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 is 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. We also encourage and support organisations to operate good practice in volunteer management.

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 over 25s who would like to volunteer, our Millennium Volunteers (MV) Co-ordinator works with people aged 16-24, while our Volunteers Plus Co-ordinator is for people who need extra help with volunteering.

By keeping a register of volunteer-using 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 every week. We also organise one-off volunteering events and produce a quarterly newsletter for volunteers. 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 to try something completely different, there's a volunteer 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 available for volunteers
• Improve your job prospects; volunteering looks great on your CV or UCAS form
• 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:

• Cook
• Drive
• Teach
• Garden
• Befriend
• Entertain
• Fundraise
• Care for animals
• Do administration
• Conserve the environment

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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 but how often you volunteer can be determined by your lifestyle.

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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.

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Where could you volunteer?

Volunteers do it everywhere! For example in:

• Hospitals
• Nurseries
• Support groups
• Homeless shelters
• Youth 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 Volunteer Centre Help For Organisations section. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and:

• Are aged 16-24, please read the Millennium Volunteers section.
• Are aged 25 plus, please read the How To Volunteer section.
• Might need extra help with volunteering, please read the Volunteers Plus section.

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

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