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Volunteering and Personal Development

In this section:

About volunteering
V-talent year
Volunteering opportunties and organisations

About Volunteering

Whatever you're in to, there's a fun and interesting volunteering opportunity for you.

Volunteering is so much more than doing something in your spare time for free. You will:

Meet new people.
Gain work experience.
Build on your strengths and develop new skills.
Become more confident!

How much time do I have to give?

It’s up to you. You could help at a one-off event, or for a few hours a week, a month or for a longer project. It’s your choice!

Do I have the skills needed?

The skills you will need will depend on the volunteering opportunity.

What can I expect as a volunteer?

Your time and commitment for the cause will be greatly appreciated. You may receive payment for your expenses and you may also be offered training.

Is it possible to do voluntary work overseas?

Yes, there are a variety of organisations which have placements abroad. Careful planning is needed as it can take a few months to arrange a placement abroad and you may have to raise the money to go.

V-talent Year

V Talent Year in Portsmouth is offering 30 young people 30 fantastic full time volunteering placements working with young people in various children's services across the city.

Please read the additional information if you are interested in finding out more. The deadline for applications to be returned is 13th February 2009.

Volunteering Opportunities and organisations

Below are details of some of the opportunities available but don’t forget there’s information to hand in your local Connexions centre which may include opportunities from local organisations such as V talent year (see above).

Visit V-inspired to find out about national and local volunteering opportunties.

London's successful Olympic bid includes a Young Ambassadors' programme to train young people from some of the country's most deprived areas, providing them with the skills and confidence to serve as volunteers at the games. Over 70,000 volunteers will be required to help run the games. Visit Timebank for more information.

Barnardo’s has launched a volunteering DVD to encourage more young people to volunteer.

The National Trust has many opportunities for volunteering. Search their database for local volunteering opportunities including Young Heritage Leaders (YHL) - a leadership training programme run by the National Trust in partnership with the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC). Through planning, managing and leading outdoor conservation projects it offers participants the opportunity to develop team leadership skills.

The Jubilee Sailing Trust is offering the opportunity for 16-25 year olds under the Leadership @ Sea initiative to develop leadership and integration skills. Read their information sheet to learn more.

Other sources of info are volunteer bureaus. These are volunteer ‘job shops’. Call Volunteering England on 0845 305 6979 for details of your local bureau.

Councils for Voluntary Service can offer help and advice on finding volunteering opportunities. Visit the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service for details of your nearest centre.

Looking for full-time or long-term volunteering opportunities? Try the Gap Year page for more ideas.

VSO is a leading International Development Charity that works through volunteers to tackle poverty. They have two exciting youth programmes for people aged 18-25. For more information visit the VSO website.

Fancy volunteering abroad? there’s so many exciting opportunities – check out WorldWide Volunteering for your options.

Let's talk about volunteering