Benefits of Volunteering
People get different things from volunteering. Benefits you may experience are:
- satisfaction of helping others
- getting involved in something that interests you
- meeting new people
- doing something you enjoy, not just because you’re paid to do it
- gaining confidence and self esteem
- learning new skills or building on existing ones
- having fun!
Opportunities for Volunteering
The range of opportunities is huge. Whatever skills and experience you have, there is something you can do. We currently have over 300 opportunities to choose from including visiting and social care; gardening and outdoor work; driving; youth activities and sports; arts and crafts; advice and information. The best way to see the currently available volunteering opportunities is to search the Do It website… http://www.do-it.org.uk/
Barriers to Volunteering
The biggest problem for many people is finding 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. Organisations are increasingly looking to create more volunteering opportunities for people with less time to spare.
There are no age-limits on volunteering, but there can sometimes be difficulties for people under-16 or over-65, mostly for insurance reasons. If you have any concerns, speak to someone in the organisation you are applying to.
What you can Expect as a Volunteer
Once you start volunteering, you can often expect payment of out-of pocket expenses (e.g. travel). You should also expect a clear idea of what your role is and appropriate training & support. If you aren’t clear about anything, don’t be afraid to speak to someone in the organisation you are volunteering for.
Additional Support for Volunteers
We provide additional support to volunteers through our projects:
- Inclusive Volunteering Project (Yasmin Patel) – offering help to people who may normally think that they cannot volunteer. This may be because they have a physical or learning disability, mental health problems or they lack confidence
- Fast 4WD (Steve Foden) – offering help, training and support to people who want to volunteer in the Substance Misuse Sector – either people who were previously service users or members of the general public
- Volunteering for Stronger Communities Project (Catherine Westwell) – offering help, training and support to people who are furthest from the employment market to help them volunteer and gain transferrable experience for future paid employment
Including the following activity:
- Drop-in Sessions at the Boulevard Centre in Blackburn every Thursday 10-12.
- Drop-in Sessions at the Resource Centre in Darwen on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 10-12.
- A regular eBulletin for Volunteers which details the latest Volunteering & Training opportunities click here to read the latest eBulletin and/or signup to receive copies by email by emailing lynn.hennessey@bwdcvs.org.uk.
- Regular training, personal development and awareness raising sessions.