Volunteering
Anyone can volunteer, all you need is some spare time.
Volunteering is like work, but you don’t get paid. So what’s the point?
Well, different people volunteer for different reasons, but most will tell you its a great way to get work experience, gain new skills, meet new people, broaden your horizons or just for the buzz of doing something worthwhile and enjoyable.
Its possible to do pretty much anything you like as a volunteer – whatever you’re into, there’s bound to be an organisation out there looking for people to join in.
Whether its being part of your school or college’s student council, helping out at your local old folk’s home or naked bungee skydiving for charity, there are literally thousands of ways and places you can volunteer.
Volunteering Opportunities on the web:
These are just a few of the web pages containing info that will help anyone looking to volunteer
www.do-it.org.uk – Lots of stuff about volunteering, as well as a huge database of current opportunities searchable by distance from your house!
www.millenniumvolunteers.gov.uk - The Millennium Volunteers (MV) message is "Build on What You’re Into." MV is a Government funded initiative which encourages you to volunteer your time for the benefit of others by getting you involved the in activities that really interest you. Anyone aged between 16 and 24 can join - its a win-win situation. You gain valuable experience, social and communication skills and the community gains from your energy, creativity and commitment. See local info below for your nearest MV project.
www.volunteering.org.uk – Even more info about volunteering in England, plus special sections on different areas of volunteering, including volunteering as a young person.
www.csv.org.uk - ‘CSV’ stands for ‘Community Service Volunteers’. CSV is the UK’s largest volunteering and training organisation. The site contains info on opportunities, case studies news and campaigns.
www.btcv.org – The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers is a leading UK environmental charity. Details of local volunteering opportunities, work in schools and with young people and communities and even jobs with the BTCV are available on the site.
www.timebank.org.uk - Share your time and skills with your community. The site allows you to register your details in order to receive a list of organisations in your area that need help, and which match your interests.
www.princes-trust.org.uk - The Prince’s Trust Volunteer Programme offers people aged between 16 and 25 the chance to take part in 12 to 26 week volunteer courses designed to enhance their skills, confidence, and to discover the talents that they may never of known they had. The emphasis for these courses is on fun, adventure and challenge.
www.theaward.org – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award promotes a programme of practical, cultural and adventure activities designed to develop young people.
www.studentvol.org.uk – Student Volunteering England: If you’re a student (16+), you live in England and you want to volunteer, this would definitely be a good starting point. Contains info on your nearest local SV group.
Gap Year
findaGap.com provides users with free advice and access to its online provider database of gap year related products and services.
Named the ’Google for Gap Years’ by The Daily Telegraph, findaGap.com provides the most comprehensive A-Z guide for people taking a Gap Year. Launched in November 2003 by recent graduates findaGap.com aims to provide its users with a simple but effective search engine specific to gap year opportunities. From cheap gap year travel to finding a volunteer organisation and project, findaGap.com will help students find out what is available, where it can be done and how much it costs.
www.findagap.com