whether or not there is a space. If your dates are available you will then be asked to complete an application form to secure your placement.

You will be expected to attend an interview before you start. The interview gives you a chance to see the Farm and to learn more about what the role involves. It also gives us the opportunity to find out a little more about you and decide whether you are a suitable candidate. Should the interview be successful, we will confirm your placement on that day.