Volunteering

Why Volunteer?

people helping out

Are you looking for something to do with your spare time?

Are you interested in doing something positive for yourself and the community and being able to enjoy yourself at the same time?

Voluntary work is extremely varied and flexible. There is usually something to suit everyone's interests. There is a wide variety of voluntary work available, locally with small community groups, local and national charities, social services and hospitals.


Some of the things you could try include:

  • Counselling and Advice Work
  • Conservation/Environment projects
  • Befriending Schemes
  • Driving and/or Escorting
  • Health Projects
  • Fundraising and Campaigning
  • Women's issues
  • Charity shops
  • Working with children
  • Office / Administration/ IT Work
  • Sports, arts and media projects
  • Management committee work
  • Giving advice and information
  • Working with older people
  • Working with young people
  • Catering or helping in luncheon clubs
  • Community groups
  • Disability Issues
  • Hospital work
  • Teaching
  • Work with refugees
  • Community Radio
  • Working with homeless people
  • Gardening
  • Working with people with a disability
  • Working with people with mental health problems

    • Do you want to-

  • Build your self confidence.
  • Gain some real skills and experience.
  • Improve your career prospects.
  • Update your references.
  • Get involved in a cause or issue that concerns you.
  • Meet new people and have some fun.
  • Share your interests and hobbies with other people.
  • Gain a sense of satisfaction.
  • Become a part of something that really makes a difference.
  • Contribute to your community.

    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What's in it for me?
    Volunteering is a two -way thing - you give some of your time and energy and you should be getting something in return. Whatever your reasons for volunteering, you are more likely to enjoy yourself if you know what you want to get out of it.

    What have I got to offer?
    Everyone has got skills to offer even though you may not realise it at first. As a new volunteer some of the important things you can give are your enthusiasm, a regular commitment of time and energy and your desire to get involved and make a difference. It is also useful to think about what new skills you might want to learn.

    How much time can I give?
    It's entirely up to you - whatever fits into your lifestyle. It may be just a few hours once a month or more regularly a few times a week. Voluntary work opportunities are available in the daytime, during the evenings or at weekends. You could give a regular commitment of your time or get involved in one-off events and activities that happen just once a year.

    Will it cost me anything to volunteer?
    Nobody should be out of pocket as a result of volunteering. Nearly all organisations will refund your out of pocket expenses including travel to and from the place of voluntary work. Remember to ask the organisation about this.

    What about my benefits?
    Individuals claiming all types of benefits should be able to volunteer without it affecting their claim. If you have any questions or concerns about this then please contact us.

    Would I get any training as a volunteer?
    Most organisations do provide some training or preparation to make sure that you are able to do the tasks involved. They should also offer you ongoing support to help you carry on volunteering.

    Volunteer Stories

    a volunteer

    Craig's Story

    I have done a fair bit of voluntary work for the SBVB in the last couple of years. For me it was a pleasant surprise to find the diversity of options I had. I have been involved in photographic work, radio and press promotion, festival displays and now this web site. It is an invaluable experience.

    In addition the people at the bureau itself are always approachable and very helpful. My advice to anybody would be to give it a try. You may be surprised.

    Craig Wetherall

    Zam's Story

    Zam is a 35 year old man who was made redundant (for the third time) in August 2000 after seven years of service in textile engineering, a line of employment which he did not in fact enjoy. Zam tells his own story of what happened after


    "coming unexpectedly across my local Shipley and Baildon Volunteer Bureau whilst going to claim my weekly benefits.


    The building itself was conveniently placed just across the road from the benefits office. Upon entering, I was immediately approached by extremely helpful staff who after making me feel comfortable explained to me the benefits of volunteering. I was asked about my interests and what form of volunteering I was interested in. When I said working with young people the Manager suggested I go along to an open day at an organisation called NACRO (National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders).


    I thoroughly enjoyed myself on the day so much that I signed up there and then to work as a volunteer mentor with young people. A few weeks later the Bureau called me up to ask how things were going on I said that I was enjoying myself, but thought I could do with some form of training working with young people. It was suggested that I consider doing the Introduction to Youth Work Course which is a recognised qualification. Once again I took advice and applied to do the course which lasted eight weeks. I enjoyed it so much that I went on to the next stage which is the City and Guilds in Youth Work. I have just recently completed this. Meanwhile, NACRO offered me sessional work, from being a mentor to a paid tracker. This carried on for a whole year until December 2002 when I was offered a full time post as Development Worker and seconded to work for the Youth Offending Team.


    I am thoroughly enjoying this work, but when asked how I got here from an engineering background I tell colleagues and friends about SBVB. I truly believe had it not been for the help and support that I received from the Volunteer Bureau that I would not be in this post today.
    I would fully recommend volunteering to anybody who has spare time, or is looking for a change of career and who doesn't know how to gain experience in other fields".