Volunteering
A volunteer is someone who does work without being paid for it, because they want to do it.
Volunteering = Free will + Unpaid + Making a difference
Why volunteer?
Volunteering is a fantastic way to make your mark on a cause that you care about and learn new things along the way. Volunteering is a way to make a difference to peoples’ lives and the community around you, but can also look great on a CV, job application, or personal statement.
Career Central: What is volunteering? (YouTube)
Volunteering Solutions: Reasons to volunteer
Save the Student!: Volunteering guide for beginners
Benefits of being a volunteer
From gaining new skills and knowledge to enhancing your CV, there’s a range of benefits to volunteering.
- Gain new skills and knowledge
- Valuable work experience
- Free qualifications and training
- Enhance your CV and LinkedIn profile
- Meet new people and make friends
- Enjoy becoming part of, and giving something back, to the community
- Improve your mental and physical health
Types of volunteering
- Full-time: Whether you want to spend an entire year out or just fill up your holidays, you can find a number of full-time charity placements both in the UK and abroad.
- Part-time: If you are looking to fit volunteering around university studies or other commitments, you can always take on a part-time role, from as little as a few hours a month.
- University clubs, societies and volunteering: Running a university club or society or sitting on the committee of one counts as volunteering, as does mentoring new students.
- Online: You can even volunteer from the comfort of your own home. Some charities will have opportunities where you can offer support online or over the phone.
- One-offs: If you do not feel able to commit to a set number of hours each week, that is ok! You will still find lots of one-off volunteering activities where you can help out.
- Casual: Similarly, if you do not have the time to commit to regular hours but do want to volunteer for a particular organisation when you can, you could always ask to keep it casual or request they give you a call any time they need an extra pair of hands.
Volunteering stories
Real stories from volunteers offer inspiring insights into the impact of giving your time and energy. Discover firsthand experiences from volunteers and see how it has shaped their personal and professional journeys.
Anthony, Football Coach – Go Volunteer Glos
Caroline, Girl Guider – Go Volunteer Glos
Maureen, Cancer Research Shop Assistant – Go Volunteer Glos
How do I find volunteering opportunities?
Finding the right volunteering opportunity is easier than you might think – here are some tips and resources to help you get started:
- Think about what interests or excites you
- Think about what time or skills you can give
- Get researching!
- Ask your friends and family
- Contact charities or organisations directly to enquire about volunteering
- Search online for volunteering opportunities. See below for suggested websites
- Use your LinkedIn account to search ‘Jobs – Volunteering’. Apply filters and set up alerts
Career Central: Where and how can I volunteer? (YouTube)
; ?> "Visit the homepage"){kind=logo}