How to… Become a Volunteer Volunteering is

How to… Become
a Volunteer
Why volunteer?
Being a volunteer can open up a whole
range of opportunities and experiences.
Volunteering is
about giving your
time to do
something useful to
help an organisation
or an individual (not
a relative) without
getting paid
Through volunteering you can:
•
Make a difference in your community
•
Try out new types of work and learn new skills (or make
good use of existing skills and expertise)
•
Develop experience in a particular area of work, which may
lead to paid employment
•
Support a cause or an organisation you feel passionate
about
•
Receive training and gain qualifications
•
Gain references to use in job applications
•
Meet new people
•
Have fun and enjoy a new challenge
What can volunteers do?
There is a huge range of
volunteering opportunities, both in
terms of the type of causes and
volunteer roles. Here are some
examples:
• Protect the environment
• Support people with disabilities,
mental health problems, young
or old people
• Take care of sick animals
Think about what is important to you
If you feel strongly about literacy, for example, why not volunteer
to help children with their reading. If you like animals, why not
volunteer at an animal shelter? There are organisations doing all
kinds of work, so look for an organisation that suits your skills
and interests to ensure you get involved in something that you
enjoy. If you are not sure what sort of work you would like to do,
contact a volunteer center to find out about the range of
opportunities available locally.
• Run community arts
programmes
• Fundraise
• Help homeless people
• Administration
• Befriend lonely people
• Sports coaching
Keep it local: While some volunteers sign up to volunteer
abroad, you should probably start on a smaller scale and closer
to home, especially if you have other interests and commitments.
Start small: it could be a good idea to start with a few hours of
volunteering and increase this gradually.
• Housing issues via Tenants
Association
• Support a Neighbourhood
Watch scheme
Can I volunteer if I am on benefits?
Yes, you can as long as your voluntary work is unpaid, and you
meet the rules of your benefit. To make sure, always check with
your benefits advisor before you start volunteering. As a
volunteer you may receive money to cover basic expenses such
as:
•
The cost of travel to and from the place you volunteer
•
The cost of any special equipment, such as water-proof
clothes
•
The cost of any meals taken away from home during the
voluntary activity
•
The cost of childcare if you have children
Ready to start volunteering?
Before you contact an organisation, think about what you would
like to find out, and what they are likely to ask you. E.g.
•
How much time can you give, and 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?
•
Are you receiving any form of state benefit?
And finally, have fun! You will accomplish more if you love what
you do, and the chances are that your enthusiasm will infect
others.
Further information
Please refer to the How to Guide ‘How to Become an Active
Citizen’
www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeandCommunity/
Gettinginvolvedinyourcommunity/Volunteering/DG_10029484
www.vso.org.uk
www.voluntaryworker.co.uk
How to find out where the
opportunities are
If you know the type of work you
want to do, then contact relevant
organisations direct.
If you’re not sure what to do, or
would just like to see what
opportunities are out there, have a
look at www.do-it.org.uk. This is an
internet database of UK local
volunteering opportunities which you
can search by postcode, type of
work and type of organisation.
If you’re aged 16-25 visit
www.vinspired.com, which is
specifically aimed at younger
people.
Volunteer centres act as a
volunteers ‘job shop’. They can tell
you what local voluntary work is
available and put you in touch with
relevant organisations. They will
also talk to you about what you want
to do and provide advice.
Take Part How To guides provide a general overview of the different ways to get involved in your community. They are not comprehensive guides or
legal advice documents. See above for details of where to get more information before taking part!