Volunteers

SAVER/NAVER is a link between those who need help and those who want to help.

Remember...Time is free - so we will take as little or as much time as you want to give!

We provide support for the volunteers in their work and ensure that volunteering opportunities offer an environment where volunteers are appropriately valued.

Would you like

  • a new interest?
  • a challenge?
  • to experience a chance to use your skills or learn new ones?
  • to meet new people?
  • to offer some of you free time constructively?
  • improve your health?
    • or are you curious about voluntary work?

    If so ... please contact us.

    WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?

    Think about the activity that interests you. Ask yourself:

  • Do you want to get involved with people, issues or the environment?
  • Do you want to work on your own or as part of a group?
  • Do you want to be involved with management and planning or are you a more 'hands on' type of person?
  • Would you be able to work in close, emotionally demanding relationships or would you rather do more practical work?

Be honest with yourself about what you do and do not want to do.

HOW MUCH TIME CAN YOU GIVE?

Can you make a regular long-term commitment or do you want to get involved for a shorter period of time? Time commitments can vary from a concentrated one-off effort for an event or specific project, to several hours each week or month, to a full time commitment. Be realistic on how much time you can spare and over what period of time. Do not over commit yourself. A reliable volunteer for a few hours a month can be more useful than someone whose availability is unpredictable and difficult to plan for.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER?

You may have certain skills or talent that you would like to put to use in the course of your volunteering. For example, gardening skills, financial skills, musical ability or IT skills. You should think about these skills when considering what role you would like to do. There are many voluntary positions, which require no special skills or talents and many more where training is provided. You should be clear about whether you want to use skills you already have, are willing to participate in training to develop new skills or a combination of both!

HAVE YOU GOT?

As a volunteer you should have:

  • commitment - reliability is a vital quality for voluntary work.
  • a realistic attitude - about what you can offer, i.e. knowing the type of work you really want, your capabilities and the times you are available, taking your other commitments into account.
  • maturity (not necessarily connected with age) - patience and tolerance.
  • understanding - and the ability to cope with difficult situations.
  • warmth of personality- as a volunteer will be reimbursed any travel costs incurred in connection with your voluntary work (£0.40/mile). If you are unemployed, voluntary work should not affect your benefits, provided you satisfy the 'available for full time work' conditions and can prove you are actively seeking paid work.