Information for volunteers
Anyone can volunteer, whatever your age or experience, because you will have a skill that someone needs. If you are under 16 there may be insurance barriers, but talk to us and we may be able to help.
If you can’t find the information you are looking for here, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Below you’ll find the answers to questions we are often asked by people interested in volunteering. If you can't find the answers you are looking for here, please get in touch.
What should I expect as a volunteer?
- Your travel expenses paid, but check with the organisation.
- A clear role description, including any expectations.
- Training and guidance on your role.
- Support or supervision from a paid member of staff or experienced volunteer.
- Health and safety guidelines and insurance if needed.
- The organisations policies and procedures.
- To feel valued by the organisation and able to contribute to its development.
If these expectations are not met, or you have problems that you cannot sort out with the organisation where you volunteer, contact us and we can advise and support you.
What are the benefits?
- Build your confidence and self esteem.
- Gain a sense of purpose, fulfilment and recognition.
- Meet new people and make new friends.
- Maintain or share existing skills.
- Improve employment prospects by gaining new skills and experience.
- Gain an accreditation.
- Support your community and make a difference.
- Help people who are isolated or disadvantaged.
- Improve the environment by volunteering with a local conservation organisation.
A national survey by the National Council for Volunteering Organisations (NCVO) found that:
What are the barriers and how to overcome them?
- Not having enough spare time to volunteer - volunteering commitments can range from one hour a week up to full-time. You can find the role that suits the time you have to offer.
- Being put off volunteering by bureaucracy - procedures are there to protect you, but we can help you with any paperwork at the Volunteer Centre.
- Being worried about risk or liability in volunteering - we will only signpost you towards organisations with public liability insurance and safeguarding procedures to ensure that your volunteering experience is happy and healthy.
- Not knowing how to get involved - we can provide you with the information you need.
- Not having the right skills or experience - we can help you find volunteering suited to your ability and interests.
Can volunteering help me into employment?
- Research has found that volunteering can help increase self-esteem and confidence among volunteers, skills which are invaluable in gaining employment (Institute for Volunteering Research, 2009).
- Volunteering can demonstrate a multitude of attractive skills to employers, such as evidence of commitment and working within a team.
- Volunteering can provide you with references and relevant up-to-date experience.
Register with us today
Explore varied volunteering roles tailored to your interests
The link below will take you to our Simply Connect registration site