Thinking about Volunteering?

11 October 2021

If you’re thinking about volunteering, then you’ve come to the right place. One Community helps hundreds of people find volunteering roles every year, there is a volunteering role to suit pretty much everyone; here are some volunteering FAQ’s.

Who Volunteers?

Anyone can volunteer, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, religion or sexual orientation, but most people do so for the following reasons:

Having the time – because of retirement or unemployment, gaps between contracts, breaks from study, being home-based, or having children at school, you may have time to spare for voluntary work.

A new direction – new skills can be developed and experience gained through voluntary work, which can help towards a new career or a place at college or university.

Using a skill – some people have a particular skill that is not being used and could be wasted; a skill that would be invaluable to a voluntary organisation.

Pursuing an interest – many people have an interest in a particular charity or group, because it relates to their own experience or concerns.

Wanting to make a difference – meeting a need in your local community can be a strong motivation.

How much time does it take?

The time you give to voluntary work can vary from a couple of hours now and then, to two or three days a week. It depends on the time you choose to give, in agreement with the organisation of your choice. The most important thing is to be reliable.

What can I do?

What you can do depends on your interests, skills and experience, the time you have available, where you live and how far you want to travel.  We hold information on hundreds of opportunities, giving you the widest possible choice for example:

  • Advocacy
  • Animal shelters and the zoo
  • Arts centres and museums
  • Charity shops, hospital shops, coffee shops and tea bars
  • Children’s play and educational activities
  • Clubs, carnivals and community associations
  • Committees, magistracy and school governorship
  • Community radio and newsletters
  • Community transport using your own car or a minibus
  • Computers, websites and social media
  • Day centres for older or disabled people
  • Environment, conservation, wildlife and gardening
  • Hospitals and hospices
  • Literacy and numeracy
  • Marketing, PR and fundraising
  • Mentoring, counselling and befriending
  • Office, reception and administration
  • Support and self-help groups

What do I get out of volunteering?

There is no salary, no pension and no company car (though travel and other out of pocket expenses should be paid), but volunteering offers many other benefits:

  • Structure to the week and a sense of purpose
  • Meeting new people and the chance to make friends
  • Involvement in local issues and decision-making
  • Work experience and a reference
  • Developing and updating existing skills and interests
  • Confidence from providing a valuable service
  • Team spirit and job satisfaction

How do I volunteer?

We are here to assist in any way we can to:

  • Help find the right opportunities for you
  • Introduce you to the organisation/s of your choice
  • Inform you of all you need to know as a volunteer