01283 219761
What is Volunteering?
“Volunteering is simply the giving of time without pay, for the benefit of groups, communities, the environment, and most importantly the individual.”
The three (3) core principles of volunteering, that guide ethical and effective volunteering, ensuring it’s beneficial for both volunteers and the communities they support.
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These principles are:
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FREEWILL AND CHOICE
Volunteering should be done voluntarily, without coercion or obligation. It’s a personal choice to contribute time and effort.
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NON-FINANCIAL REWARD
Volunteering is unpaid and done for personal satisfaction, connection, and growth rather than financial gain. Volunteers, however, often gain skills, experience, and fulfillment.
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ALTRUISM AND COMMUNITY BENEFIT
The main goal of volunteering is to provide a benefit to others or the community. This could be social, environmental, educational, or health-related.
Reasons to Volunteer
Every volunteer has their reasons for volunteering. These may include but not be limited to:
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getting experience to get into work or change career.
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supporting a cause that's meaningful to them.meeting other people.
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representing others, as a union rep for example.
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contributing to the local community.
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changing something for the better.
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using their skills or experience to help others.
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doing something completely different or new.
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learning new skills.continuing their professional development.
Where can I volunteer?
Volunteering can take many forms and occurs in all areas of society, for example:
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on a beach
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in the countryside.
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by rivers and waterways.
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in the local community.
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in a hospital or care setting.
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in a school or childcare setting.
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in a prison.
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in a gallery or museum.
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in a stately home.
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remotely or virtually form home.
What could I do?
There are thousands of people, causes, communities, and organisations that could benefit from your involvement from education, sport, first aid, and the environment to politics, social welfare, heritage, and the arts. The choice is yours! Some example roles could include:
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Marketing, social media, blog writing, communications, and web-based.
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Research, policy, data analysis, and administration.
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Mentoring, befriending, tutoring, and supporting service users.
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Conservation, arts and culture, heritage, events, and festivals.
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Community groups and causes.
What should I consider?
Time Commitment
for example, consider what time you have to volunteer? ​are there particular days or times you can or cannot do?
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Location​
for example, can you drive? would you need parking? or are you able to travel independently using public transport?
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Cost
for example, would you need help meeting the costs of travelling to and from the location(s)?
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Accessibility and Support
for example, if you have any physical disabilities or health conditions that will require the location to be accessible, what would you need in place? would you need additional support?
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Physical Limitations​
for example, do you have any physical disabilities or health conditions that may restrict or limit the activities you do?
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It is also important, if you are in receipt of any benefits, such as Universal Credit, that you understand the requirements and or impact this may have by consulting with your Advisor.
For example, did you know that 50% of your volunteering hours could be counted towards your work searching availability.
What are my next steps?
Having decided you would like to volunteer the next step is to find opportunities that you are interested in.
Consider:
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Attending local volunteer recruitment events or volunteer fairs.​
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Exploring opportunities available in your local area by visiting local libraries, and community centres or researching using the internet.
Why not visit the following websites:
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South Derbyshire Volunteer Force (www.volunteersouthderbyshire.org)
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Derbyshire Directory (www.derbyshire.gov.uk/community/derbyshire-directory/)
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The Big Help Out (thebighelpout.org.uk)
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Speak to a Careers Coach.
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Contact the Volunteer Force at South Derbyshire by emailing volunteer@sdcvs.org.uk or calling 01283 219761 and they will seek to match you with a range of opportunities that meet your needs.
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Sign up to the Volunteer Force social media (Facebook, Twitter, and or Instagram).
