Together, we build small teams that make a big impact
Quaker Voluntary Action (QVA) brings together teams of volunteers for three to fourteen days at a time to live in community, participate in a themed spiritual exploration, and carry out voluntary practical work for the benefit of the host venue or a social project.
We welcome adults of all ages, of all faiths and none, and of all levels of skill and experience to participate in our volunteer retreats.
Our volunteering programme consists of Spirit-led retreats in the UK, the rest of Europe, and the Middle East that are run in accordance with the beliefs and values of Quakers. This means that a belief that there is that of God in everyone, and the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, truth, equality, peace, and sustainability, are central to all that we do. Scroll down to learn more about volunteering with us.
Latest News
Our 2026 programme explores ‘Pathways to Peace‘ with volunteer retreats in the UK, Sweden, and Belgium. You can read retreat epistles here and don’t miss The Svartbäcken Summons and queries.
This year marks 25 years of QVA retreats and we’re official partners of the ‘A Million Acts of Hope‘ campaign. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and please donate to support the valued tradition of Quaker volunteering.
Working Retreats
During Working Retreats, QVA volunteers live in community for a short period of time and take part in practical projects and facilitated theme sessions, with Quaker worship throughout. Our retreats promote personal spiritual development combined with meaningful engagement in the world. The service you give may include gardening, decorating and internal renovation, refugee support, sustainability projects, or woodland management.
Encounter Retreats
On Encounter Retreats, QVA volunteers visit a specific region, organisation, or part of the world where Quaker work is taking place in order to learn about – and learn how to advocate for – an issue that is important to Quakers in some way. These ‘study tour’ retreats include facilitated theme sessions, daily worship, trips and visits, and workshops. You will come away feeling empowered to advocate for an important issue and share how Quakers are making a difference. Previous Encounter Retreats include visits to Israel and Palestine, the Quaker Council for European Affairs in Brussels, and to Slovenia.
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Some of our photos from the past 10 years
