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!