Get active
Is Volunteering Right for You?
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering involves giving your time and skills for free. You can choose how much time you want to give and also what type of role and organisation you’d like to support.
Giving your time to others for free is recognised as one of the NHS “5 Steps to Wellbeing”. As well as potentially learning new skills (which might help improve your resume), it’s also a great way to build confidence and make a difference. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and avoid feeling isolated. The feel-good factor associated with altruism and giving your time for free cannot be underestimated.
Support for Volunteers
Most volunteering opportunities provide some form of training, where you’ll be fully supported and encouraged. Most opportunities also provide some form of travel expenses, so you’ll never be out of pocket.
Our Recommendations
If you’ve never volunteered before, there are a number of things you may wish to consider:
- Do some research – find a company, organisation or cause you’re passionate about. You’re much more likely to continue if you enjoy what you’re doing. Explore a charity’s website for links to their volunteering section.
- Consider your commitment carefully & and don’t over promise. Charities and organisations love longer term commitments, as it helps justify their resources spent training you. If you can only give a few hours a week, for six months, be honest, it may be exactly what they’re looking for
- Start off small and with an organisation you know. Whether a local charity shop or even CSSC. We’re always looking for passionate people who love to help others.
- Try volunteering with a friend, with similar passions. Sharing the experience may help you find your feet and acclimatise. But don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new when you’re ready to move on. By branching out on your own, you’ll find you chat to strangers more easily and make loads of new friends and gain new confidence and skills.
- The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship may be looking for volunteer befrienders to join its popular home befriending service, the National Visitors Network.Providing regular companionship home visits, the service offers those in need a welcome friendship link. Visits vary from weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on volunteer availability and all volunteer’s travel expenses are covered.How to help
Help out at your local group, find your local group Groups by postcode | The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship ( CSRF )
Find out more about the services online at CSRF or Befriending | The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship ( CSRF ) or call 020 8691 7411 for a confidential chat.
Volunteering with CSSC
At CSSC, we’re looking to fill a number of exciting volunteering opportunities including virtual volunteering.
Because of our vast number of activities and experiences, you’re bound to find something you love, helping people you already know.
Contact Us
Get in touch today and tell us what you’re passionate about! We’ll find the right volunteering role for you, based on your interests and availability. Please contact volunteer@cssc.co.uk or have a look at our website to find out more.
