Finding Voluntary Work

brokeinwales

Not sure if this is the right place, but seems so....

I've recently been made redundant, am looking for a job, but in the meantime I'd like to do some voluntary work, but it's proving more difficult than I thought. I've been in touch with the local voluntary services office, but, to be honest, they haven't really been any use - just referred me to their not-terribly-up-to-date website. I've tried contacting a few charities, including some that had specifically advertised a need for volunteers, but either no-one answers the phone at all, nobody knows what you're talking about, you don't get a reply to your email, or someone says they'll get back to you and never does!

Just wondered about whether anyone else here has done/ is doing voluntary work (of any kind at all, I'm open minded about it, I just want to be doing something useful with my time.) - how did you get into it, and what do you generally find is the best way to find volunteering opportinities? Who do you talk to about them? Is it best to go through a central organisation, like Time Bank, or contact local charities directly to see if they need any help?

Noctu

Not too sure about other organisations but the NHS take on volunteers. Their procedure differs depending on which trust - some have a department dedicated to it, others do not.

Might be an idea if the NHS appeals!

highguyuk

I have no direct advice, but do thing that's very shoddy for an organisation to ask for volunteers and not get back to you when your willing to give up your time to help.

brokeinwales

Noctu wrote: »

Not too sure about other organisations but the NHS take on volunteers. Their procedure differs depending on which trust - some have a department dedicated to it, others do not.

Might be an idea if the NHS appeals!

That's actually really useful. The NHS hadn't occured to me as an option but I will definetly consider it.

I have no direct advice, but do thing that's very shoddy for an organisation to ask for volunteers and not get back to you when your willing to give up your time to help.

Well I kind of understand - I know a lot of not-for-profit organisations are staffed by part time people with lots of conflicting responsibilities, and I can see how stuff might slip through the net - but as someone who actually actively wants to contribute, it is very frustrating!

getmore4less

http://www.do-it.org.uk/

My local NHS use them to advertise.

hethmar

I think people dont realise how hard it is to volunteer In most cases you will need to be successful at an interview, undertake training, have a check on your background. Its not easy when it involves other people/confidential matters and so on. Most will expect you to work as hard as in a paid job and be in for a long haul.

Do you have a local museum who may need extra hands in the cafe or as stewards?

brokeinwales

I think people dont realise how hard it is to volunteer

I do! I've done it before - it's only this time I seem to be coming up against obstructions for some reason...

I've just been on the do-it website and found something I'm interested in, sent them an email, so we shall see what happens!

Person_one

Do you have a dog? You could do PAT (pets as therapy) or the Blue Cross want volunteers to go into schools to talk about responsible pet ownership.

NHS is a good one if you're interested in care/medicine, but at my local hospitals there is a long waiting list because lots of A level students who want to study medicine at uni do it to get experience! Local hospices are often more grateful for volunteers because a lot of people don't want to work with terminally ill people as it can be distressing. There's also St John's and the Red Cross, I know the former are always desperate for adult volunteers.

Places like the Samaritans and Women's Aid ask for quite a big commitment on terms of time and training for obvious reasons but look great on a CV and are really rewarding.

I suggest Do-it.org and trawling the websites of all the major national and any local charities you know of. Be prepared that almost all volunteer placements will require a CRB these days, which can delay your start by up to 6 weeks.

Also, a lot of charities are slightly wary of the newly unemployed because they suspect that as soon as they find a new job they'll stop volunteering. You might have to commit to continuing to volunteer even after you've found work, not just 'in the meantime'. It makes sense really, they could spend time and money training you, getting your CRB, maybe a uniform, and then you're gone before you've even started to pay it back in volunteer hours!

brokeinwales

Person_one wrote: »

Do you have a dog? You could do PAT (pets as therapy) or the Blue Cross want volunteers to go into schools to talk about responsible pet ownership.

NHS is a good one if you're interested in care/medicine, but at my local hospitals there is a long waiting list because lots of A level students who want to study medicine at uni do it to get experience! Local hospices are often more grateful for volunteers because a lot of people don't want to work with terminally ill people as it can be distressing. There's also St John's and the Red Cross, I know the former are always desperate for adult volunteers.

Places like the Samaritans and Women's Aid ask for quite a big commitment on terms of time and training for obvious reasons but look great on a CV and are really rewarding.

I suggest Do-it.org and trawling the websites of all the major national and any local charities you know of. Be prepared that almost all volunteer placements will require a CRB these days, which can delay your start by up to 6 weeks.

Also, a lot of charities are slightly wary of the newly unemployed because they suspect that as soon as they find a new job they'll stop volunteering. You might have to commit to continuing to volunteer even after you've found work, not just 'in the meantime'. It makes sense really, they could spend time and money training you, getting your CRB, maybe a uniform, and then you're gone before you've even started to pay it back in volunteer hours!

Thanks, that's really useful! Also explains a bit why it seems to be so flippin difficult to succesfully offer anybody my time -easily as difficult as searching for paid work!

Although I am conscious that my availability may change when I get a job (may be restricted to weekends and evenings) I do intend for this to be the start of a long term commitment as I do think it's important to do something for others as part of one's life.

Surely there are still organisations that accept volunteers who also have full time day jobs, no? Or are all volunteers retired people and students?

SarEl

brokeinwales wrote: »

Thanks, that's really useful! Also explains a bit why it seems to be so flippin difficult to succesfully offer anybody my time -easily as difficult as searching for paid work!

Although I am conscious that my availability may change when I get a job (may be restricted to weekends and evenings) I do intend for this to be the start of a long term commitment as I do think it's important to do something for others as part of one's life.

Surely there are still organisations that accept volunteers who also have full time day jobs, no? Or are all volunteers retired people and students?

Lots of people in employment volunteer.

But one other suggestion - walk in! It's kind of hard to not answer you when you are stood there! I know it sounds silly, but yes, cals and e-mails get lost when people are busy. People don't get lost quite so easy! And have a look around your neighbourhood. Everyone thinks of the "big things to do" for volunteering, but local people in their own neighbourhoods often get overlooked. Local community centres, a tenants or residents group, an advice centre. If you are going to volunteer there is utterly no reason why you shouldn't help ourself and yur neighbours out at the same time!

fluffysox

Hi,
I volunteer with air cadets and agree with the "walk in" point. Its good to ring and say you're keen to help out but I only really take this seriously when people actually turn up- good intentions and all that.
Ideas: the local hospital one is a good idea, ring schools/ libraries to read/ listen to kids reading. Residential homes for elderly, serve teas or read etc.
Check local libraries/ one stop shop/ local free papers etc sometimes they have info about charitable organisations.
Contact organistations like the Rotary Club- they fundraise for all sorts of charities and groups.
Again though it costs money to organisatons to get CRB checks done- and it can take months so you must be prepared to commit for some time and be patient as your involvement may grow slowly at first. Think about what your interests are as then you'll be more likely to find volunteering opportunities that suit you.
My involvement with cadets is hugely rewarding- good luck at finding something that matches your personality!
Edit- yes I have a full-time job- before anyone asks