WHY VOLUNTEER?
Whilst helping to improve life for others, you’ll get something out of the experience
for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with that ... volunteering is a “win-win thing”.
Volunteer for lots of good reasons:-

• give something back to the community
• do something that’s important to you
• have fun
• meet new people
• gain useful experiences & new skills (good for the CV)
• try out something new
• build confidence & self esteem
• take on new challenges
• share your skills to help others
• make more effective life & career plans

Why not give volunteering a try? You’ve got nothing to lose & maybe lots to gain!

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Volunteer Centres have details of hundreds of different local organisations, so no matter what your age, interests & the time you have to spare, there are ways in which you can help and groups you can join - for example:

•  Offer support to other people e.g. young, elderly, homeless, victims of crime
•  Support people who have mental ill health
•  Befriend people who have learning disabilities or physical disabilities
•  Become a sports coach, or help a local sports club in a variety of ways
•  Help organisations with your office & computer skills
•  Fundraise for a group, or help them with advertising
•  Offer advice, information & support in a variety of situations
•  Help out practically with driving, gardening, DIY or conservation volunteering
•  Join the volunteers at a local hospital or hospice
•  Help run a local charity by becoming a trustee
•  Consider being a school governor or a magistrate

Where training is necessary, this will be arranged by the organisation you join.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER
Contact your nearest Volunteer Centre to find out what voluntary opportunities are currently available.

The Centre will be able to provide you with all the information you need to make your choice & answer any concerns you may have. We’ll talk about your interests, the type of voluntary work that appeals to you & what you hope to get out of volunteering.

All discussions will be confidential & you will not be put under any pressure to decide there & then. It often takes time to consider the options.

Take away some great volunteering ideas from your local Volunteer Centre