Been out of work so long where do I start?

indigowarrior

Currently a single mum to two little girls a 3-year-old and 5-month-old. I have been out of work for 8 years due to illness but, I am itching to go back to work and want to achieve it by the time my DD is 1. I just dont know where to start.

jobbingmusician

Maybe by volunteering? What have you done in the past, and what would you LIKE to do?

indigowarrior

I used to work at macdonalds. I then become ill. I have done some volunteering work in the past but I have no one to look after my 5 month old which is the issue.

jobbingmusician

Think laterally, maybe. What are the skills you want to develop? Could you volunteer for a nursery in return for them looking after DD while you are there?

t0rt0ise

You could spend some time doing some computer courses at college, then you could apply for admin type roles.

sortofwinning

I'm from N Irl and we have a website here called Volunteer Now which lets you pick from a wide variety of volunteering roles via a dropdown menu. One of the items on the dropdown is "home based volunteering". I chose that from the dropdown and it came up with 73 current home-based options. Here is one e.g. below. It might sound a bit technical at first glance, but they're not asking you to give lectures on stem cells, they just want you to get people to donate stem cells. Obviously you will have a similar website where you live. Charities are always crying out for volunteers.


As previous posters have said, volunteering when you have been out of work for a long time is a good idea. Not only can you claim up-to-date skills, you will also develop ready made interview replies, and if you are there for a few months, you'll also get a reference. Good luck.






Hub Volunteers

Distance and Location

Northern Ireland Wide
About the Opportunity

Calling all individuals who can help us save lives! We're recruiting volunteers for the role of Volunteer Hub Leader all across the country. Have you got 10 hours a month to support us to increase awareness about blood cancers and the importance of stem cell registration? You can choose when you volunteer, the hours or day/s, it’s up to you!

The aim of the role is to help us raise awareness of the importance of blood stem cell donation and increase the number of people registering in your community by organising a range of activities and events. This will involve using knowledge of the community and contacts in it, or volunteering with a group of friends to set up volunteer hubs.

You'll need to be confident in guiding, organising and possess excellent people skills to build a cohesive team.

In return for your invaluable time and work you will receive a comprehensive training package (including induction) and support. Your expenses will be reimbursed and after 6 months you will be provided with a reference from an international charity.



Min Hours Per day

1
Skills and Experience

Fundraising/Flagdays,
Management/Business Skills,
Team Work

Expense Detail

Yes
Volunteer Activity

Community Development,
Home-based Volunteering,
Management / Business Skills

Restrictions

None