• Just want to help out?
• Looking to learn new skills?
• Keen to meet other people?
• Fired up to make a difference?

Volunteering can help you do it.

For that reason alone, volunteering can be one of the most rewarding investments you'll ever make. Whether you have a little or lots of time to give there will be something there for you.

Benefits

It provides an opportunity to:

• Give something back to an organisation that has impacted on a person's life, either directly or indirectly
• Make a difference to the lives of others
• Help the environment
• Help others less fortunate or without a voice
• Feel valued and part of a team
• Spend quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle
• Gain confidence and self-esteem

For some, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. From this perspective, volunteering can be a way of:

• Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience
• Developing existing skills and knowledge
• Enhancing a CV
• Improving one's employment prospects
• Gaining an accreditation
• Using one's professional skills and knowledge to benefit others

For others, volunteering appeals because of its social benefits. These include:

• Meeting new people and making new friends
• A chance to socialise
• Getting to know the local community
• Travelling the world