Finding Voluntary Work

MoneySavingUser

http://www.volunteering-wales.net

Person_one

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?

I'm about to start a job working shifts. The charity I volunteer for know about this and are fine with the fact that my hours will probably drop from 10-15 a week to maybe 10-15 a fortnight or even a month depending on timings. They are ok with it because they know I'm committed to being there for at least the next three years or so and they will definitely be getting a decent amount of time out of me, just more spread out! Lots of the other volunteers have 9-5 jobs but there are a couple of other shiftworkers.

I think if you explain your circumstances but stress that you do intend to make a long term commitment and aren't just killing time inbetween jobs most will be understanding.

What sort of voluntary work are you looking to do? Healthcare, animals, helplines, support groups, environmental, there are loads out there! Being a bit more specific and targeted might help. What kind of work experience and skills do you have to offer?

highguyuk

Whilst I understand the basic point that training/uniform etc costs money to start with, anyone who is willing to give up their own free time to volunteer should be welcomed with open arms in my opinion!

It could just be for a handful of days or for years to come but surely every little helps?

Person_one

highguyuk wrote: »

Whilst I understand the basic point that training/uniform etc costs money to start with, anyone who is willing to give up their own free time to volunteer should be welcomed with open arms in my opinion!

It could just be for a handful of days or for years to come but surely every little helps?

Not necessarily, it depends on the role.

For example if you go along to a litter picking team, you can just show up help out for four hours and go home. You'll have made a contribution and even if you never go back you've benefitted the charity.

If you volunteer for a helpline it might take 6 weekends to train you for the role, at the cost of a staff member's time, training materials and the cost of your CRB and paperwork being processed. If you only do one four hour shift the charity have made a loss.

So four hours of volunteering can either be helpful or a drain on the organisation.

bigmacman

i do 2 volunteering jobs i work in a charity shop and im a volunteer support worker. Like others have said just go to the place you want to volunteer at and ask really. Thats what i did and now i have 2 jobs what i absouletly love.
best of luck

Bexterragga

I've been volunteering for about 3 years now. I spotted an advert in the local paper that was asking for volunteers to become mentors. There was a weekend of training and then I started work in a school, mentoring and supporting young people who were having difficulties at school.

I now work with people who have offended, or who are at risk of offending. It's challenging at times, but on the other hand it's a great feeling when you get positive results from a young person who started off so differently.

I get paid travel expenses and I get reimbursed if I buy lunch for us.

It's really rewarding and it will look great on your CV for future job applications.

Best of luck.

SevenOfNine

I haven't found it at all difficult to find voluntary work. I used our local Voluntary Organisation who, in turn, directed me to the already mentioned "do-it" website. Expressed interest in several organisations and was literally 'snapped up'. Got more requests for some of my time than I've had hot dinners - quite embarrasing as I obviously couldn't take it all on! Serves me right for assuming only 1 or maybe 2 would be interested in me.

Should add that I specified office type work, if I'd broadened my spec then I think there would have been even more demand. Can't recommend the do-it site enough. The 2 organisations I chose are aware I'm looking for P/T employment so may not be in a position to stay long, but they seem happy with that.

brokeinwales

MoneySavingUser wrote: »

http://www.volunteering-wales.net

That's the site I've found completely useless....

brokeinwales

Thanks everyone - there's a lot to think about here. I think I will try the "walk in" approach - although it's not always obvious from their websites where charities local offices are, which is a bit annoying!

I've been volunteering for about 3 years now. I spotted an advert in the local paper that was asking for volunteers to become mentors. There was a weekend of training and then I started work in a school, mentoring and supporting young people who were having difficulties at school.

I now work with people who have offended, or who are at risk of offending. It's challenging at times, but on the other hand it's a great feeling when you get positive results from a young person who started off so differently.

I think that's the kind of thing I'd like to do. Something that is hands on, perhaps working directly with people in need. I think it would be challenging, but very rewarding. Maybe something with children, or older people? Working with rescue animals (especially if it's cats and dogs :-) ) would be a nice thing to do too. I definetly want whatever it is to be something practical and hands-on.

All my previous experience is in basic admin and finance / office work, but to be honest I'd rather do something completely different to what I've done before. Wouldn't mind doing some campaigning stuff for a charity, maybe helping out with a website or press releases, that kind of thing...

leedsfan_3

Citizens Advice are always looking for volunteers