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Will I get training?
This all depends on the organisation you are volunteering with, and what you will be doing. Some organisations can offer extensive training, while others may expect you to learn on the job, and use skills you already have. The best thing to do is ask them
This all depends on the organisation you are volunteering with, and what you will be doing. Some organisations can offer extensive training, while others may expect you to learn on the job, and use skills you already have. The best thing to do is ask them
What skills will I need?
That depends on the opportunity. Many don’t require any particular skills while others might make use of specific training, for example accountancy.
That depends on the opportunity. Many don’t require any particular skills while others might make use of specific training, for example accountancy.
Will I have to go for an interview before I can volunteer?
It's likely that most organisations will want to have a chat with you before you start volunteering - but don't panic! Discussing your volunteering before you start is a good way to make sure it's the right opportunity for you.
For many volunteering positions, it'll just be a case of an informal chat, so you can find out more about them and they can find out more about you. Make sure you tell them how much time you've got to spare and ask about anything you need to know, such as travel expenses, allowances, supervision and training.
If your volunteering role involves more responsibility, for example, if you'll be managing budgets, you may need to go for a more formal interview.
Applying for volunteering opportunities could also involve filling in application forms, and in some cases you may need to provide references.
It's likely that most organisations will want to have a chat with you before you start volunteering - but don't panic! Discussing your volunteering before you start is a good way to make sure it's the right opportunity for you.
For many volunteering positions, it'll just be a case of an informal chat, so you can find out more about them and they can find out more about you. Make sure you tell them how much time you've got to spare and ask about anything you need to know, such as travel expenses, allowances, supervision and training.
If your volunteering role involves more responsibility, for example, if you'll be managing budgets, you may need to go for a more formal interview.
Applying for volunteering opportunities could also involve filling in application forms, and in some cases you may need to provide references.
How much time do I need to give as a volunteer?
Even if you work full-time and have a busy lifestyle you should still be able to find something that suits you. Some volunteering requires many hours a week, some only a few each month. You can volunteer in the evenings, at night and/or at weekends.
Opportunities you find through vsearch should make it clear as to how much time is required. If you're pushed for time, try looking for a short-term opportunity - you could start with a one-off day of volunteering and see how you go.
If you need more help finding a placement to fit around your life, contact your local Millennium Volunteers project or vteam. You can find their contact details in vadvice.
Even if you work full-time and have a busy lifestyle you should still be able to find something that suits you. Some volunteering requires many hours a week, some only a few each month. You can volunteer in the evenings, at night and/or at weekends.
Opportunities you find through vsearch should make it clear as to how much time is required. If you're pushed for time, try looking for a short-term opportunity - you could start with a one-off day of volunteering and see how you go.
If you need more help finding a placement to fit around your life, contact your local Millennium Volunteers project or vteam. You can find their contact details in vadvice.
What do volunteers do?
As a volunteer you can do just about anything. Volunteering is all about giving your time to do something useful, without getting paid.
Volunteering could include organising local fundraising gigs, campaigning on an issue you feel passionately about (fancy dress optional...), helping children learn to read, clearing up your area, making films about issues that matter, managing a children's football team... whatever your interest and passion, you can use it to make a difference in your community. You could even apply for funding to set up your own project.
The best thing about volunteering is that, by offering your time and effort you will meet new people, gain valuable skills and have heaps of fun doing it!
As a volunteer you can do just about anything. Volunteering is all about giving your time to do something useful, without getting paid.
Volunteering could include organising local fundraising gigs, campaigning on an issue you feel passionately about (fancy dress optional...), helping children learn to read, clearing up your area, making films about issues that matter, managing a children's football team... whatever your interest and passion, you can use it to make a difference in your community. You could even apply for funding to set up your own project.
The best thing about volunteering is that, by offering your time and effort you will meet new people, gain valuable skills and have heaps of fun doing it!
