volunteer work suggestions

longwalks1

I know probably loads of people think of volunteering at this time of year, but after a pretty average christmas again I've decided to do sometihng different next year, away from the media and shopping and stuff so am after suggestions really...
I'd like to do something volunteer wise, preferably abroad so i can get away from things here, hope that sounds right? Will make a week or 2 of it, funded by myself so refuse to pay a company in London £5000 to send me to africa or thailand to visit an orphanage for a day, anyone got any other suggestions? I know i can do the soup kitchen/care home/church thing here but want something a bit more different

Thanks in advance and Happy Christmas everyone

Blackpool_Saver

Congratulations, going by your member name you are a young man?

I am a volunteer for a few different places and it is very rewarding and educating.

Good luck have a look at do it.org.........

Pitlanepiglet

Not sure where you live but have you ever considered motorsport marshalling?

http://www.marshals.co.uk/

It's a fantastic hobby and a great way of meeting people who will become wonderful friends.

Nile

Hello britishboy

I'll move your thread to the 'Charities' board.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Regards

Nile

Savvy_Sue

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Congratulations, going by your member name you are a young man?

I am a volunteer for a few different places and it is very rewarding and educating.

Good luck have a look at do it.org.........

Link for the do it website.

Think about what skills you can offer: possibly related to your line of work, or maybe your hobbies. Also think about what sort of voluntary work you'd like to do - with people, animals, the environment etc. And how long a period can you offer - a week, two weeks, a month?

do apply in plenty of time because it takes time to process applications, carry out any necessary checks, arrange any training / briefing you'll need, and you may need innoculations for some parts of the world. A responsible organisation won't just dump you in it.

(As an aside, DH works for a homeless charity, and someone rang on Christmas Eve wanting to 'help' on Christmas Day. They were most upset to learn that DH's charity was 'closed' until New Year, as are many of the 'regular' services in this city, since there is excellent Christmas provision from a different charity. THAT charity needs to have applications in by October, so there's time to take up references, get a CRB check, and offer training.)

SailorSam

I think you're probably looking for something more unusual, but i've just done a year with Victim Support and really enjoyed it.
Remember volunteers are in a good position to apply for 'proper' jobs when they become vacant,

hethmar

You want to go to another country? The problem is that apart from "tourist volunteering" most real charities will want a longer period of commitment.

What about Green Peace or Sea Shepherds?

http://www.seashepherd.org/get-involved/

mary43

Places like Age Concern I believe are always looking for volunteers to visit the elderly, maybe get shopping for them, that sort of thing.
Also Care Homes might welcome some voluntary help, particularly if you can help with an activity that would stimulate the residents.

hethmar

India £650

http://www.gvi.co.uk/programs/search