If you volunteer, what do you do?

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

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!

I volunteer for Homestart and a few cancer charities

Im a homestart volunteer

Lots of homestart volunteers here! My friend volunteers for homestart, sounds really good!

I’ve frozen. I’m overwhelmed. I’ve looked up so many organisations etc I don’t feel able to choose which is the best fit for me and have read so many ‘don’t apply if you can’t commit to 6 months’ notices that I’m reluctant to contact anyone! aaaaahhhhh

Honestly, I think you are really over thinking all of this, I have volunteered in many, many different organisations throughout my life, I am now 60 and with one exception I have only never been turned down..... just decide which organisation you would like to work for and approach them direct. I now take on volunteers in my paid job and I always want to meet people face to face to decide where they will best 'fit' and where they will be happiest ............. of course it's nice if people can stay for 6 months but it isn't essential. Many of the people who join me probably don't match the 'job description' on the official website which is why it is often best to just go and have an informal chat.

You must be able to find something that you will enjoy.

I volunteer for an independent cat charity mainly on the management side in charge of rehoming (cat intake) and volunteer co-ordination. I also foster mums and kittens during the summer months. It has also lead to lots of other tasks - what was meant to be a few hours a week commitment feels like a near full time job now! I absolutely love it though and it gives me such a sense of purpose.

It is also very true that the best way to make friends as an adult is getting a hobby or getting involved with a charity - I have met so many like minded people very quickly and made friends easily with them.

You’re right ragwort, overthinking! I have found loads of things I’d like to get involved with, that’s the problem 😄 and things like environmental conservation, beach cleaning etc I know nothing about so get worried that i’ll look like an idiot, but I know that’s just overthinking/anxiety and silly!

things like environmental conservation, beach cleaning etc I know nothing about so get worried that i’ll look like an idiot,

They'll tell you what to do. And beach cleaning is basically picking up rubbish and putting it in a bag - anyone can do that, as long as they've got normal mobility.

You need to find something which interests you (activity and charity,) at a time which suits you, whether it's a one-off event or a regular slot every week or weekend. Do one voluntary thing well, and you can add to it in future if you have time.

I am a school governor my DC go to school their bit I well probably carry on once they leave.

I help out with the PTA sales with the kids and do the monthly kitchen Rota at the rugby club if needed

I volunteer for an animal charity as a cat rescuer, specialising in the trapping of feral colonies for neuter/return. It's all field rather than office based (and by 'field' I really mean people's back gardens, the bin areas of blocks of flats, car parks, industrial estates etc) is very varied, and challenging (and satisfying/incredibly upsetting and frustrating in roughly equal measure).