Why should I volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to make friends, develop useful new skills and gain experience that can help develop your career. It is also extremely satisfying. Although volunteers are not paid, you may be able to claim expenses.

Experience gained from volunteering is a great addition to your CV, especially if you have only limited work experience. Many employers also find volunteering experience very appealing when they are recruiting new staff.

How can I find time to volunteer?

Don’t worry if you feel you don’t have the time to volunteer. Many organisations are willing to be flexible. They are also happy if you only volunteer for a small amount of time, so it may be possible to fit volunteering round your work and family commitments.

Often employers encourage volunteering, so it’s worth asking if you can have time off to volunteer. Find out more about employer supported volunteering.

Alternatively you can combine volunteering with something you would be doing anyway. Like supervising the walking bus when you walk your children to school. Once you think about it the oportunities are endless. Go on give a little and gain a lot.

What support can I receive?

As well as receiving support from your employer, you may receive a variety of support from the organisation that you volunteer for. This support may include:

• training – to ensure you’ve got the right skills to carry out your tasks properly. Managers of volunteers are also trained to ensure that you are managed properly.
• accreditation – to prove what you’ve achieved. Some organisations, such as Millennium Volunteers, award volunteers after 100 and 200 hours of voluntary work.
• expenses – many organisations reimburse volunteers for expenses such as travelling costs.

For more information about best practice in volunteer management, visit the Volunteering England website.

I’m claiming benefits, can I still volunteer?

Yes, you can. The rules are straightforward, and also allow you to be paid expenses. More from the Volunteering England website – volunteering and state benefits.

How can I found out more?

Has this convinced you that volunteering is something that you should do? If it has, find out more about the ways to volunteer.