Make a Difference in West Berkshire — Find Your Perfect Volunteering Opportunity

Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time — it’s about gaining something meaningful in return. Whether you want to meet new people, learn new skills, build your confidence, support a cause you care about, or simply make a difference in your local community, there’s an opportunity waiting for you.

From just a few hours a week to one-off opportunities, volunteering can fit around your life and your interests. Your time, skills and experience could make a real difference to someone in West Berkshire.

So why not take the first step? Get involved, connect with your community and discover what volunteering can do for you.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering is a rewarding way to give your time, support your community and make a positive difference. Whether you want to meet new people, develop valuable skills or simply do something worthwhile, there are many reasons to become a volunteer.

The Benefits of Volunteering

People volunteer for many different reasons, including:

Improve your career prospects by gaining practical experience and transferable skills.

Add variety to your day and enjoy a new and rewarding experience.

Have fun while taking part in activities that make a difference.

Build your confidence by trying new things and meeting new people.

Enhance your CV with valuable volunteering experience.

Help your local community and support causes that matter to you.

Make new friends and become part of a supportive community.

Learn new skills that can benefit you personally and professionally.

Make a difference by contributing your time to something you genuinely care about.

Register your interest here
Book an appointment

FAQ

Do I need any experience?

No. Voluntary groups welcome people from all backgrounds and are willing to train you. Volunteering isn’t a replacement for skilled workers – volunteers add value and have a distinct role in society.

We have a huge range of roles on our volunteering portal. Ranging from administration to catering and driving. 

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

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.

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

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.

Why not make an appointment with us to come in for an informal and confidential one-to-one 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.

To make an appointment, just give us a call on 01635 49004, or send us an email at vbase@vcwb.org.uk. You can also book an appointment to see our Volunteer Recruitment Officer here. 

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.