Volunteering
Volunteering is simple. It's about giving your time to do something useful, without getting paid (apart from expenses). In return you get the satisfaction of time and effort well spent. In addition, volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, gain fantastic work experience and a certificate to add to your CV… It should also be fun! The range of opportunities is huge. Whatever skills and experience you have, there is something that you can do. The biggest problem for many people is finding the time to volunteer. It can reduce your choices if you don't have much time to spare, but many busy people do find suitable opportunities. There are no age-limits on volunteering, but there can sometimes be difficulties for people under 16 mostly for insurance reasons. Why volunteer? People get involved in volunteering for a number of reasons. You may want to: - try out an area of work that interests you
- gain some experience to help you get a place at university, college or a job
- put something back into society
- be pro-active in supporting a particular cause, or
- take a year out before university
What can I do? There’s so much you could do – it’s difficult to know where to start! You could: - help out at a local sports club, for example, refereeing
- look after animals
- help out at a local museum or heritage site
- help an elderly person
- support a person who has a disability
- work with people who are homeless, and
- help fundraise for your favourite charity
Useful Websites www.wwv.org.uk WorldWide Volunteering is a non-profit making organisation whose aim is to make it easier for people of all ages to volunteer. This site gives access to information about a wide range of volunteering opportunities throughout the UK and worldwide. www.voluntaryworks.org.uk Details of organisations which co-ordinate opportunities for volunteers in Bedfordshire and Luton can be found on this site as well as information about volunteering. www.do-it.org.uk A database of UK volunteering opportunities searchable by postcode, and information about becoming a volunteer.
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