There are many reasons why people give their time to volunteering. They support organisations that they feel passionate about, but they also develop lifelong skills and gain essential experience. Through volunteering they meet people from all walks of life, gain new perspectives and broaden their horizons.
You too could do so through becoming a volunteer.
- Volunteering is about giving your time, freely and unpaid, to do something useful.
- You may be able to claim some of your expenses.
- Becoming a volunteer is rewarding. Volunteers often feel good 'giving something back to society' through helping others.
- You could choose from thousands of different opportunities in this country and abroad.
- There are opportunities if you have only a few hours to spare or if you are able to give a far greater commitment.
- Charities and community groups constantly need volunteers to help them to improve other people's lives.
- Volunteering can help you increase your self-esteem and self-confidence as you learn new skills, meet new people and develop new interests.
- You may have reached a stage in your life where you want to 'put something back' into your community - or share your skills. Some people even kick-start a brand new career for themselves.
- By volunteering, even for just a couple of hours a week, you could increase your job prospects and increase your skills a lot.
- You will make new friends, experience new challenges and increase your confidence.
- Volunteering can be a good way to fill part of your gap year.
- Volunteering could help you to gain necessary skills and experience, especially if you can't find other work or training straight away.
- Recording a period of voluntary work really looks good on your CV. Many people will be impressed that you have done something worthwhile in your free time.
How to become a volunteer
- Work out how much time you can offer over and above your other commitments, such as school, work or college.
- Think about the type of work that interests you, perhaps working with people, buildings, machinery, animals, plants or nature. Whatever your interests and skills, such as helping an older or disabled person, restoring steam trains or caring for animals or the environment, it’s likely that you will find plenty to interest you.
- There are many organisations and charities to consider. Have a look at some of the links below to help you find suitable volunteering opportunities in the UK or abroad.
Check it Out
- Volunteering Wales - information on volunteering and database of opportunities in Wales - search for opportunities in your local area:
- DO IT - information on volunteering and database of opportunities - search for opportunities in the UK
- Community Service Volunteers - volunteering opportunities in your local community
- Time Bank - information on volunteering - lists all the major volunteering organisations with opportunities in the UK and abroad
- The National Centre for Volunteering - links to many organisations offering voluntary work including overseas
- Direct Gov - information on becoming a volunteer, volunteer rights etc
- Wales Council for Voluntary Action - the official body for voluntary work in Wales
- NSPCC Volunteering - Volunteer with the NSPCC locally to make a difference to a child's life
- National Trust - Make new friends and learn new skills in amazing locations by volunteering at a National Trust property.
- VSO UK - By volunteering with VSO, you get to put your skills, energy and personal qualities to work helping people break out of poverty.
- Barnardo’s - As the UK's biggest children's charity, Barnardo's offers a huge range of voluntary work for students.
- Citizens Advice - Find out more about volunteering with us, opportunities available, and what some of our volunteers say about their experience of volunteering.
- Gwirvol - Information for Volunteers aged 14-25 in Wales.