Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy given freely for the benefit of others in the community, the environment, and of the individual concerned. It is undertaken by choice and without concern for personal financial gain.

Volunteering can offer you:

• Structure to your day
• Work experience
• Recognition that you have something different to offer, & everybody has something to offer
• The chance to acquire new skills
• The chance to change your status from ‘helped’ to ‘helper’
• An awareness of difficulties other people face
• The chance to make a commitment and gain confidence
• An opportunity for personal development
• A reference
• Training opportunities
• Infill between a change of career
• A break from the past
• Helping yourself by helping others
• Social contact - meeting new people
• Involvement in the community
• A challenge - a sense of achievement

It cannot offer:

• A paid job or the promise of one
• Security
• An answer to your problems