Volunteering

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.

Some organisations are looking for people with specific skills. Other organisations, including Volunteer Centres, will help you find voluntary work.

Details about local volunteer centres can be found at the Volunteer Centres 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 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.

Volunteering Blogs

What's volunteering really like?

Click on the links below to read about Ashley's and Sammy's experiences of volunteering.

 

 

 

Click here to read Ashley's blog on do-it.org.uk