If you're new to volunteering, you might have some questions on how it all works. Here we answer some of those common questions.
I'm unemployed - will volunteering affect my benefits?
You can do as much volunteering as you like and still claim benefits. Also, if you claim expenses for lunch it won't be taken out of your benefits.
However, if you're claiming Jobseeker's Allowance you'll still be expected to look for paid work and attend interviews. You can read more about the rules about volunteering and state benefits on the Volunteering England website.
Volunteering England
What if I'm too busy to volunteer?
Some volunteering opportunities only require a couple of hours a month of commitment. Even if you work full-time and have a busy schedule you should be able to find something to suit you.
Are there any age limits on volunteering?
No, but for insurance reasons sometimes there can be difficulties for young people under 16 or people over 65.
Will I be out of pocket?
Most of the time you will get your out-of-pocket expenses paid, such as travel, food and equipment.
Even though you're not earning a wage, don't forget volunteering can lead to a paid job. If you're enthusiastic, work hard and get your face known you're sure to be in with a chance when paid jobs come up.
No volunteer organisation in my area is doing the work I want to do
Why not set up your own organisation? That's how existing volunteer organisations started up - by people with the passion, commitment and vision to make it happen.
You could be inspired into action by anything from the closure of a local school to the lack of a support network for young mothers. Whatever the cause is, a volunteer group can make a difference.
But before leaping straight into it, do a bit of research. Make sure no-one else is already doing the work you want to do. Contact relevant people from the council to see if there's anyone who can help you get started.
If you've decided you want to go for it and set up your own charity, there's loads of info on the Charity Commission website.
What if I volunteer and don't like it?
As a volunteer you can leave whenever you like if you're not enjoying it. However, if you're not getting what you want out of it, it might be a good idea to talk it through first with someone in your volunteer organisation. They might be able to suggest something else that would suit you.
It's polite to give the volunteer organisation a decent amount of notice (a couple of weeks at least) so they can make arrangements for when you're gone.
What volunteering options do I have if I've got disabilities?
Many volunteer organisations will try to get you get the support you need. If you need support, be clear about this from the start so they can make the necessary arrangements.
Of course you don't necessarily need to volunteer for a disabled organisation; your skills and experience will be useful in any organisation.
You can get more info on volunteering as a person with disabilities on the Do-it! website.
What's a typical day like as a volunteer?
There is no typical day! You only need to look at the range of volunteering opportunities to see that every one is different. You could be helping to produce a TV programme or be out in the woods planting trees. It depends on what you're interested in!
Your volunteering experience will depend on what type of opportunity you go for. You could volunteer full-time, part-time or for just a few hours a month. You could also live away from home, by going on a working holiday or staying at a work camp.
However, with most volunteering opportunities you'll find:
- friendly and enthusiastic permanent staff and volunteers
- you usually get given responsibility early, so you'll get something to get your teeth into
- you get to see your work making a real difference in the community
- many volunteering organisations are small, and need people who can do many things - so you'll get experience in many different types of work.
Find out more
Our advisers can tell you more about volunteering and can help you to find an opportunity to suit you. Call the Careers Advice Service on 0800 100 900 anytime between 8am and 10pm seven days a week.
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