What you need to know about Volunteering

If you decide to volunteer it means:

• you want to help people
• you like people
• you want to make someone’s life better
• and you have some time to give

Volunteers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. There is wide variety of opportunties. Whether the one you choose is paid, unpaid, in the UK or abroad, you can be sure you will have a worthwhile and interesting time.

Please be aware that in some volunteering there may be a charge payable by you. Always check.

There are lots of ways in which you can help.
Here are a few websites you may want to contact:

The website database of vacancies held by JobCentres also has Volunteering opportunties|

• www.do-it.org.uk| 
  The national database of volunteering opportunities. Visit their website to find out how you can publicise your volunteering opportunities.
• www.volunteering.org.uk | 
  Volunteering England
  Volunteering England offers a range of resources for anyone who works with or manages volunteers as well as to those who want to volunteer. Telephone: 0845 305 6979
• www.ncvo-vol.org.uk| 
  National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
  A national voice for voluntary sector organisations in England. Also provides information and training.  Tel: 020 7713 6161
• www.emf-cemvo.co.uk| 
  Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations (CEMVO)
  A national organisation that supports ethnic minority voluntary organisations.  Tel: 020 8432 0307
• www.mandbf.org.uk|
  Mentoring and Befriending Network
  Providing guidance and support for groups who are involved or would like to get involved in mentoring schemes. The NMN currently has a membership of over 1500 mentoring organisations. Contact them to find out about mentoring projects where you live.
• www.voluntaryarts.org| 
  Voluntary Arts Network
  The national body dealing with the areas of art in which you are interested.