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So, you've decided you'd like to volunteer but are unsure about what it involves.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions that may help you decide whether volunteering would be suitable for you.
What is Volunteering?
Volunteering is where you offer your time and commitment for free, usually to charities or 'not for profit' organisations. AT VCWF we also encourage businesses and statutory services such as the local council to get involved in offering volunteering opportunities, where this is appropriate.
What can I gain through volunteering?
You can gain a wealth of experience ranging from:
What Voluntary opportunities are available?
This is just a sample of some of the areas we cover. However, as you are offering your time, it's important to pick an area that appeals to you and would benefit you most.
Will I get a job?
All the opportunities we have are voluntary; however, volunteering can considerably improve your chances into gaining paid employment; and demonstrates to prospective employers you have actively sought to gain work experience with a desire to contribute to the community.
How often can I volunteer?
Most organisations will be try to be flexible and will endeavour to accommodate volunteer availability. You can volunteer one day per week or a morning or an afternoon. With some organisations, you can volunteer once a fortnight, or even once a month.
How long would it take before I start volunteering?
This really depends on the organisation. Voluntary work involving 'one to one' support for vulnerable groups of people, children for example, may take 6 - 12 weeks, as you will be subject to a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check. Volunteering opportunities not involving vulnerable groups can start sooner as long as the appropriate checks and training have taken place. This may include providing character references and completing in-house training.
Will I get paid out of pocket expenses?
Most organisations will pay reasonable 'out of pocket' expenses, which cover travelling costs and possibly lunch if you volunteer for a full day. However, not all organisations are in a position to pay 'out of pocket' expenses due to financial limitations. It is important to confirm this with either the Volunteer Centre or the organisation direct.
Can I claim benefits while volunteering?
Yes, you can. Here is a brief summary of the regulations, which outline the main benefits: Job seeker's allowance (JSA) People on JSA can do as much voluntary work as they want as long as they remain available for and are actively seeking work. This means they have to be available for interviews within 48 hours and give a week's notice before starting work. Income Support As above. Volunteering should not affect someone's Income Support as long as they are not receiving any money other than reimbursement of expenses. Incapacity Benefit There was confusion as to whether people on Incapacity Benefit could only volunteer for 16 hours per week. This is no longer the case. If you are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit then you can volunteer for as long as you want. Disability Living Allowance Volunteering will not affect whether an individual receives this benefit or not.
OK, I'm sold. What do I do next?
You can contact the Volunteer Centre Waltham Forest by telephone on 020-8539 8163 or via email info@volunteercentrewf.org.uk and we will send you a registration form. Or you can click here to go to the download page where you can download the form. On receipt of your form a member of staff will contact you to arrange an informal meeting to discuss voluntary opportunities in more detail. It will give us an opportunity to discuss voluntary options you might not have considered before which may widen your access into developing new skills.
We look forward to hearing from you. You never know - volunteering could be the first step to a new beginning.
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