Voluntary Work...

[Flowertop]

Hi am considering doing some voluntary work as need to get some confidence back to go back to work. Does anyone currently do any and do you enjoy it. Not keen on working in hospital (due to being extremely 'hospital sensitive') and would like to do more admin work. Anyone know where I start.
Thanks

I am helping out in a couple of classes at our local primary school once a week voluntarily, hoping eventually to train to become a Teacher and this is the first step. Am thoroughly enjoying it.

For Admin-type work I would probably look to charitable organisations as they would be glad of the help I would think. Just ring a few and offer your services - I doubt you'd need to ring more than a couple. Free help is generally gratefully received.

I used to work at a cancer charity and they used to get loads of people volunteer who had visions of themselves sat at the beside of cancer patients stroking their hands, but actually where they needed help was admin and fundraising. Big charities will have information about volunteering on their website and will probably have a person who's job is to look after volunteers. I'd suggest contacting a couple of charities, perhaps ones you feel a bit of a connection with, and taking it from there.

There may be a CSV (which I think stands for community service volunteers) organisation in your area which acts as a sort of agency for a very wide range of organisations, from wildlife to health to education. They have a weekly page in local paper saying what's available.

bedside I've just seen I can't spell, sorry

I do voluntary work for Parent Partnership (Special Educational Needs). Part of their Code of Practice states they have to have volunteers. I attend meetings, write reports, make calls, do General Administration - all sorts really.

I had 12 week training followed by a period of shadowing and being shadowed by trained caseworkers before I went solo.

I do enjoy the work and have gained experience and confidence.

C.A.B. also use volunteers as do many charities.

Tibni, how did you find out about that ?

I had used the service when I needed support with my own autistic son so I knew about their work.

I saw an advert in the local press and responded. I had to have an interview but they have been really supportive. If you were interested just contact your local service direct.

Thanks Tibni

these people may be able to hook you up with a charity locally who could use the skills you have.

glad i found this thread.

thankyou for the link....i need to find something to do with my time from september and was thinking of voluntary work. I've just had a look at that link and there are some opportunities in the area i will be living in that will be a suitable start for the career path i am hoping to follow.

pleased it has been of some help Queen Rollo

i am a volunteer for homestart on my day off work and love it

what sort of work is involved with Homestart......i'd like to explore all my options before committing to anything?