Just because you can't leave your home much at the moment, or be around other people, doesn't mean you can't be helpful.
These volunteering apps are an easy way to help someone else in a socially-distant manner. From lending your eyes to donating to our local foodbank, hit download and give it a go.
Brightest
Browse more than 100,000 volunteer, activism and social impact opportunities and search by causes that matter to you, from poverty to education. The app plants a tree on your behalf every time you complete a good act — double the brownie points.
Free, brightest.io
Be My Eyes
Lend your eyes to the blind and visually impaired.
The multilingual app sets you up on a live one-way video call with someone who needs help so you can assist them with anything from reading product labels to helping in the kitchen and matching outfits.
Free, bemyeyes.com
On Hand
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This app matches trusted volunteers with older adults in their area to help with tasks including shopping, gardening, dog-walking and companionship.
To spread the word, download a leaflet at On Hand’s website to put through neighbours’ doors.
Free, beonhand.co.uk
Foodbank
Select your local foodbank and this app will send you calendar reminders, push notifications and updates when it’s low on certain food items or volunteers.
You can also donate to your chosen foodbank via the app using JustGiving.
Free, foodbankapp.co.uk
Huggg
HugggThe instant gifting app’s new shopping ordering and delivery service is being used by the British Red Cross during lockdown, enabling their volunteers to shop for vulnerable people who don’t have family or friends living nearby to help.
Free, huggg.me