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 foster cats and kittens for a small local rescue. We are always crying out for more fosterers and volunteers. I’ve also helped with taking cats to the vets, trapping strays so we can take them in to foster, and I’m getting involved with some fundraising as well.

I’ve fostered dogs for the fogs trust freedom project, they take in dogs for women leaving domestic violence until they’re settled somewhere.

I’m a trustee for a local charity and I’ll second that they’re usually desperate for board members.

I do parkrun volunteering, we have a number of regulars who aren’t runners and just come to volunteer.
my parents help at a community garden and the advice desk in the local library. My mum used to go in our old primary school to listen to readers.

I am volunteer safeguarding officer for a local community group which has events and classes at multiple venues across four villages (it is what i do as an actual job as well but this bit is free).

Samaritans and some conservation work.

I previously volunteered in a baby/toddler group. I currently volunteer for the Samaritans, it's one of the best things I've ever done.

It's not very social (although you could take part in a group one) but my dad retired early due to ill health and on his good days he goes litter picking. Puts on a high vis, takes a litter picker claw thing, thick gloves and some black bags and a bag hoop. Keeps him active, no pressure for regular attendance and does his bit for nature and the local area. He listens to pod casts or audio books whilst he does it.

You could try your local library, they sometimes need people to run reading groups. Or perhaps you could help out with a toddler group. Not for everyone, but I know someone who volunteers at a prison, serving teas on visiting days.

I was on the board of trustees/safeguarding lead for a small local charity; advocated for an adult with autism; mentored young people into work, education and training; been a school governor.

Haven't done anything for about 3 years. Partly lockadown and partly that I don't have time at the moment!

I'm a leader in Scouting, we are always grateful for anyone willing to help!

I did a turn at running the local playgroup and now I'm on the PTA. I occasionally help the village biodiversity group when they have planting/weeding days

I was an appropriate adult at police custody for those who needed support whilst in custody and during the interview process

I assess homes for a dog breed rescue charity. And I wind the church clock once a week!

I volunteer for a breed specific rescue, I help with transport runs of surrendered dogs along with homechecks for foster & adoption. I also volunteer on the PTA run a local litter picking group and community events for kids on an ad-hoc basis. Cinnamon trust might be worth a look. I
I used to volunteer to help swimming with severely disabled under 3O’s group which was hugely rewarding. It stopped before Covid sadly.

I am a treasurer for our Citizens Advice Bureau and manage competitions for my daughter's swim club. I recently volunteered to sit with a coffee and counter to register footfall along our canal over the winter and I think I'm getting roped into doing a spot of gardening at an old cemetary.

I'm toying with being a reading buddy at a local adult literacy scheme (don't think I could cope with any more years of Biff & Chip) or simply helping to stack shelves etc. a lot of churches and libraries are going to be warm places soon so I might volunteer to help with that (as many will have computers etc).

Helping to steward at museums or NT places etc is fun if you are historically minded.

I volunteer for FCFK (Free Cakes for Kids) making birthday cakes for children who would not have a birthday cake otherwise.

Joining in with the animal theme (and I’m so happy to see so many other people who are), I foster hedgehogs for a local hedgehog rescue. I’d love to be able to volunteer directly to help at a local cat shelter too, but I’m not emotionally strong enough for that. I do fundraising for both though, which passes a few hours too.

Scouts, PTA, occasional drinks trolley dolly at the local hospice and help at “stay and play” sessions for autistic DC like my DS. Absolutely recommend all except the last one which usually triggers a migraine and a big lie down in a silent dark room!

Oooh and we also put rehabilitated mallards and hedgehogs in our garden.

I volunteer as the treasurer for a local social group. I have no experience but nobody else would do it!

Another vote for Cinnamon Trust. I have been a volunteer dog walker for eight years and it doesn't just help the dog. The owners (who for whatever reason can't walk their dogs) are so grateful that their pets are being walked. I've only had positive experiences, please consider them. You can do as much or as little as you want.

Guide leader. I’ve done 25+ years service and I fall in and out of love with it. They’ve become very ‘worthy’ - everything is about empowerment, writing to their MP or something like that. I like camping, the great outdoors, fires and that kind of stuff!
I think a lot of the issue is that I’m now a teacher so it’s a bit of a busman’s holiday.

Before we got our dog I also volunteered for Cinnamon Trust. The people in the office there are lovely.