The Value of Volunteering

Volunteering is not just a means of helping individuals or causes; it is also a source of immense value to those taking part and ultimately benefits society as a whole.

Value to the individuals or organisations helped

This is achieved by offering a service or using skills, time, initiative and creativity in a positive way. For example, befriending an individual; clearing an area of ground in a nature reserve; helping to care for young children; decorating a community room; fundraising for a good cause and there are many more examples of the value that volunteering can give.   

Value to the volunteer

Volunteers also get something out of giving their time. Among the benefits are personal satisfaction; learning new skills; meeting new people; work experience; training; achievement and enjoyment.

Value to society

Volunteering promotes altruism and contributes to a caring and supportive community. The real value of 'free time' given by volunteers has been assessed as being worth many millions of pounds to the U.K. economy each year. There are many areas of work where voluntary initiative greatly enhances the services provided in the fields of health, community care, education, environment and the arts. 

Can I choose my placement?

We have a large database of organizations requiring volunteer help. The Volunteer Organiser will help you to choose a volunteering opportunity to suit your needs and time available. There are evening and weekend placements available too for those who cannot volunteer during the day.
You can choose a face-to-face confidential interview at our Centre, or you can communicate using a variety of methods e.g. email, telephone and post. Whichever method you choose, we aim to give you all the information and support you will need.

How long will it take for my placement?

We will normally be able to place volunteers within one month of first interview. It does depend on how long it takes for your references to come back and where appropriate to obtain your criminal record disclosure, the quicker they are returned the sooner we can proceed with your placement. The exceptions are when an organisation only recruits at certain times of the year, or if you need to join a preparation course before being accepted by an outside organisation. You will be told about this when your placement is discussed with the Volunteer Organiser.

What if I don't like my placement or want a change?

The important thing is that you are happy in your voluntary work. If a placement is not working out we need to hear from you as soon as possible. Please try not to just walk out on a placement but let an appropriate person know that you do not wish to continue. If this is not possible we need to know in time for us to do this for you. We will ask you to make another appointment with the Volunteer Organiser to discuss any issues about your unsatisfactory placement and to look at some alternative options for you. Getting a suitable placement for an individual is what we try to get right first time for everyone but don't always succeed; you may also change your views on what you want to do after your first experience; this is not a problem and we will do our best to find you something more.