WHAT IS VOLUNTEERING? ...... IT'S VOLUNTARY!
Pretty obvious really, although its surprising how many people experience pressure to get involved!

VOLUNTEERS are people who, unpaid and of their own free will, contribute their time, energy and skills to help others in the community or to benefit the environment.

Volunteering is open to everybody, no matter how much or how little time they have to offer. Many people of all ages, backgrounds, interests and abilities appreciate the value of volunteering, both to themselves and to the people they help. What's more they usually enjoy themselves! A recent survey showed that 49% of the UK population are involved in some kind of volunteering every year.

Anyone thinking of volunteering should ask themselves a series of questions

Why do I want to volunteer?
There maybe lots of good reasons. These are probably in most peoples top 10 :-

You may have your own, very different reasons for getting involved in the community, or your reasons may be a mixture of those given above. It's important to think about this - it can help you to decide what type of volunteering would suit you.

What skills do I want to use or learn?
Everybody has skills to offer, but not everybody realises what these might be. Perhaps you enjoy being with people, or may be doing something practical is more in your line. Don't dismiss a skill because you find it easy - think about what you are good at and what you enjoy. Voluntary groups are usually delighted to make the most of a volunteer's skills.
You may wish to learn new skills. Most of us need some guidance when we take on anything new, so don't be put off a task because you feel you haven't got all the necessary skills. When you start you should receive some instruction and help - it may be anything from a brief introduction to the organisation to a recognised accredited training course.

What couldn't I do?
It's important to recognise that, for all of us, there are some tasks that we wouldn't or couldn't do. Knee deep in mud doing conservation work might be one person's idea of fun, whilst another might be far happier working with elderly people. We are not all made alike, and there are types of volunteering to suit all interests and abilities.
There is the possibility that, because of some health problem or disability, you may find it difficult to do certain things. You should not be discriminated against because of a disability but practical considerations may mean that some tasks would be very difficult for you to do. Try to be realistic about this. If you take on something that you cannot cope with, either physically or mentally, and you have to give up, it will be disheartening for you and disappointing for the group you join. If you have extra support needs of any kind please consider the Access Project.

Would I make a good volunteer?
The most important characteristic of a good volunteer is a commitment to the task in hand and to the organisation or group for whom you are volunteering. In other words be reliable.
When first joining a project, it's important to be open-minded and give it some time before deciding whether or not you have made the right choice. If after some time you still feel unhappy, then talk to the person running the project - don't just give up without an explanation. There may be ways around the problems you have experienced and highlighting these could benefit other volunteers in the future.

Will my benefits be affected?
Volunteering should not affect your entitlement to benefits but it is wise to check with the Benefits Agency / Job Centre telling them about your particular circumstances. See FAQ & the benefits section on the Volunteering England web site

What if I have a criminal record?
You may be asked for information on criminal record. Reformed ex-offenders deserve to have as equal an opportunity to volunteer as others in society. However, your suitability for a particular voluntary job may have to be assessed considering the nature of the previous offence and how long ago it was committed. Working with children or vulnerable people will usually mean that a check will be requested from the Criminal Records Bureau.

VOLUNTEER CENTRE DACORUM
OK..... You know why you want to volunteer and have thought through some of the issues. What should you do now?
A visit to the VOLUNTEER CENTRE will provide you with information on a whole range of volunteering opportunities. To get some ideas click here. If you've got a pretty good idea of what you'd like to do, and need a list of specific jobs, go directly to the do-it web site.

Rights and Responsibilities
When you volunteer you have a rights - you also have responsibilities. Look at the Volunteers Charter to see what you can expect and what the organisation will expect of you.

OK.... you've visited the Centre, answered all your questions and made your decision. Now......

Getting started!
Any group/organisation welcoming a new volunteer should explain the position of volunteers within the group. You will probably be asked to visit and talk to the organiser. You may be invited to meet other volunteers who can explain their roles. Each organisation has it's own way of working and the Volunteer Centre will be able to give more details about the project you have chosen.

After reading this, you should be aware of various questions needing answers from the organisation before you commit yourself:-

• Find out who will be responsible for giving you guidance - note their name & telephone number

• Will there be any training/instruction? Perhaps there will be an information pack. How much do you need to know to be confident in the tasks involved? This will vary tremendously depending on which group you join.

• Will your reasonable out of pocket expenses be met? (If you don't need them, then you can always donate them back to the organisation).

In some organisations it is quite usual for new volunteers to be asked to fill in an application form and supply the names of 1 or 2 referees. This may seem a bit formal and time consuming to you, but it is usually a good indication that the project involving volunteers is well organised.

If you hope to work with children, then generally the organisation will need to run a disclosure check with the Criminal Records Bureau. Again this can be time consuming, but you can appreciate the necessity. The formalities should soon be completed ... and then you're on your way.

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR VOLUNTEERING!

..... and remember....

VOLUNTEERING CAN BE INTERESTING, REWARDING, CHALLENGING, USEFUL, STIMULATING, VARIED and... OFTEN FUN!!

Bear in mind that successful volunteering depends on two main factors:-

The role of Volunteer Centre Dacorum is to promote both these aspects of volunteering.