There are many benefits and many reasons why people volunteer. These may include helping the community, a new learning experience, making new friends, something to add to your CV. It can help to build confidence, you can gain new experience, enhance your skills and more. Why not give it a go and find out?
You can volunteer for as much or as little as you like. Sometimes it depends on the role you are doing, but mostly it depends on how much time you can give. It can be days, evenings, weekends or a mixture of all of them.
Anyone who has spare time can volunteer. There is no age barrier, and many different people volunteer. We already have volunteers of different backgrounds and of different abilities.
Volunteering with Thurrock Council will only cost your time. Any other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel costs, will be reimbursed as long as you have a valid receipt.
Yes. There may be opportunities that are outside working hours or may just require a phone call, such as a befriending service which can be done at weekends or evenings.
You can still volunteer if you are claiming benefits but you must tell your benefit advisor. If you are claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) you should still be actively seeking work and available to start any opportunity. Volunteering shouldn't affect the benefits you receive so long as any money received from volunteering is reimbursement.
Criminal convictions would need to be declared in your application form. If you wish to work with young people or vulnerable adults you will need to complete a Criminal Records Bureau check (CRB) which will inform Thurrock Council of your criminal record. Having a record should not stop you from volunteering but it may limit what you can do.
Most volunteer roles won't require qualifications but some may need skills that you have acquired. This will be specified in the role description and some training may be given towards your role.
The first thing you should do is talk to your appointed supervisor. They may be able to sort any problems you may have or change your role to something more enjoyable.
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