Just An Hour

Turn your free time into someone's good day

Explore local organisations, see the different ways you can help, and apply in a couple of minutes.

A shelter puppy being stroked under the chin
A tutor helping a child with homework
Volunteers sorting food donations at a table
Hands holding a bowl of hot soup
A volunteer in a cap working in a community garden
An older woman smiling while a carer shows her a tablet

What's in it for you?

Volunteering isn't just good for the people you help. It turns out it's pretty good for you too.

Feel more connected to where you live

Whether you've just moved here or been around for a while, volunteering helps you feel less isolated and more part of your local community.

See the difference you make

A lot of us spend our days on work we can't quite point to. Volunteering is different. You show up, you help, and you can see what changed because you were there.

It's good for your head

People who volunteer tend to report higher life satisfaction and lower rates of depression. Doing something for someone else is good for you too.

How it works

Three steps, and the hard part is choosing where to help.

  1. Step 1

    Find an organisation

    Browse local organisations by the cause you care about and read about the different ways you can help.

  2. Step 2

    Apply

    Pick the roles that interest you, add a note if you like, and create a free account. It takes a couple of minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Get started

    The organisation gets in touch to arrange an introduction or info session, and you take it from there.

Frequently asked questions

What is Just An Hour?

A free site that helps people in Barcelona find local organisations that need volunteers. You can see what each organisation does and the different ways you can help, then apply in a couple of minutes.

Does it cost anything?

No. Just An Hour is free for volunteers. Volunteering itself is unpaid: you give your time, and organisations don't charge you to take part.

Do I need any experience?

Usually not. Most roles are open to anyone, and organisations show you the ropes with a welcome session or some training before you start. If a role needs particular skills, it says so on the organisation's page.

Is it really just an hour?

It can be. Some roles are a few hours every week, others are once a month or whenever you're free. Each role shows its usual commitment, and you can tell organisations when you're available in your profile.

What language do I need to speak?

It depends on the role. Most organisations here work in Spanish and Catalan, so roles that are mostly about talking, like keeping an older person company, usually need one of them. Others are happy with English or need very little talking at all, like sorting food, walking dogs or helping at events. Mention the languages you speak in your application so the organisation can find the right fit.

What happens after I apply?

The organisation gets your application, with the roles you picked, your note and your profile. They then get in touch by email, phone or WhatsApp to arrange an introduction or an info session. You can follow your applications in My applications.