Working as a volunteer

Ever fancied volunteering or training for a community-based career?

There's a lot of job satisfaction in helping some of the most vulnerable members of society. But there's the social aspect too - working with local people gives you a sense of community and getting to know everyone within it.

Volunteering

A great way to make a contribution is by volunteering. You'll be learning new skills, and it may open up new opportunities for you. You could get involved in caring for sick animals or campaigning for human rights. Here are some ideas:

• Health and medical - a first aider for St John's Ambulance
• Legal advice - working in a Citizens Advice Bureau
• Animal care - working in animal sanctuaries
• Environmental work - restoring local amenities
• Arts administration - working on local arts productions
• Performing arts - local dramatic groups
• Caring for children or elderly people
• Working with people with disabilities
• Counselling - family counselling, people with addictions, victims of domestic violence
• Working with homeless people
• International aid
• Education and training
• Human rights
• Working with people with mental health problems
• Sports and outdoor pursuits
• Working with young people
• Working with ex-offenders

Volunteering is a great way to try out something new to see if you like it. And if you do like it, there's nothing to stop you taking it further. You'll make useful contacts to enable you to take the next steps, maybe into paid work. The voluntary sector employs over half a million people in paid roles, and it's expanding all the time. Take a look at these websites to find out more about volunteering:

• Volunteering England
• Do-it.org
• National Council for Voluntary Organisations

Jobs in the community

If you're interested in a career helping the local community, see if any of the following jobs appeal to you. Each of them has a job profile factsheet:

• Police Community Support Officer
• Neighbourhood Warden
• British Sign Language Interpreter
• Care Assistant
• Education Welfare Officer
• Family Support Worker
• Money Adviser
• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapy Support Worker
• Social Worker
• Residential Social Worker
• Volunteer Organiser
• Welfare Rights Officer
• Youth and Community Worker

Where can I get some advice on volunteering?

If you need help to find a course to get into any of these jobs, call us on 0800 100 900. Or you can search for courses yourself on our on-line course database.