EDINBURGH
Below you will find lots of opportunities organized by our volunteer partner, OnHand.
Click the relevant links below to either sign up to opportunities directly or
sign up via the OnHand app where you can collect points, help to plant trees and easily track your time!
The Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
Days: Monday - Friday
Times: 10 am - 3 pm, 9 am - 12 pm
Participants: 7-30 participants
About the charity:
The Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our communities by re-connecting people with their local green spaces.
Volunteering activity:
Get hands-on for nature with ELGT
Join ELGT to help protect and restore local greenspaces. Your team will dig in together—clearing paths, planting trees, tackling invasive species, and keeping trails thriving. It’s a fun, active day outdoors that boosts wellbeing, teamwork, and your community’s connection to nature.
Water of Leith
Days: Monday - Friday
Times: 10 am - 1 pm, 1 - 3 pm, 10 am - 3 pm
Participants: 10-75 participants
About the charity:
The Water of Leith Conservation Trust works to conserve and enhance the river, its heritage and wildlife: The Trust promotes education and recreation through the Visitor Centre, and works with volunteers and community groups to deliver around 240 river clean-ups and habitat improvement tasks annually.
Volunteering activity:
Protect the Water of Leith. Join the Water of Leith Conservation Trust for a day of hands-on river restoration. Your team will help keep this vital green corridor thriving—cleaning the river, removing invasives, planting native species, and restoring habitats. A brilliant way to connect with nature and make a visible difference together.
Cyrenians
Where: Depot: 84-86 Jane Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5HG
Days: Monday - Friday
Times: 10 am - 1 pm
Participants: 2-6 participants
About the charity:
This charity aims to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness through learning from lived experience; by delivering targeted services which focus on prevention, early intervention and support into a home; and by influencing changes in legislation and policy.
Volunteering activity:
At the depot, you’ll join a friendly team tackling food waste head-on. You’ll help receive, record, and sort surplus food, then prep daily deliveries for local charities and community groups—making sure good food goes where it’s needed most. Hands-on teamwork with real, local impact.
Cyrenians
Where: Farm: Cyrenians Farm Enterprise, 12 Humbie Holdings, Nr Kirknewton, West Lothian, EH27 8DS
Days: Monday - Friday
Times: 10 am - 3 pm
Participants: 2-15 participants
About the charity:
This charity aims to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness through learning from lived experience; by delivering targeted services which focus on prevention, early intervention and support into a home; and by influencing changes in legislation and policy.
Volunteering activity:
Get your hands in the soil and make a difference! On the farm, you’ll help with everything from planting veggies and flowers to harvesting, weeding, and turning compost. It’s all about growing good things, supporting sustainability, and feeling the joy of seeing your hard work come to life outdoors.
Cyrenians
Where: Garden: Linburn Walled Garden, Wilkieston, Kirknewton, EH27 8DU
Days: Monday - Friday
Times: 10 am - 3 pm
Participants: 2-15 participants
About the charity:
This charity aims to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness through learning from lived experience; by delivering targeted services which focus on prevention, early intervention and support into a home; and by influencing changes in legislation and policy.
Volunteering activity:
Lend a hand at Linburn Walled Garden in Wilkieston, helping transform it into a peaceful retreat for veterans. From planting and harvesting to weeding and barrowing, every task helps create a calm, restorative space that supports wellbeing and brings nature’s healing touch to those who need it most.
ELGT
Days: Monday - Friday
Times: 10 am - 3 pm, 9 am - 12 pm
Participants: 7-30 participants
About the charity:
ELGT aims to engage with communities and partners to enable greenspaces to be more accessible, climate resilient and biodiverse.
Volunteering activity:
Get your team outdoors and making an impact with ELGT! Together, you’ll take on hands-on conservation projects—like tree planting, path maintenance, and clearing undergrowth—to protect local greenspaces. It’s a brilliant way to give back, get active, and strengthen your team while doing good for people and the planet.
The Yard
Where: 22 Eyre Place Lane, Edinburgh EH3 5EH
Days: Monday - Friday
Participants: 5-15 participants
About the charity:
A hub for families of disabled children and young people, offering support, connection, and a place to belong.
Volunteering activity:
Join The Yard for a day of purpose and play! Your team will roll up their sleeves to help maintain safe, inclusive spaces where children and young people can thrive. It’s a rewarding way to connect, make a difference, and leave with smiles all round.
Cards for Bravery
Where: In Office
Days: Monday - Friday
Times: 2 hour session
Participants: unlimited participants
About the charity:
Cards for Bravery is a charity dedicated to brightening the days of hospitalised and seriously ill children mainly through the distribution of handmade cards. This makes a huge difference to these children through their most tough and isolating times.
Volunteering activity:
Bring the team together for a creative feel-good session! You’ll craft colourful cards for seriously ill children—right from your office, with all materials provided by OnHand. Each card is sent to Cards for Bravery, spreading smiles and encouragement to young patients in hospitals across the UK.
Litter Pick
Days: Monday - Friday
Times: 3 hour session
Participants: 2-15 participants
About the charity:
Step outside and make a visible difference together! Your team will help clean up local spaces—whether it’s a park, street, or hidden corner that needs some care. OnHand provides all the kit and support, so you can focus on teamwork, fresh air, and leaving the community brighter and cleaner.
Fresh Start
Where: Fresh Start, 22-24 Ferry Road Drive, EH4 4BR
Days: Monday & Thursday
Times: 12:30 - 4 pm
Participants: 1-6 participants
About the charity:
Fresh Start help people who have experienced homelessness set up their new home through the provision of goods and services. We work to end the cycle of homelessness and for a better life for those living in poverty.
Volunteering activity:
Join the warehouse team and see your impact firsthand! You’ll help sort donations, stock shelves, and create Starter Packs filled with essentials for those in need. With guidance from the Volunteer Coordinators, it’s a hands-on day of teamwork that makes a real difference in people’s everyday lives.
Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust
Days: Monday - Friday
Participants: 2-20 participants
About the charity:
We are the Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust – a local charity dedicated to the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 2009, our mission is to provide community for the residents of the Old Town. Our vision is a vibrant, welcoming and sustainable Old Town for everyone who lives here.
Volunteering activity:
Roll up your sleeves and help keep the garden looking its best! You’ll get stuck into weeding, watering, tidying patios, and moving planters—making the space bright, welcoming, and ready for everyone to enjoy. A simple, satisfying way to care for your community’s green spaces.
Stay up to date
Remember to upload your photos to the OnHand platform to share all good deeds you do and
encourage your colleagues to take park!
Want to browse for more opportunities in your local area?
Sign up to OnHand to get started.
Want help organising a Team Volunteering Day?
Get in touch to find out how OnHand can support and help get your day booked in.
Any questions?
Or if you’ve already organised a volunteering event and want it featured here please reach out to OnHand
Contact: helllo@beonhand.co.uk