Volunteering

I want to Volunteer

What is volunteering?

Volunteers are people of all ages and backgrounds, who give their time and skills for free to help individuals or their community.

Volunteering can be challenging and rewarding; it can be an opportunity to meet new people, develop your existing skills and learn new ones and build your confidence and self-esteem. Volunteering offers you the chance to make a visible difference in your local community, broaden your horizons and meet like-minded people. And remember - volunteering is also about trying something new and enjoying yourself!

Anyone can volunteer, young or old, employed or unemployed, regardless of your sex, ethnicity, faith or culture.

If you would like to volunteer please complete the Volunteer Registration form and return it to the Volunteer Centre. We will be able to discuss suitable opportunities with you so that you can find one which best suits your interests and skills.

If you would like further information about volunteering, please call Kate on 01789 294514 or Clarissa on 01789 262886.

Who Volunteers?

In 2007 73% of all adults in England and Wales volunteered (formally or informally).
Almost half the population (48%) did so at least once a month. In 2007, 63% of adults in England volunteered informally, while 45% of adults volunteered formally.

Volunteering is popular with young and old. 53% of young people aged 16-19 have volunteered with a club or organisation at least once in the last 12 months, while 78% have given unpaid help on an informal basis. 28% of over 75's have volunteered with a club or organisation at least once in the last 12 months, while 46% have given unpaid help on an informal basis.

Volunteers spend an average of 3 working weeks a year giving unpaid help through groups, clubs and organisations. This is the equivalent of around 1 million full-time workers involved in their local communities.

What kind of opportunities are there?

There is a huge variety of volunteering opportunities on offer. For example, you could be working with children and young people, befriending an older person, providing essential transport as a driver, or helping out in a conservation project.

Help a child to read	Help out at Youth Clubs
Drive a minibus	Help out at a Day Centre
Be a school governor	Work as a shop assistant
Help in a playgroup	Work with elderly people
Mediate a dispute	Give some relief to a full time carer
Support a young person in a crisis	Work with computers
Raise funds for an organisation	Act as a cashier
Wash up and lay tables for a lunch club	Support a family through friendship
Help disabled children learn to swim	Drive people to medical appointments
Befriend someone in need	Share your skills with the younger generation