Advice for Volunteers

What is Volunteering?

Volunteering can be rewarding and give you a sense of purpose. It allows you to use existing skills and gain new ones.

Key Points:

Your choice: Volunteering should be voluntary.
Right fit: It should suit your lifestyle.
Mutually beneficial: Both you and the organization should benefit.

Is Volunteering Right for Me?

Volunteering involves time and energy that benefits others and the community. It requires responsibility and supports an organization’s mission. If you seek personal benefits like self-confidence or meeting people without the responsibility, consider participation in activities instead.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Why do I want to volunteer?
What would I enjoy doing?
What do I not want to do?
What do I aim to gain?
How much time can I commit?
What time of day can I volunteer?
How long can I volunteer (short-term or long-term)?

Things to Consider:

Mutual benefit: Ensure both you and the organization benefit.
Personal commitments: Mention any care duties and ask about flexible hours.
Training: Know what training is required and if you can commit to it.
Expenses: Check if the organization covers expenses.
Driving: Ensure your car insurance covers volunteering activities.
Benefits: Check if volunteering affects any benefits you receive.
Equipment: Clarify who provides the necessary tools and equipment.

Volunteering Advice for Young People

Volunteering is a choice you make freely in your own time. If it's required by your course or school, that's a placement, not volunteering.

Key Points:

Volunteering vs. Placement: Volunteering is self-organized, while placements are arranged by organizations.
Planning: Start planning about 6 months in advance, especially for summer volunteering.
Initial Enquiry: Make the initial contact yourself to make a good impression. If you don't feel welcomed, it might not be the right fit.
Limitations: Age, insurance, tasks, and hours can be barriers. Be patient and consider other experiences if needed.

Choosing the Right Role:

Transferable Skills: Look for roles that help you practice skills relevant to your desired course or job.
Honesty: Be upfront about your motivations, whether it's gaining experience, getting a reference, or adding to your CV. Organizations appreciate knowing this in advance.

Advice for Supporters

Supporting someone into volunteering can be challenging, especially if they have unique needs. Here are some key points to consider:

Is Volunteering the Right Fit?

Responsibility: Assess if the person is ready for the responsibility of volunteering. Sometimes, participating in activities as a 'helper' might be more suitable.
Choice: Volunteering should be a choice, not a replacement for lost services.

Considerations for Volunteering:

Readiness: Are they ready to handle responsibility, authority, and interactions with others?
Confidence: Do they have the confidence to travel and fulfil the role?
Support: Will they need support, and who will provide it? Organizations may not offer deep support, so initial help from your side might be needed.

Making the Ask:

Disclosure: Encourage the potential volunteer to disclose any barriers. If needed, you can start the conversation and then transition it to them.
Honesty: A frank discussion about their history helps the organization make necessary adjustments.

Managing Expectations:

Realistic Goals: Sometimes, the volunteer's goals may not be met. Help them understand what transferable skills they can gain.
Honest Conversations: Set clear and realistic expectations to avoid disappointment.

Example:

Indirect Experience: For roles like midwifery, direct experience might be hard to get. Instead, participating in related activities, like parent and child groups, can provide valuable insights.