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volunteer work

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

I'm giving serious thought to volunteer work, I have the time to give, during the week, and I think if you can help someone in life you should

But there are so many people that are in need of help, where do you start?

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London

[Removed by poster at 31/03/16 06:14:39]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

OP I personally think everyone should spend some of their time helping others.

It really can be very rewarding and you'll be amazed at what a little bit of your time can mean to someone.

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London

What interests you?

By that I mean, children, the elderly, disabled, homeless...?

Once you've narrowed it down you can look into local organisations needing volunteers.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

I started on do-it.org

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Morning OP.

I volunteer in an animal charity shop and I love it, knowing that we are helping animals in need of help.

It's a small shop that my friend owns so there are no gigantic overheads etc as you find with the big national charities.

And I admit to being a great bargain Hunter so I do manage to pic up some good bargains with being one of the first to see them.

If you have the time I highly recommend it, but there are many different ways to help out on a voluntary basis... ie doctors surgery are always looking for volunteers to pick up patients in your vehicle and drop off for appointments. In rural areas there are also volunteers required to pick up library books and deliver to people who are housebound etc.

There is a volunteer website/forum I beleive if you Google it you may find something for your area.

Well done for thinking of giving up some of your free time xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A very good question....

I had the same thought a couple of years ago and took a slightly different route. I looked around at local 'service' organisations; Rotary, Round Table, Lions Club and the like, and joined one. You meet, socialise and experience offering help across so many different sectors whilst gaining an understanding. Having been with one for nearly two years now, I'm now the course director on a sporting event that raises c£6k for charity every year and also the Chair and a trustee of a charity that supports young carers.

Drop me a message if you want to know more, happy to share.

Good lucky and enjoy which ever organisation you end up evolved with.

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By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff


"I'm giving serious thought to volunteer work, I have the time to give, during the week, and I think if you can help someone in life you should

But there are so many people that are in need of help, where do you start?

"

It's great you're thinking of doing that. There is so much good stuff out there to get involved with.

I guess the key question is - do you want to do something that draws on your skills or is it a way of trying something new?

I'll be honest - I'm at a pretty low ebb at the moment and I've enquired about three volunteer things. I think it'll help me a lot too - it did in the past.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Is there one that's of particular interest to you? I volunteer with something that's close to my heart. Find the one that fits in with your lifestyle and free time, mine is two hrs one evening a week. Planning time on top.

I was in hospital recently and the WRVS do great work in there. Samaritans recruit often for volunteers - they have a talk you attend then a course over a few weeks. But that's quite a commitment.

Hospital transport, meals on wheels, charity shops, local hospice. Do you have a local central place they advertise volunteering opportunities - local library perhaps ?

Sarah

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

When I was 18 I used to do some volunteer work for Age Concern. It was a friendship, visiting role. One lovely lady used to want to go to a posh hotel and have afternoon tea. It was a pastime she used to do regularly in her younger days. She was 90 years old. We used to dress up and go and she would teach me ladylike etiquette, and tell me about the dangers of men and how I should marry wisely.

She only wanted to meet once a month and we would write in between. She was a wonderful lady. I was devastated when she died and stopped volunteering because her death had upset me.

I will volunteer again. The key is to find something that interests you. I enjoy the stories, wisdom and life experiences that older people have and therefore it was a pleasurable experience

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

I've just signed up to have an older person to come for Sunday dinner

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By *educedWoman
over a year ago

Birmingham

BVSC in Digbeth have a Volunteer Centre and can match you, according to your interests and skills, to a suitable volunteer role. Check out their website.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

I'd like to help families that are going through challenging times, but also there appears to be a lack of support for male victims if domestic abuse, but the one closest to my heart is still birth and infant death, but it might be a bit too close for me

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As I found no one would hire me as Ive been unemployed for several months thought I would have a go at voluntary work in a charity shop. I'm quite excited and I start tomorrow.

Although my partners mum thinks it's stupid because I ain't getting paid for it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I'd like to help families that are going through challenging times, but also there appears to be a lack of support for male victims if domestic abuse, but the one closest to my heart is still birth and infant death, but it might be a bit too close for me "

Only you know when you're ready to deal with that. It needs to be when you are available for the family, and dealing with your own issues. When you are however it may be cathartic.

I too know from, a different, personal experience.

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By *aucy tiggerWoman
over a year ago

Back where I belong

Try your local CVS they should have a list xx

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon


"I'd like to help families that are going through challenging times, but also there appears to be a lack of support for male victims if domestic abuse, but the one closest to my heart is still birth and infant death, but it might be a bit too close for me "

In your area of the world I wouldn't bother funding is getting slashed left right and centre...there is one organisation which deals with male DV In the West Midlands area.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I'd like to help families that are going through challenging times, but also there appears to be a lack of support for male victims if domestic abuse, but the one closest to my heart is still birth and infant death, but it might be a bit too close for me "

Its good to choose an area that interests you, there are some good mentoring programs out there with young people which have all sorts of safe guards etc.

It would be worth paying for and getting a full CRB check done, so that when you apply to volunteer that hurdle is already out of the way (can take a while).

Really great (once again) to see a nice positive thread and I hope you find something that both interests you and benefits others.

Good luck

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By *obwithkiltMan
over a year ago

Belton

Being a volunteer is always rewarding wherever you do it...started out helping in school in library and trips when i was ill, then started at youth club...ending up running it for 6 years..charity shops and eventually at festivals as a way of keeping self busy during my holidays when first split up with wife....all looks good on a cv too as well as being fulfilling

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"As I found no one would hire me as Ive been unemployed for several months thought I would have a go at voluntary work in a charity shop. I'm quite excited and I start tomorrow.

Although my partners mum thinks it's stupid because I ain't getting paid for it. "

I know a few people who now have paid work as a result of volunteering so don't let her negativity put you off.

The positives outweigh the negatives;

It gets you out of the house / meeting people / helping the community & looks good on a CV

Good luck for tomorrow x

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

My last voluntary job was assisting physiotherapists in physio and hydrotherapy sessions in a care home for young people with terminal, degenerative neurological conditions. Most were in quite advanced stages of their illness.

I really enjoyed it but I had to give it up when I moved.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"As I found no one would hire me as Ive been unemployed for several months thought I would have a go at voluntary work in a charity shop. I'm quite excited and I start tomorrow.

Although my partners mum thinks it's stupid because I ain't getting paid for it.

I know a few people who now have paid work as a result of volunteering so don't let her negativity put you off.

The positives outweigh the negatives;

It gets you out of the house / meeting people / helping the community & looks good on a CV

Good luck for tomorrow x"

I started out as a volunteer at the age of 23 (oh those happy days), which in turn led to my first university degree and a career overseas, which in short has allowed me to live the most fantastic and fulfilling life. Cant recommend it enough

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I'd like to help families that are going through challenging times, but also there appears to be a lack of support for male victims if domestic abuse, but the one closest to my heart is still birth and infant death, but it might be a bit too close for me "

Do you have a Home Start programme in your area,they help support vulnerable families.

There are a few women's domestic abuse charities that now include men (in my surrounding counties) so it maybe worth contacting them to see if local ones to you offer that support.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I'm giving serious thought to volunteer work, I have the time to give, during the week, and I think if you can help someone in life you should

But there are so many people that are in need of help, where do you start?

"

People or animals?

That's the 1st thing to decide

X

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

How about one of the organisations that collects and sends aid to asylum seekers and refugees. You can post all about it on the various immigrant threads.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Give yourself a checklist

How many hours could you give. What are you good at what.

What are your interests.

My mum and i have just had someone to tell us what help we can get at the moment and its just amazing how the most basic thing someone can volunter for can help someone else so much. It doesnt matter whether its popping round reading to soneone for half an hour or a full weeks work you will be making a positive to soneones life

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have been a Samaritan in the past. Very rewarding, but also very traumatic. You have to be very open minded and be prepared to listen to some heart wrenching stories, dealing with suicidal people and suicide in progress.

The training and support you get is second to none.

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By *iamondjoeMan
over a year ago

Glastonbury


"I'm giving serious thought to volunteer work, I have the time to give, during the week, and I think if you can help someone in life you should

But there are so many people that are in need of help, where do you start?

"

Somewhere locally, with aims or clients that particularly chime with you

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By *iamondjoeMan
over a year ago

Glastonbury


"How about one of the organisations that collects and sends aid to asylum seekers and refugees. You can post all about it on the various immigrant threads."

Oh you!

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

I know someone who does a lot of volunteering, but in his case a lot of it is fairly pointless make work stuff.

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By *eMontresMan
over a year ago

Halesowen

I do loads of charity work. I spend hours walking round their shops, taking away unwanted clothes and other items, and I even give them money for doing it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i volunteered helping build old computers to be given to low income households

really enjoyed it

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By *iss AdventureWoman
over a year ago

Wonderland


"I'd like to help families that are going through challenging times, but also there appears to be a lack of support for male victims if domestic abuse, but the one closest to my heart is still birth and infant death, but it might be a bit too close for me "

If it's too close, through personal experience, you'll know the value of the kind of person that can help those suffering with such a painful loss. From various experiences (including my own), I know that the most valuable people to me at the time were those I could share the grief with, when it was the other way around, as painful as it was, I felt happy, and privileged, to help someone who felt they needed someone that understood.

Personally though, I would choose to work with animals because they make me happy.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I'd like to help families that are going through challenging times, but also there appears to be a lack of support for male victims if domestic abuse, but the one closest to my heart is still birth and infant death, but it might be a bit too close for me

If it's too close, through personal experience, you'll know the value of the kind of person that can help those suffering with such a painful loss. From various experiences (including my own), I know that the most valuable people to me at the time were those I could share the grief with, when it was the other way around, as painful as it was, I felt happy, and privileged, to help someone who felt they needed someone that understood.

Personally though, I would choose to work with animals because they make me happy."

It's an important milestone this year, and I'm already feeling the pain if it, I'll get through it like I do every year, but if it came to giving advice, I don't think I could remain impartial, and give sound advice without my heart ruling my head

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't have any time to give unfortunately, so I make a lot of blankets for local hospital and SB charities for memory boxes and keep sakes, also for premature babies too.

When I was studying I saw SB birth in the flesh and affected me deeply so try to give back - however I'm an outsider and hasn't affected me personally so cannot imagine how it'd feel to work along side these charities if I had. You can only go on how you feel.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I've done volunteer work since school time and still do. Many smaller organizations have little income and most money is spent on services for others - unlike larger charities, often with huge chief exec salaries and bonuses.

Scout your local area to see who is there - many will take volunteers but not advertise and could use your personal skillset in ways that help them.

However tired I am I continue without fail to volunteer as it's so rewarding and helps others a lot. With massive government cut backs it's more needed than ever.

If stuck there are volunteer organisations that could cover options and match you up.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I have been a Samaritan in the past. Very rewarding, but also very traumatic. You have to be very open minded and be prepared to listen to some heart wrenching stories, dealing with suicidal people and suicide in progress.

The training and support you get is second to none."

also done some time helping out as a Samaritan, had to stop as I could not continue to commit to over nighters, 2 shifts a week were fine, but due to my work I couldn't continue doing overnight shifts

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have been a Samaritan and found it at times very full on,. But its well worth it . And got to meet a lot of local people too who help.

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By *hloe sussexTV/TS
over a year ago

Larne

I have some time on my hands and do voluntary work for animal charities, just look online for what one appeals to you

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I love voluntary work, unfortunately my best mates dad became ill with MS so over the past few years we've arranged loads of activities and fundraising events, the key to voluntary work is to put your own fun spin on it to make it enjoyable for everyone

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By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff


"I've just signed up to have an older person to come for Sunday dinner "

What time do you want me there

Seriously though - some great stuff people are doing.

I've had reason to use a charity a couple of you have worked with. All I can say is "thanks.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk


"How about one of the organisations that collects and sends aid to asylum seekers and refugees. You can post all about it on the various immigrant threads.

Oh you! "

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By *izzy.Woman
over a year ago

Stoke area

Well done for considering doing some voluntary work. I have done some form of voluntary work my entire life. If something seems too painful to do, then find something else that you would enjoy and be able to commit to.

Contact your local volunteer bureau and they can discuss what your skills are and what volunteer opportunities are available locally. Or contact local charities that interest you and offer your services directly.

You may need a CRB check or whatever the new version is called. Do not get this in advance, as they usually want a current one when you start.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I helped out at a local college assisting with teaching English to foreign students, it was mainly Eastern Europeans coming to work as well as refugees. Loved it, after a day at work listening to moans and groans it was a joy to spend time with people who really appreciated your presence. Plus, it gave a bit of balance to all the immigration news stories, met some lovely students, often found that they were the most generous people I'd meet all week too and most had relatively little. The desire to learn was phenomenal too, I really was in the presence of people who wanted to change their lives. Unfortunately the volunteer aspect of the course was cancelled but hopefully I'll do a bit more in the future, possibly take a sabbatical and so some abroad. Whatever you choose, go for it, it's a great experience and very rewarding to you and immensely helpful to others.

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By *picyminxWoman
over a year ago

Huntingdon


"I'm giving serious thought to volunteer work, I have the time to give, during the week, and I think if you can help someone in life you should

But there are so many people that are in need of help, where do you start?

"

I found something from my own experience that I could relate with others too. I've been a voluntary recovery worker in addiction and drug/alcohol abuse for the last 4 years. Built up a fantastic C.V. Unfortunately due to cuts there will be no job there now as was supposed to be but I do have a great c.v to move on with, I've gained many skills and supported many people. I do find that we only keep what we have by giving it away. I do other stuff within the community and its great to give without expecting anything back.

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By *picyminxWoman
over a year ago

Huntingdon


"I'd like to help families that are going through challenging times, but also there appears to be a lack of support for male victims if domestic abuse, but the one closest to my heart is still birth and infant death, but it might be a bit too close for me "

You sound like you have a lot to give

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm a voluntary welfare officer for a large equine charity, I'd recommend voluntary work to anyone, you can give as much or as little time as you have, it can be challenging, but it's also very rewarding.

Find something your passionate about and go for it.x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I started out with an Animal Rescue Charity

I recently completed a Mental Health First Aid Course and a Suicide Intervention course. I now volunteer 2 days a week at my local Citizens Advice Bureau. It's rewarding but I've had a few harrowing cases

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