Voluntary Work

Getting experience and skills as a volunteer can be the best way to learn more about what you want to do and have some experience and a reference to offer when you apply for a job. Volunteering can lead to a new career or a whole new way of life.

Volunteers play a large and vital role in many organisations such as schools, charities, youth and community groups. What you do is up to you. You may want a hands-on role, working directly with the organisation’s users, or prefer to be part of the management committee helping to direct the organisation. Volunteering should not cost you anything, as all expenses will normally be paid for you, but check this first. You will usually need to provide receipts to claim these.

Things to think about:

• Before making contact with an organisation, think about what you want to know from them, and what they are likely to ask you.
• How much time can you give? At what time of day?
• What do you want to get from volunteering, e.g. meeting people or gaining new skills?
• What skills or experience can you offer?
• Will you get out-of-pocket expenses paid? Does the organisation insure its volunteers? Are you receiving any form of state benefit? You will need to check that your volunteering won't risk this.
• Is childcare available (if needed)?

The National Centre for Volunteering has useful information on expenses and benefits and a free guide to volunteering at www.volunteering.org.uk

How to volunteer

Unless you are already sure what you want to do, it is worth finding out what kind of opportunities there are near where you live. Some organisations are looking for people with specific skills. Others will find volunteer work for everyone, including people with extra support needs. Remember, if you need childcare so that you can volunteer, ask.

Volunteer Bureaux act as a volunteers' ‘job shop’ and can put you in touch with local organisations that have vacancies. You can also discuss with them what you want to do and get advice. There is a volunteer bureau in most areas – look in the phone book or call Volunteer Development England on 0121 633 4555 to find your nearest volunteer bureau - full list at: www.do-it.org.uk

Councils for Voluntary Service often act as a volunteer bureau if there is no local bureau. They are sometimes known by a different name, such as Community Action, so look in the phone book or Yellow Pages under ‘Council’, ‘Volunteers’ or ‘Voluntary’. In rural areas the equivalents are Rural Community Councils.

Public libraries: ask if there is a notice board or a file of information on voluntary work. There are several published directories of voluntary work, and most libraries will have at least one of these in the reference or careers section.

YouthNet UK  www.do-it.org.uk
You can search here for local volunteering opportunities, also has lots of information about volunteering.

Timebank  www.timebank.org.uk
If you register with TimeBank, your interests and skills will be matched to volunteering opportunities in your area and they will send their volunteer guide and newsletter. To register call 0845 601 4008 or for general enquiries 0207 401 5438 or register online.