Volunteering
Welcome to volunteering!
In Scotland, there are thousands of opportunities to volunteer, many more than you might imagine. (www.volunteerscotland.org.uk)
And here in Lanarkshire we have a wide and varied choice that can provide the opportunities that you are looking for.
Why do people volunteer?
Many reasons, for example:-
• To learn or extend skills,
• Increase confidence and self esteem
• Meet new people
• Share experience,
• Improve career prospects
• Add to CV, and provide references
• “Try and taste” a new career, a new direction
• Feeling of well being,
• Contributing to our local community and to society in general
Volunteering is also an ideal way to try out different careers and experiences, without making huge life changing decisions. Volunteers gain confidence, get the chance to try something new, enhance job prospects and get a real sense of achievement.
Now isn't that a good reason to get involved in volunteering?
Whether you're currently studying, in work, or unemployed volunteering is a great way to:
• develop new skills and improve existing skills
• build your confidence and motivation
• show employers you've got drive and initiative
Improve your career prospects by volunteering
And there are lots more reasons for volunteering than you might imagine too. Giving time to help others or your community might just have some spin off benefits you didn’t think about
Now more than ever employers are looking for more than just qualifications. They're interested in your personal qualities and transferable skills such as time management and communication. You don't have to have learned those things in paid work - the skills and experience you'll develop in your volunteering role are just as relevant.
Want to find a volunteering opportunity which suits you and is in your area? - Simply click the links below.
If you would prefer to speak to someone to get some information and guidance about volunteering, contact your local Volunteer Centre where there is specialist staff available to offer some guidance and information.
Volunteer Centre South Lanarkshire (SoLVE) 01698 286902 www.solve.org.uk
14 Townhead St
Hamilton
ML3 7BE
Volunteer Centre North Lanarkshire 01698 358866 www.volunteernorthlanarkshire.org.uk
84 Main St
Wishaw
ML2 7AB
Volunteering should not affect your benefits, speak to Jobcentre Plus staff to confirm
Volunteering should not cost you - all out of pocket expenses like travel, should be refunded by the voluntary organization you are helping.
Quotes from people who have volunteered
“Volunteering made me feel useful again, boosted my confidence and self esteem, and helped to let me live with my anxiety and depression.”
“I have gained confidence, work experience and learned new skills.
My CV looks great!”
“Let me try something I’ve always wanted to do – a great sense of achievement”.
“More confidence, and I’m more comfortable and patient with people”.
“Volunteering was instrumental in getting me back to full time employment. It’s a huge leap from being home alone all day to out there in the work place. Volunteering is a staging process that you have some control over”.
“Annie volunteered as a befriender with Covey supporting young people. She is now a full time youth worker with South Lanarkshire Council and still finds time to continue volunteering.”
“Robert became a volunteer with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau after he was made redundant from his job as a factory worker. He is now employed as their Volunteer Trainer and Co-ordinator.”