Volunteering - and what it means for you

Volunteering is for anyone.

Volunteering is simple. It's a way of you being able to get involved in a whole range of projects and organisations.

It gives you the chance to use your current skills and knowledge, develop new ones, meet people and become active in a positive and valuable way.

Why become a volunteer?

How do I start volunteering?

What is Volunteers' Week?

Current volunteering opportunities

Why become a volunteer?

People choose to volunteer for many reasons.

• It may be that you have been out of work for a while and feel volunteering would help you to hone up on your skills and get back into a regular pattern.
• It may be that you have a skill that you could share with others.
• It may be that you have had children, want to return to work and feel volunteering is a way of enabling you to ease back into it without the pressure.

There are many benefits to volunteering. Some of these include

• Meeting new people with similar interests
• Gaining more/new skills
• Building up your confidence
• Having a change from your day-to-day routine
• Personal satisfaction in knowing you're making a difference
• Gaining training and expertise that could help you gain paid employment
• It's fun!

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How do I start volunteering?

• First, have a think about what your interests are (eg the environment, your local community, children), what you have to offer (eg enthusiasm, specific skills, previous experience), and what you want to get out of volunteering (eg new skills, becoming part of a community, contributing to a cause).
• How much time can you put in? Do you want a regular weekly or monthly commitment, or something more one-off?
• If you want to volunteer with a particular organisation, have a look at their website to find out who to contact.
• Click here to find out about current volunteering opportunities we know about.
• For a wider range of opportunities, click here to visit Nottingham Council for Voluntary Service's Volunteer Centre. They have lots more information about opportunities to volunteer.
• You can also click here to search for opportunities to volunteer on the Volunteer England website.

It really is that simple - talk to someone today and get involved!

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What is Volunteers' Week?

Volunteers' Week takes place from June 1st-7th each year, and is a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering. Events are organised right across England to help organisations show what their volunteers are doing, and to encourage more people to get involved. It's also a great chance to thank all those people who currently give their time and energy in volunteering.

Click here to find out more about the events planned for Volunteers' Week in Nottingham.

Click here to visit the main Volunteers' Week website and find out more about events nationally.

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Current volunteering opportunities

Leen Valley Community Centre needs new volunteers to help in running the new centre when it opens later this summer. For more information, contact Michelle Graley, Community Centre Manager on 0115 9150363 or email michelle.graley@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Wollaton Vale Community Association is looking for new members to join its management committee. This would involve administration associated with running the community centre, and playing an active part in what goes on in the centre now and in the future.
For more information, contact Claudette Dyce, Community Centre Co-ordinator on 0115 9159644 or email claudette.dyce@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

The Volunteer Drivers Unit needs people who own a car and would be willing to give up some time to help transport vulnerable adults and children who use social care services. Click here for more details about becoming a volunteer driver.

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