Volunteer Centre

Topics covered in this section:
» What do we do?
» Why volunteer?
» What could you do?
» How much time will it take?
» Do you need special skills?
» Where could you volunteer?
» What next?

An accredited member of Volunteering England.

What do we do?

The Volunteer Centre Epping Forest and Volunteer Centre Harlow are part of a nationwide network of independent agencies that act as ‘matchmakers’ for non-profit-making groups seeking volunteers. We match the interests, skills and time of local people with the needs of groups operating in the Epping Forest District and Harlow area. We also encourage and support organisations to operate good practice in volunteer management. We achieved the nationally recognised VCQA accreditation in 2007 and are currently working towards re-accreditation in 2010. We are active members of Essex Association of Volunteer Centres whose remit is to promote the Volunteer Centre network across Essex.

Our aim is to encourage people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to volunteer. We actively promote volunteering to the public and have staff dedicated to helping people to find suitable placements. Our Volunteer Centre Co-ordinator helps those over 25s who would like to volunteer, our Learning Disabilities Volunteer Co-ordinator specialises in helping people with learning disabilities who want to volunteer, our Access to Arts Co-ordinator assists those with learning disabilities experience and participates in The Arts while our Mental Health Supported Volunteer Co-ordinator helps those with mental health issues.

We also partner with Vinvolved who provide a volunteer placement service across Essex for those aged 16- 25

By keeping a register of volunteer organisations, we offer easy access to a wide choice of volunteering. If we do not have what someone is looking for, we will research opportunities for them. Most of our opportunities are listed on www.do-it.org.uk which is updated regularly. We also organise one-off volunteering events and co-ordinate Employer Supported Volunteering events. Our service is completely free to anyone who would like to volunteer.

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Why volunteer?

Helping others is fun and rewarding. Whether you want to do something similar to your studies, work or hobbies, or try something completely different, there's a volunteering opportunity out there to suit you. We're here to help you find it.

Volunteering gives you the chance to:

• Make new friends and contacts
• Get out and about having fun
• Build self-confidence
• Gain a sense of achievement
• Develop existing skills and learn new ones; training is offered to volunteers by several volunteer involving organisations
• Improve your job prospects; volunteering looks great on your CV
• Make a career change
• Have a more fulfilling retirement
• Make a real difference to your community and to the lives of others

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What could you do?

We're likely to know about types of volunteering you may never have thought of. With over 200 changing opportunities on our books, the choice is huge. For example, you could:

• Train to skipper a canal boat
• Drive someone with mobility problems to their social club or doctors appointment
• Help mow the lawn and do a bit of pruning for those no longer able to look after their own garden
• Help out in the housekeeping department of a local activity centre devoted to teaching inner city children about the environment and life skills
• Befriend an elderly person in hospital who doesn't get many visitors
• Help teach children about nature at a local field studies centre
• Become a Magistrate, Trustee or Special Constable
• Organise a quiz night or cake sale for a local cause
• Care for cats in need of rehousing
• Assist in the office of the local Citizens Advice Bureau
• Work at a local nature reserve, ensuring the conservation of native species

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How much time will it take?

As much or as little as you like. It's usually reasonable to commit to at least 2 hours per session although some organisations ask for a minimum of 4 hours. However you are in charge when it comes to how many hours you want to volunteer and how frequently.

The most important thing is that you don't over commit yourself. Think carefully about how much time you can devote to volunteering.

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Do you need special skills?

Some volunteer opportunities require particular experience but most just need skills gained in everyday life and a willingness to learn. A few offer specialist training e.g. to become a Citizen's Advice Bureau Advisor, job coach or telephone support worker.

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Where could you volunteer?

Volunteers do it everywhere! For example in:

• Hospitals
• Nurseries
• Support groups
• Sport centres
• Animal sanctuaries
• Charity offices
• Lunch and drop-in clubs
• Advice centres
• Charity shops
• From home

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What next?

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your organisation needs help with volunteers, read the Assistance For Organisations section. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and:

• Are aged 16-25, please call Vinvolved on 01702 356 000.
• Are aged 26 plus, please read the How To Volunteer section.
• Might need extra help with volunteering, please read the Volunteer Learning Disabilities section.
• Have mental health issues either currently or in the past click here
• For those with Learning Disabilities, that would like more information on Accessing the Arts, click here

If you would like to find out our latest volunteering news, click here.

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