We are often told by volunteers that their reward is the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile and enabling others to improve their quality of life. Why not share your skills, knowledge, leisure time and friendship with others in your local community?
Some of the benefits of volunteering include:
- building confidence and self esteem - you feel good about yourself and your contribution to positive change
- making new friends - you mix with a variety of people, all with a common goal in mind
- learning new skills and facing new challenges - in doing so you will learn a lot about your own capabilities
- being part of the community and part of a team of like-minded individuals
- training is offered and the experience gained from volunteering is useful if you are seeking employment. It also looks impressive to a potential employer and shows you are motivated.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact us using the information on the right. You will then be invited to have an informal chat about the voluntary opportunities available and what each role involves.
If you decide to go ahead, you will need to fill in an application form. This gives the Voluntary Services Officer permission to get two character references from someone who has known you for at least two years, and a criminal record bureau (CRB) check.
Any time you can spare to volunteer will be greatly appreciated. However, your time commitment will vary depending on the type of voluntary role you choose. Please see 'Voluntary Roles' which you can select from the right hand menu.
Reliability is usually more important than the number of hours. As far as possible you should make a commitment to be available at certain times and to give us plenty of notice if you cannot be available, for example, if you are going on holiday.
This will allow us to provide cover to people getting services while you are away.
Volunteers will be paid travel and 'out of pocket' expenses such as car parking. These should be agreed in advance with the Voluntary Services Officer. You will be expected to record these expenses on forms which we will supply and the Voluntary Services Officer will give you advice on how to fill them in.
As a volunteer, you do not need experience. If you are patient, reliable and have a genuine interest in people, these are all qualities which are of more benefit to us.
We will give free training when you start and relevant on-going training to meet the volunteer roles given.
By volunteering you get the chance to make a difference in the community, make new friends and be a valued member of a team. We also meet on a regular basis for social events and organised talks. Past trips include evenings at the theatre, guest speakers and Christmas party nights.
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