Exploring Diverse Volunteering Opportunities: A Guide to Getting Involved and Reaping the Benefits

So you've got a bit of extra time on your hands and are looking for ways to spend it productively. You’ve seen volunteering work nearby and the thought has crossed your mind a couple of times. But the prospect of volunteering seems miles away. You don't even know where to start. In this post, I'll discuss the benefits of volunteering, how to get involved and some opportunities available for you.

Volunteering is unpaid work done for someone other than a relative. The word “unpaid” usually sticks out to most, seeming to be a huge downside. However, here are some benefits:

● Better physical and mental health:

You’ve most likely heard that there is more in giving than there is in receiving. In this case, that's true. Many studies have proved that focusing on helping others can give us a sense of purpose and, even, relief as we are less worried about our own anxieties. This can help reduce stress and hypertension. So the more help you offer, the more happiness you can get back.

● Develop new skills and valuable work experience:

While volunteering, you are essentially experiencing a job. Therefore, it is great for testing out a potential career, but it is also good to train yourself to have a good work ethic, which includes soft skills such as adaptability, collaboration and problem-solving. These valuable skills can then be added to your CV and be used in future applications.

● Improve university applications:

Apart from practical and physiological benefits, volunteer work can serve as evidence in data of your passion and commitment to a subject. Furthermore, it may not be related to your course, but it could give insight to your interests outside of school. Now that you’ve learned the benefits, let's talk about how to get involved in volunteer work.

● Organise a CV:

Some organisations set this as a requirement during their application so it would be safe to have one handy. If you have little to no work experience, do not worry, because this is often not a requirement and training is usually offered. Instead, feel free to add some extracurricular activities, such as attending a book club, or other interests and skills that you believe you have. Just in case, it is recommended to have your CV on you while leaving the house.

● Choose your hours:

Before starting to apply, mull how many hours you want per week. Some organisations may prefer you to be flexible as their rota may change weekly. Whether or not this is the case, have a minimum and maximum hours per week you would like to work. Take into consideration your schoolwork, rest days and other commitments. Try not to take all your free time off, and find a nice work-life balance.

● Prepare references:

Due to the lack of experience, most organizations ask for, at least, two references to verify your identity and behavior. Before you start applying, ensure to find two people who are usually available and can vouch for you. These may be teachers, former managers and other figures. Ensure to ask for their contact information, including their email and phone number, and their consent before using them as references.

● Check online or in shops:

Most organisations, if not all, have a website that you can contact to check for volunteer openings and even apply for them. Their shops most likely have signs that correspond to these openings. I would suggest checking these regularly if you’re after a specific position.

● Be active on social media:

This doesn't mean spending every passing minute on social media. Instead, follow organisations that offer volunteer opportunities, specifically for people in your age group, so more opportunities are likely to show up. You can also use LinkedIn to add an interest in volunteer work to your profile so you may be contacted when there are openings. Finally, here are some volunteering opportunities for you nearby:

● Your local shop:

Organisations such as Cancer Research UK and British Heart Foundation are always looking for volunteers to join their cause. You can find different roles at locations close to you on their websites. These roles are often retail and if you’re open to working in a fast-paced environment then this would be a good place to start.

● Royal Berkshire Hospital:

This is recommended for people who are interested in medical roles or simply have an interest in helping people. Recruitment opens every two months for 17 year olds and you can work a minimum of 2 hours per week.

● Reading Museum:

Starting September, the Reading Museum and the Museum of English Rural Life offer volunteer opportunities to 14-19 year olds. This includes a range of roles such as welcoming attendees and setting up activities in the museums.

So what are you waiting for? Get involved in volunteering now and enjoy the range of benefits offered.