Volunteering

Why volunteer?

Volunteering helps other people, is good karma and looks great on your CV. What's not to love? And you can choose how much or how little time you devote to it, so you don't have to commit to anything you can't keep up.

Volunteering factoid People aged 16-24 are more likely to be involved in volunteering than any other age group.
Time Bank

What to do…

• Before contacting volunteering organisations, think about what you want to do, why you want to do it, and roughly how much time you can devote to it.
• Do you want to visit an elderly person once a week – do their shopping and keep them company for an hour? Or work in a charity shop? Or help out in a holiday play-scheme? Or in an animal welfare centre? Whatever your skills and interests, there's probably a volunteering role that involves them.
• Search for opportunities via do-it.org.uk, linked below, or via your local Volunteer Centre, also linked below.
• If you're under 16 you'll have fewer options, as some places can't insure under-16s.

Will I get paid?

Well, no. It's volunteering: the clue's in the name. But you should get your travel and lunch expenses paid.

I can't find anything in the area I feel passionate about…

Become a social entrepreneur! Start your own group. The Community Action Network website (linked below) tells you how.

Written by Ali Cronin

Last updated 17th June 2007

Further help and advice

• Info on where and how you can volunteer.
• National volunteering charity.
• Find your local Volunteer Centre.
• Community Action Network: supports social entrepreneurs.

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