Volunteering opportunities
If you are studying, in work, or out of work volunteering is a way to:
- develop new skills
- build confidence
- show future employers what you can do
The amount of time you volunteer for could be anything from a one off event, to a couple of hours a week, through to a full-time commitment over several months. You could work in your local area or move away from home.
There is a wide range of volunteering work, for example:
- helping maintain a wildlife area
- being part of a team planning a festival
- office work
- teaching someone to read
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 already know the type of work you want to do, then you can contact organisations directly. For example, if you want to teach you could contact local schools, colleges or adult education centres.
You can find details about looking for local volunteering opportunities on the Voluntary Action LeicesterShire website*.
*You are about to enter a website which will give you information about volunteering opportunities, including contact details. Connexions Leicester Shire has not checked the health and safety standards or child protection arrangements of the listed organisations. You should ask questions to satisfy yourself on these matters before accepting a volunteer placement. If you have any concerns, speak to your personal adviser.
Volunteering with Connexions
Aged 13 - 19? (or up to 25 if you a disability or learning difficulty)
Did you know, there are a number of exciting ways that you can volunteer with Connexions? These include - inspecting local services for young people, interviewing new staff and talking to other young people to find out their views.
Find out more about our opportunities
Volunteering and claiming benefits
You can continue to claim Job Seekers Allowance while you are volunteering. While you are volunteering you must be willing and able to take up an offer of paid employment at seven days notice. You should also be available to attend a job interview if you are given 48 hours notice. While you are volunteering you must continue to actively seek work everyday. But if taking part in voluntary work is improving your chance of finding a job this will be taken into account.
Community Cash Awards from the Prince's trust
Community Cash Awards are grants of up to £3,000 to help you set up a project that will benefit your community.
What's the catch?
There isn’t one. You just have to come up with an idea for a project that will improve life in a local community in the UK. Maybe a new basketball court, a music studio, a youth club, sex education workshops in schools, a youth advisory board, even a local magazine. Visit the Prince's Trust website.
