What’s it all about?
Volunteering England defines volunteering as:
“any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, close relatives. Central to this definition is the fact that volunteering must be a choice freely made by each individual. This can include formal activity undertaken through public, private and voluntary organisations as well as informal community participation”
A more simplified definition came from the former National Association of Volunteer Bureaux (NAVB) in 1998:
“Volunteers are people who, unpaid and of their own free will, contribute their time, energy and skills to benefit others in the community”
However we may define it, volunteering is the nation’s second favourite pastime - the first is dancing! These fascinating facts come from The Social Psychology of Leisure, by Professor Michael Argyll.
We can add these statistics as well:
- 23 million people volunteer each year
- For every £1 of public spending spent to support volunteering, volunteers give £30 worth of work
Volunteers are the glue which binds the community together. Each volunteer has something unique and valuable to offer - a special contribution which cannot be provided by statutory employees and which makes a special difference to the lives of those they work with. If every volunteer took a day off from their voluntary work tomorrow, the general public would be amazed to see what a huge contribution volunteers make to our society in so many ways we have never dreamed of.
Why Volunteer?
People volunteer for many different reasons:
- To help other people
- To make new friends
- To gain work experience
- To improve job prospects
- To learn new skills
- To gain self confidence
- To use existing talents
- To campaign for a cause
- To be part of their local community
- To keep busy during their retirement
- To have fun!
You can help your community in lots of ways:
- Advice work
- Working in mental health
- Working with young people
- Working with older people
- Computing and office work
- Conservation work
- Fundraising
- Committee work
- Befriending a housebound person
Frequently asked questions (about volunteering)
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Volunteers give their time freely, but most organisations pay travelling expenses.
Volunteer drivers can claim petrol money.
HOW MUCH TIME NEED I GIVE?
Some organisations want a regular commitment, but it is up to you to decide when you work and for how long.
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL SKILLS?
In most cases, if there are any special skills required, training will be given.
WHEN CAN I START?
As soon as you contact the Centre we can begin finding you a suitable volunteering opportunity.
WILL I NEED REFERENCES?
Some organisations may ask for personal references. Volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults will require a CRB disclosure - don’t worry, we can help with this. No checks will be made without your consent.
WILL VOLUNTEERING AFFECT MY BENEFITS?
Voluntary work should not affect any allowances you receive.
