There is a tremendous range of volunteering work, for example:
Unless you are already sure what you want to do, it is worth finding out what kind of work there is near where you live
If you do already know the type of work you want to do, then you can contact relevant organisations direct. For example, if you want to teach you could contact local schools, colleges or adult education centres.
Some organisations are looking for people with specific skills. Other organisations, including volunteer bureaux, will find volunteer work for everyone, including people with extra support needs.
Where to look
Do-it.org.uk (YouthNet UK)
An internet database of UK local volunteering opportunities. Searchable by postcode, type of work and type of organisation. www.do-it.org.uk (you can also use the box at the top of this page to search the do-it volunteering database).
Volunteer bureaux or centres act as a volunteers' "job shop". They can tell you what voluntary work is available locally and put you in touch with local organisations. You can also discuss with them what you want to do and get advice. There is a volunteer bureau in most areas. Visit our volunteer centre finder for details of one near you
You can also look up your nearest volunteer bureau in the phone directory under 'V' or phone Volunteering England on 0845 305 6979. As well as the volunteer bureau, some or all of the following should be able to help.
Councils for Voluntary Service: they often act as a volunteer bureau if there is no local bureau. They are sometimes known by a different name, so look in the telephone book or Yellow Pages under "Council", "Volunteers" or "Voluntary". In rural areas the equivalents are Rural Community Councils.
Colleagues, neighbours and friends if they know of any voluntary work you could do.
Public libraries: ask if there is a noticeboard or a file of information on voluntary work. There are several published directories of voluntary work, and most libraries will have at least one of these in the reference or careers section. ‘The Voluntary Agencies Directory’ is particularly useful if you know exactly what you want to do as it has an excellent index of types of organisation from Abducted children to Zoology.
Timebank
By registering with TimeBank, your interests and skills will be matched to volunteering opportunities in your area. You will also receive TimeBank's volunteer guide and newsletter, regular updates about volunteering opportunities and handy hints about giving time.
To register call 0845 601 4008 or for general enquiries 0207 401 5438
You can also register online at www.timebank.org.uk
Through work: some employers encourage and support their staff to volunteer. Your employer may be able to provide information about opportunities and support such as money, equipment, or time off to volunteer. Contact the community affairs manager to find out if your company has an employee volunteering programme.
Local hospitals often offer volunteering opportunities. Social Services Departments sometimes take on volunteers, and are often a good source of information on where to volunteer.
The Guardian newspaper features an interesting selection of about 100 volunteering opportunities. These appear most Wednesdays in the jobs section. Local press and radio may have special programmes or regular articles about voluntary work.
REACH is a charity which recruits people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the UK with specific business, professional, managerial or technical career experience and finds them part time, expenses only opportunities, with voluntary organisations which need their expertise. For further information contact REACH on 020 7582 6543 or visit www.reach-online.org.uk
RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme), c/o CSV, 237 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9NJ (020 7278 6601)
Issues to consider:
