We’re changing!

We have listened to feedback from our wonderful volunteers asking for a greater choice of volunteering roles and opportunities. Our volunteers also tell us that they want roles that fit around caring responsibilities, family commitments,  and the all-important trips away so want more opportunities to mix and match between regular weekly volunteering roles and one off opportunities to volunteer or help run events in Glossopdale.

So we are creating an exciting new approach called Glossop Unlimited. Through the flexible matching of peoples interests, time, skills, experience and enthusiasm we will connect people willing to give up their time to help others in the local community who need a little bit of help. Opportunities will range from connecting families to older people living on their own to share Christmas lunch, helping a neighbour who has just come out of hospital by dropping off a pint and a paper or matching people up to try a new art activity or exercise class.

We also want to connect people who are receiving support but who feel they can help others. Ideas include telephone befriending or hosting a book club. The opportunities are unlimited!

So please bear with us whilst we redesign our website but please give us a ring on 01457 865722 if you want an informal chat about any volunteering opportunities in Glossopdale.

 

What does it mean to volunteer?

Volunteering means giving your time freely in order to help others or benefit the local community.

There are allsorts of different volunteering roles available, for example:

Art, administration, befriending, caring, campaigning, catering, driving, drama, foodbanks, fundraising, environmental work, gardening, healthcare, retail, supporting children & families, youth work, walking and exercise groups.

What do volunteers do?

Volunteers get involved in all aspects of community life. They are involved as befrienders, mentors, as fundraisers, retail, environmental, as magistrates and trustees, guides and scouts…the list is endless and there is something for everyone.

Opportunities range from formal volunteering that involves a regular weekly commitment, to informal volunteering where you can dip into different roles and activities linked to one-off community events, intensive projects, for example producing a sensory garden in a week, or even one to one volunteer exchanges through the time bank.

If you want to find out about the different volunteering opportunities you can ring us or pop in for a chat. Alternatively you can have a look at the latest opportunities posted on our website on the right of this page.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering is not just about giving, and alongside the satisfaction of making a difference in the community, there are many personal benefits to volunteering your time. People volunteer for many different reasons particularly to meet new people, to have fun or to help gain experience to move into paid employment. Volunteering can really help your CV to stand out.

Other benefits include:

• Gain confidence. Volunteering can help you gain confidence.
• Well-being: Volunteering helps improve your wellbeing, making you feel happier and healthier with an increased sense of purpose and of being an important part of your community.
• Make a difference. Volunteering can have a real and valuable positive affect on people and the community, either in your own community, nationally or even abroad
• Meet people. Volunteering can help make new friends. It also helps you make connections outside of your normal social circle
• Learn new skills. Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience. Volunteering is good experience to include on college/university applications.
• Experience for work. Volunteering looks good on your CV and gives you an opportunity to try something new. For those who are unemployed, or who have been out of the workplace because of family or health reasons, volunteering gives you the chance to get back into the routine of working.
• Have fun! Volunteers have a great time, and find their experiences rewarding, regardless of why they do it.

Enjoy your volunteering

Volunteering should be fun so have a think about what you enjoy doing; how much time you have to spare; and what you want to get out of your volunteering.

Think about the following:

• Are you happiest being part of a group or do you prefer being with individuals?
• Do you have any particular skills that you would like to share or help others to gain?
• Are there any skills that you want to gain?
• Is there a particular cause or group that you want to work with or support?
• How far are you happy to travel to volunteer?
• What type of activities do you enjoy the most? Consider if you prefer to be outside in the fresh air, driving, or doing an active role? Or do you prefer social coffee mornings, caring roles, listening, or helping in a shop? Alternatively you might have legal skills, accountancy or project management skills that would help with the running of an organisation.

Find out as much as you can before you decide

It is important to find out as much as you can about the role and the organisation before you commit. Also be realistic about the time and energy you have to give. You might want to ask the following questions about the volunteering opportunity to help you to decide:

• Is there a role description that sets out what is involved?
• What training and support will be available to help you with your role?
• Will you get any expenses?
• How will it affect your benefits?
• Who will sort out a DBS check if one is needed?
• Are there any risks involved with the work?

I work – can I still volunteer?

Yes – there are opportunities to volunteer that do not require you to be available during the day on Monday – Friday. Organisations such as Childline or The Samaritans, and places that offer services such as befriending, campaigning, conservation and sports all take place during the weekend.

How much time will I need to give?

This is down to you and how much time you want to commit. You can volunteer as a regular commitment or register to get involved with one-off projects. There are volunteering opportunities at evenings and weekends too, depending on what you want to do. How much time you can offer can help you decide on the volunteering opportunity most suitable for you.

Will I be interviewed for the role?

Organisations will ask you to come in for a chat about the role and to complete a registration form. For roles with more responsibility, or for those supporting vulnerable adults or children, this will be more formal and include a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service).

Whatever the opportunity will give you an opportunity to discuss the role and to make sure it is right for you. Make sure you ask questions about anything you are uncertain about including:

• payment of expenses
• training
• support/supervision (someone to talk to regularly about how you are getting on)

Will I get training?

You will of course get the training and support to do the role. The amount of additional training depends on the role; some organisations and roles require substantial training for example at The Samaritans, befriending services or CAB advisors.

I want to find work; will it help?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to improve your confidence and to keep your skills up-to-date. Employers always look favourably on volunteering, recognising the important skills it offers: teamwork, customer care skills, flexibility and commitment. It also help you stand out, employers are looking for people who can bring a little extra to the role. Always remember to include it on you CV.

Can I leave if I do not like it?

Sometimes the volunteering role is not what you expected, or perhaps your circumstances have changed. Please talk to the manager of the project if you have any concerns or would like to change role. If it is something more serious, ask to see their grievance procedure. The Bureau can also offer support.

Still not right for you?

Make an appointment at The Bureau to find out about other volunteering opportunities… there will be one suitable for you!

Will volunteering affect my benefits?

The Job Centre and other work place providers recognise that volunteering is a great way to keep you work ready; just make sure you keep them informed. The benefits regulations are clear that you can volunteer and still claim benefits. You should always keep your advisor informed, and follow all regulations and requirements.

Conditions:

• The only money you get from volunteering is to cover expenses, like travel costs
• You continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you get, so keep your Job Centre Advisor up to date about your volunteering.

Can I claim out of pocket expenses?

Yes, you can. Most organisations cover your out-of-pocket expenses that arise from volunteering. Sadly, not all organisation pay expenses. This could be because they don’t have enough funds. Before starting your volunteering, ask about expenses.

What if I have a criminal record?

You may be asked by the organisation you are volunteering with for information on your criminal record. Voluntary organisations will run a Criminal Records check on volunteers working with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults. Your suitability for a particular voluntary role may have to be assessed considering the nature of any previous offence and how long ago it was committed. The Disclosure and Barring Service has issued a list of ‘considerations’ to take into account:

• whether the conviction is relevant to the position
• the seriousness of the offence
• the length of time since the offence occurred
• whether the applicant has a pattern of offending behaviour
• whether the applicant’s circumstances have changed

The circumstances surrounding the offence and the explanation offered by the applicant.

What is a DBS?

If you have a criminal record you can still volunteer in most roles, depending on your offences. You might need a Disclosure and Barring Service check also called a DBS check if you want to volunteer with children or vulnerable adults.

Volunteering brings great rewards and opens up new and exciting opportunities and friendships.

So, what are you waiting for?