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Original poster

If you volunteer, what do you do?

135 replies

BendydickCuminsnatch · 12/08/2018 19:02

I’ve had a hankering to do something worthwhile lately so I’m wondering about volunteering. I’m particularly interested in any environmental/eco-friendly/climate changey type things. Also would be great if there was something ad hoc or maybe like a monthly beach clean up or something maybe? Something the kids can come along to as well? Tell me about any good opportunities/movements you know about please!

Also just want to hear about whatever you do, environmental or non-, as I’ve definitely not considered everything!

OP posts:
DeepfriedPizza · 13/08/2018 14:01

Just to add, I used to volunteer in a charity shop and it was horrible. The manager used to speak to the volunteers like they were garbage.

Kazzyhoward · 13/08/2018 14:08

I've done lots of things over the years including:-

  1. Special constable,
  2. Treasurer of local groups/societies,
  3. Observer/instructor for local advanced motorists group,
  4. Chairman of village "save our library" campaign,
  5. Secretary of regional professional association,
  6. Helped organise/run various exhibitions, shows, etc.
Original poster
BendydickCuminsnatch · 13/08/2018 15:19

For those of you who have gone multiple things, How / why did you stop volunteering? That stresses me out so much! I don’t want to let people down.

Definitely going to look into the free canes for kids thing which should be straightforward enough for me. Going to look for somthjngn else too for sure!

OP posts:
IncyWincyGrownUp · 13/08/2018 15:31

School governor and classroom volunteer.

As a teen I volunteered in a charity shop for a summer.

When I was eight or nine I sometimes went with my mum to the care home she worked in, and would chat to the residents. Some of them didn’t often have younger visitors so they’d listen to my inane bollecks for ten minutes or so as I wandered around the garden with them.

Sgtmajormummy · 13/08/2018 15:44

I work with the Italian Association for the Blind.

And until recently I organised a high school Mentoring Programme. Basically babysitting and help with homework for younger schoolmates, but it was couched in terms to be recognised by the school and give them extracurricular credits. Grin

Sgtmajormummy · 13/08/2018 15:46

I handed over the reins (moderating a WhatsApp group, so no biggie) when DS left the school.

blueangel1 · 13/08/2018 15:47

I've done hospital radio for about 12 years. I'm a sports commentator!

theboxofdelights · 13/08/2018 15:49

The only one I ‘left’ was the PTA, they were a petty lot and I just let my involvement fizzle out.

Governors do a four year term, I went back to work full time and so didn’t stay on for another one. Other things ended when I moved house. I haven’t actively sought a new cub pack but do help out occasionally when people are away.

I wouldn’t worry about leaving anything OP. Most are grateful of help for as long as you can manage it.

Panicmode1 · 13/08/2018 15:58

My volunteering waxes and wanes with the needs of my four children and with my working hours! I used to be a mentor for disadvantaged young people doing GCSEs in a London Borough, trying to help then stay motivated, on track, and stay in education when I was a young professional. Once I had children, I then did PTA stuff, set up a Free School, helped in school with reading etc, also helped at my local Hospice, set up a Residents Association to fight a large housing development, I help out at school and with Beavers/Cubs/Scouts when needed, but the one thing I always do is Riding for the Disabled. Absolutely love it and the progress the children make and the joy they get out of it is magical to see.

Ragwort · 13/08/2018 18:08

I've 'left' many volunteering roles in my time (I am now 60 Grin) - as far as possible I try and recruit someone to replace my role before I go, or at the very least give plenty of notice. It's never really been a problem; sometimes the organisation might actually welcome someone who leaves as it gives a chance to re-think the role (I've done this when I've been in an organising position). All voluntary organisations understand that people have other commitments and lifestyles change so most places are as flexible as possible with their volunteers.

EBearhug · 13/08/2018 22:35

as far as possible I try and recruit someone to replace my role before I go

This. The last one I left was because I felt I couldn't give it the time it needed, and it needed fresh blood, new ideas - and my replacement is achieving more than I was by the end of my time doing it. I've also left roles because of job changes and moving towns, and it no longer works for time or geography. I think especially with things like committees or trusteeship and so, it's good not to stay too long, so things don't get too stale.

Titsywoo · 13/08/2018 22:38

In my volunteer role I spend 3 hours a week providing practical and emotional support to people with life threatening or terminal illnesses. I really enjoy it.

Beach11 · 13/08/2018 22:51

These would be my choices:,In a hospital, school, community centre, litter picking on the beach.

I volunteer for a charity that provides a weekly activity club for children that are young carers. Very rewarding

junebirthdaygirl · 13/08/2018 23:31

Love all these especially making the cakes for birthdays. Haven't heard of that and its lovely.
I teach adults with literacy difficulties...love that
I volunteer at a local youth drop in centre which is fun but exhausting.

Menolly · 14/08/2018 01:58

I volunteer with Girl Guiding and a local homeless shelter (doing over nights), DCs PTA and another local charity (youth work based)

I also volunteer with DD with the friends of our local park, and the local nature reserve, we do litter picks and help out with planting wildflower seeds, making bird boxes and stuff, wildlife surveys etc, its generally a couple of days in school holidays and the odd saturday afternoon and there are a few families involved, I actually only do it because it is DDs passion and shes 9 so too young to volunteer alone.

SleightOfMind · 14/08/2018 02:05

I help an environmental charity. I’m qualified to do some quite specific things so I give them a set amount of time per month so they can save things up for me to deal with.

Although some of the people who work there are a smidge irritating, I wish I had the time to do more.

Katedotness1963 · 14/08/2018 02:14

School library.
Took reading lessons with my kids school class.
Room mum at school.
Town improvements association.

BoomBoomsCousin · 14/08/2018 03:41

My major time commitment, volunteer-wise, is editing Wikipedia which I can do whenever I have a free minute. I probably put in 10 - 15 hours a week.

I also do local beach/park cleanups with the kids a couple of times a year and I sort food at our local food bank from time to time. I'm about to start volunteering for an arts organization measuring the impact of their program, which is partly a favour for a friend who works there and partly a way to burnish my CV.

Cantbelieveit101 · 14/08/2018 03:48

I coach a netball team.

IAmInsignificunt · 14/08/2018 03:53

I’m in the volunteer fundraising group for our local park which is now a community co-operative.

I provide accommodations for women from ROI and NI who need a termination.

Original poster
BendydickCuminsnatch · 14/08/2018 22:17

Thanks again for all these posts! I’ve been researching and there’s so much to do, I’m almost angry that I can’t do everything I want to 😄 I suppose I have to save some stuff for the future.

I am:

  • Plucking up the courage to start a Free Cakes For Kids branch
  • going to apply to volunteer at a local wildlife sanctuary, pleasepleaseplease!
  • going to sign up for a beach clean
and..... get this.....
  • keeping next winter free so I can hopefully ‘overwinter’ some hedgehogs!!! OMG!
OP posts:
BettyBaggins · 14/08/2018 22:24

My current volunteering is all online, I oversee 3 wildlife conservation groups of over 12000 members, I started them on a whim and an idea one night, it worked. We have discovered new species. I also run an arts organisation that has built a library and runs arts events and a mentorship programme for street kids.

I just work in a boring office 9-5. But after 5 I occasionally become wonder woman, its wonderful. Some of the best work, and most important work I have done has been unpaid. Grin

Daysofpearlyspencer · 14/08/2018 22:29

I run a not for profit group that teach disabled and SEN to sail

ChameleonCircuit · 14/08/2018 22:35

I’m part of the core team for our local junior parkrun. I also volunteer quite often for the 5k Parkrun too.

In my late teens I did some work with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers - they might do your preferred sort of thing...?

Fivechukchuks · 14/08/2018 22:59

I do bird surveys for the bto (British Trust for ornithology). Skill needed depends on the survey but there are training courses too.

Have previously volunteered for the Rspb at their nature reserves (can do a regular slot at your local reserve or they used yo do residential volunteering where you stayed at a reserve for a week or more and helped out. Not sure if they still do that though.)

Local wildlife trusts usually have volunteering opportunities, as does national trust and btcv.

Also local beach clean, litter pick. Organise one if there isn't already.