How to volunteer
Volunteering is a rewarding way to use your spare time. There are many people, charities and organisations who could benefit from your support.
First of all, decide what kind of volunteering would suit you. Think about the sort of organisation you’d like to volunteer for, the activities you’d like to get involved in, and how much time you can offer.
Volunteering doesn't always mean giving up whole days at a time. There are many opportunities available to suit even the busiest of people. Just sparing a lunch break can be enough to help a good cause.
Employer-supported volunteering
Businesses and public sector organisations are often keen to help their employees become involved in volunteering, perhaps as part of a corporate social responsibility programme. Sometimes employers run a scheme to encourage staff to volunteer, and sometimes employers allow their employees time off to pursue their own projects.
If this sounds like the best option for you, ask if there’s an established scheme at your place of work. If there isn’t, you could suggest it.
Volunteering for a specific health condition
If you or someone you know has been affected by a specific health condition, volunteering can be a great way of sharing your knowledge and experience. It could even play a part in your own recovery. You might like to give your time to the hospital unit or department that treated you.
Alternatively, you could volunteer for a charity. This might involve helping in a charity shop, fundraising or running support groups.