Volunteer work

always_amazed

hey,

just been on a few of the links posted on this thread and they are brill, thank you!

xxx

twi1ight

I have been volunteering for a couple of hours a week for 2 years now. They are really flexible about missing weeks but I guess it depends on what kind of work you do. It's one of the best things I've done. It's so rewarding, something different to do with my time and it stops me getting so absorbed in myself and my own life. It's even given me a more positive outlook on the daily 9-5 job. I will not be giving up any time soon and would thoroughly recommend it.

kiwigirl

I've been volunteering with 1 organisations for around 16 years now and another one for 7 years as one of other volunteers helped me out and then I landed up helping them.

I've been on committee for both for a few years too and think that this has helped me with work too. I've even had questions about the volunteering in interviews I've attended so think that's helped me finding a better job.

I can sometimes do 1 hour per week other times can do up to 10 hours per week so it can vary from week to week and the charities don't mind.

I currently only attend 1 committee per month with one so that's around 90 mins every month and the other one I'm on committee and as I'm treasurer with that too spend a bit of time counting the money / banking and paying bills etc and do a regular slot about 3 out of 4 weeks for around 2 hours including travelling.

It's nice when you hear that someone has had some help from the organisation and their quality of life has improved due to it.

Chaddee

When I was a student I volunteered for a youth choir, a rape crisis helpline, an Oxfam bookshop and a local school. I loved it - each of them only took a couple of hours a week but were so rewarding. And I really found that once I'd started doing one I immediately wanted to do more - hence ending up with four of them! I wish I could carry on now but I work and live in a boarding school which is a 24hr a day, 7 day a week job. I do go back to the bookshop during holidays. I couldn't recommend it more - most organisations and charities will be grateful for the smallest amount of time you can give. It's definitely worth it.

Gemmzie

linniestorm - I'm doing my JNC at the moment too.

I love my volunteer work, both jobs I've done. I like getting home and knowing I've made a difference to someone that day, I'm not just a faceless shop assistant (my paid work). Plus it's given me direction to a career path

In_Search_Of_Me

Age concern are always crying out for volunteers and you can make a huge difference to smeone as they are millions of older people who cant get out and may not see anyone from week to week. Its flexible in terms of hours and you can visit eves in the week too which may be good for you! Just popping in for a chat & cup of tea, getting a bit of shopping (which they pay for but often cant physically get themselves) can make all the difference...worth a thought!