Is anybody willing to share what they do for voluntary work?

[florentina1]

Since losing my dog I have lots of time on my hand . I really would like to do something to get me out of the house. I help out at the food bank once a week, but there are no more shifts available.

I am mid 70s and fit, but I no longer drive, and my IT skills are only average. I have looked on our LA website for volunteering but nothing really grabbed me.

i hope that by finding out what others are doing it might inspire me.

I occasionally volunteer at a local parkrun, they need lots of marshals, timekeepers etc every Saturday morning

Its very friendly and nice to get out in the fresh air

If you don't drive then this would obviously only be an option if you have parkrun somewhere you can easily get to on foot or via public transport

9am every Saturday at locations all over, the UK

I am helping my local Scout Group out with project management for some building works.

If you are used to owning a dog might there be a local group of volunteer dog walkers? Walking dogs for those who are unwell etc?

I'm an online Tutor for secondary school kids (as a side thing). I also worked in a charity shop before. In my younger years helped out in a primary school. Great that you have started this thread.

Any LA run museums? They're always looking for volunteers and it's interesting work.

Or try the National Trust if they have anything locally.

I volunteer in two charity shops, one day a week each. One shop is local and the other is a short drive/bus ride away. Great fun and requires no IT skills.

School governor and Homestart home visitor.

What about schools? We have PTA roles desperate for support, volunteers to read with children and governors.

I volunteer at an animal rescue centre . It's hard leaving each week because you want to take loads home but it's super rewarding .

I volunteer for citizens advice

I am on the school PFA, which would love grandparent volunteers! Or you could look at your local Girl Guiding or Scouting units.
I used to volunteer for the local authority on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, doing gardening under guidance.

Local litterpicking group.
The parish council provide the picker, black bin bag holder and hi-viz jacket .
We have a designated road/s but can go “off patch “.
It’s good because we can do it a time to suit ourselves and it’s really making a difference to our area .

Have you considered whether you would be a good fit to train and volunteer for the Samaritans?

Forgot to say — there are also regular group litter picks with a coffee afterwards. So it’s not just a solo event. It’s rewarding. Maybe you could start a group in your area. .

I volunteer at my daughter’s primary school, listening to the children read, helping them do crafts, in the spring and summer I was helping the reception children do gardening.

When both children are in school I’m hoping to have enough time to volunteer with our local community surplus hub/food bank

Animal rescue centre. They're always desperate for help, you get lots of cuddles from the animals and the people who work there are, in my experience, lovely.

I used to volunteer for Beanstalk the reading charity.
You need to be able to commit to 90 minutes twice a week (although if you are away on holiday that's fine).
You are allocated 3 children for the year and spend 30 mins each session with each of them reading stories and playing games.
It's very rewarding- some of the children don't have any books at home.

Volunteer at a school where my friend is head of drama, involves attending rehearsals, sewing costumes, being a runner backstage, supervising children. I love it. (Enhanced DBS needed)

Is there a dog rescue near you, maybe you'd enjoy that.

Dog sitting for people or walking for working neighbours?

Volunteer at a animal shelter.
Foster animals mostly puppies/dogs from time to time. I have even fostered a cheetah cub, which was the best experience EVER.

I did this before my youngest came along. Their training was very good and I really enjoyed it. Can't recommend it enough.

Guide dogs. You can foster them if you live near a training centre, or puppy walk them, or even just join the local fundraising group if there is one. You would then get to hang out with some lovely dogs whilst volunteering, which is a huge bonus.

Have a look at Cinnamon trust, its walking dogs in the local area for people who can't get out (due to illness etc).

I'm a volunteer "observer" with our local group of Institute of Advanced Motorists which involves going out with people to help them improve their driving towards the IAM test.

Up to recently, I was also a Special Constable with the local police doing all kinds of things from foot patrols to parades, helping with policing initiatives, etc., but a bit long in the tooth to carry on doing that.

I'm starting to do more with local clubs & societies, and have become treasurer of a few and also recently joined as a volunteer with a preservation trust trying to restore an old run down Victorian theatre which will involve helping with restoration work (cleaning, painting, etc) and also helping with fundraising events such as open days, coffee mornings, raffles etc.

I work in a charity shop. I also manage volunteers (paid role) with a soup kitchen and drop in at a church

Volunteer in our local Arts Centre, helping with publicity and stewarding for films and live events

Volunteer in the library, shelving and finding books and helping with children's crafts and reading challenges.

I volunteer for local food bank, treasurer for scout group & for a charity supporting elderly people. I take someone food shopping & help them to put it all away when they get home. I also cook a meal for another elderly person who's housebound & doesn't have much company