Volunteering

Volunteering is  any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, close relatives.

There are number of benefits from volunteering which include to:

• Learn or develop a new skill
• Be part of your community
• Motivation and sense of achievement
• Boost your career options
• New interests and hobbies
• New experiences
• Meeting a diverse range of people

Charities in particular, very often rely on volunteers and are always happy to have someone lend a helping hand!

If you are interested in finding volunteering opportunities, some useful websites include:

• Do-it - Volunteering: http://www.do-it.org.uk/ 
• Community Service Volunteers: http://www.csv.org.uk/volunteering
• Volunteering Wales: http://www.volunteering-wales.net/
• Volunteer Scotland: http://www.volunteerscotland.net/
• Volunteer England: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/

Don't forget to check your local community noticeboards, libraries or newspapers!