All about volunteering

Corporate responsibility / team challenges

i volunteer

flexiteering

Latest vacancies

Volunteer driving

Driving a Handybus

Who volunteers?

You do!

From schoolchildren to senior citizens; from people in unskilled jobs to professional people; from the highly paid to the unemployed; from the able-bodied to people with disabilities. Everyone has something to offer.

Why volunteer?

People volunteer for a variety of reasons:

• help your community
• make new friends
• learn new skills
• make a difference to something you care about
• improve your career prospects
• add variety to your day
• have fun
• build self confidence
• add experience to your CV

Studies show that people who volunteer regularly are likely to enjoy better health and even live longer!

Perhaps the chief reward is in finding satisfaction in doing something worthwhile.

Do I need any experience?

No. Voluntary groups welcome people from all backgrounds, and are often willing to train you.

Volunteering isn't a replacement for skilled workers - volunteers add value and have a distinct role in society.

How can I help?

We have vacancies for an enormous range of activities:

• architecture and building work
• advice work
• administration
• art
• befriending
• business and management
• campaigning and lobbying
• caring
• catering
• community work
• computers and technology
• counselling
• driving
• entertainment
• finance work
• fundraising
• hostel work
• languages
• legal work
• marketing, PR and media
• music
• practical work and DIY
• retail and charity shops
• teaching and training
• trusteeship
• under 16 volunteering

Our computer database matching system can match your interests with groups in need of help.

'Make a difference day' - bulb planting at Goldwell Park

How much time must I give?

That is entirely up to you. You choose what your commitment will be.

Will my out-of-pocket expenses be paid?

Volunteer Centre West Berkshire recommends that organisations which use volunteers pay out-of-pocket expenses, for example, travelling expenses such as mileage or fares, and that volunteers are properly insured. It is recommended that you check these matters with the organisation concerned before commencing any voluntary work.

Will I lose benefit?

Participation in unpaid voluntary work whilst in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance will not affect your right to benefit, provided that you receive only out-of-pocket expenses and remain available for, and are actively seeking, work.

Even though your benefits will not be affected you must tell:

• your Job Centre
• your Social Security Office
• your Local Council if you are receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit

OK, how do I become a volunteer?

Make an appointment with us to come in for an informal and confidential chat to discuss the range of ways that you could become involved. This will enable you to find out all you need to know about the organisations in your area needing help.

Volunteer Centre West Berkshire has a computer database matching system that can match your interests with groups in need of help. We have vacancies for all types of activity with groups in a wide range of sectors, from animals to youth work.

To make an appointment, just give us a call on 01635 49004, or send us an email at info@vcwb.org.uk

If you wish, prior to visiting us you can look at the vacancies currently available by visiting the national do-it.co.uk database of volunteer opportunities. The database contains a list of vacancies throughout the country, including those held on Volunteer Centre West Berkshire's own database. However, if you find something that interests you, you'll then need to come in and see us to make an appointment with the organisation.

And if I don't like what I'm doing?

If you are not happy with your placement or do not like a particular aspect of the tasks you have agreed to undertake, please contact us so that we can discuss the issue with you and help to make other arrangements if needed. This may mean looking for voluntary work with another organisation.

Remember, we are here to help YOU!