Don’t Ever Question the Value of Volunteers - Jan 2022

Why you should care about volunteering…

Volunteering is a vital part of thriving economies and societies. All those amazing volunteers account for almost 1% of the UK’s economy, or 20 billion according to research by the Office for National Statistics.

Estimates suggest that last year around 1 in 3 people, or nearly 20 million people volunteered through groups, clubs, or organisations at least once during the year, and at least half of us did some form of unpaid work to help others.

Where can I find volunteer opportunities?

There is a plethora of organisations and opportunities available, which can be a bit overwhelming if you're not sure where to start, so we've done some of the groundwork for you and compiled a list of the latest opportunities that you might be interested in:

Sustainability & the Environment

• Greenpeace Youth Speakers (aged 18-25) – Get involved with campaigns and deliver talks to inspire people to take action to protect our planet. Read more about the role in the Greenpeace Youth Speaker role description. Start your application now by completing this application form. Deadline for applications is 31 January 2021.

• Gardening Volunteers – Help to maintain the gardens at St Michaels Community Church. Read more about the role.

Care In the Community

• Community Support Volunteer – West End Centre & Café are looking for volunteers to help in different ways that include: Befriending calls/drop-ins; Helping people to get their shopping; Take people to their hospital appointments

• Day Support Assistants - Helping Angels Charitable Association are looking for help by supporting vulnerable adults and children in the community. You will attend and help to coordinate activities and events during our day support groups.

Digital Skills

• Social Media Officer – The Gingerbread Centre. We are looking for a social media savvy volunteer to help shape how we use our existing social media platforms and develop our on line presence. This will include Facebook and Instagram pages as well as exploring new ways to engage our followers and share our message. If this sounds like you, please have a look at their website and social media channels, design a post you think they could use to raise awareness of the charity, and send this via email to: Chris_Belyavin@gingerbreadcentre.co.uk explaining why this post will help increase engagement

• Trustee Vacancy – Mind North Staffs.  They are particularly interested to meet people who offer skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: Legal and regulatory expertise, IT, HR, Marketing and PR, Business, leadership, and entrepreneurship

Working With Animals

• Dog Fosterer – Canine Partners. Puppy Parent volunteers experience all the joys and challenges of having a new puppy in the home, helping the puppy to learn how to behave by taking verbal and visual cues. 

• Fundraising Co-ordinator – Guide Dogs for the blind. As Lead member of your local fundraising group, you are the key liaison between staff and volunteers. You will organise and manage volunteers, meetings, events, collections and keep group members up to date with news and events.

Online / Remote

• Initial Adviser – Citizens Advice. Some of your duties will include: explaining the initial advice process; exploring the client’s problem(s) and situation; assessing the urgency of the client’s issues and their ability to deal with the problem themselves; Identify the next step which needs to be taken; This role is done by via email, telephone. and web chat.

• Online Sales Assistant – Emmaus. Do you have knowledge and a love for online selling? Have you got an eye for detail and skills in photography? We are looking for new volunteers to assist in selecting, listing, and preparing items for sale on our online store. Currently we focus on using eBay for online retail,  but are also looking for people with an interest in setting up and running depop and Discogs stores. 

Please check your Students’ Union volunteer page to find more local, national, and international volunteering opportunities.

As always, don't forget to log all of your volunteering hours on your Volunteering Profile, it's quick and easy to do and relevant entries will be included in your HEAR.