Before you start

If you decide that you would like to get involved in volunteering, but you are not sure exactly what you would like to do, then think about WHY you want to volunteer. This can be a useful way of helping you to focus on the sort of volunteering you want to undertake.

How will I manage my time?

• How much time can you spare for volunteering? Remember your other commitments (family, hobbies, employment) and try not to over commit yourself.
• Are your circumstances likely to change in the near future?
• How much time do you wish to commit to volunteering? For example, one day a month, one hour a week, more than this or less?
• What period of time can you commit to volunteering? For example, one day? A month? Six months?
• Some voluntary projects require you to stay for a minimum period of time, so do check before you decide on a role.
• What times of the day are you free? Morning? Afternoon?
• What days of the week are you free?

What other factors should I consider?

• Do you have your own transport? If not, is it easy for you to use public transport to get to your place of volunteering?
• In what ways do you feel you can best contribute?
• What are your particular skills and interests? What do you really enjoy doing?
• Do you prefer to do something practical i.e. with your hands?
• Would you prefer to do something you have already done, utilising skills you have already acquired, or would you prefer the challenge of doing something new?
• What skills and interests do you already possess? Many everyday skills are useful when volunteering. Make sure you don’t overlook skills such as writing letters, decorating, talking, listening, DIY, driving, reading, shopping, sport, leisure and outdoor activities, entertainment, gardening etc.
• Do you prefer to work with people or not? If you prefer working with people, is this on a one-to-one basis or in groups?
• If you want to work with people, have you identified a particular group of people with whom you would like to work? For example, children under 5 years of age; young people; the elderly; families; people in hospital; homeless people; people with a physical disability or learning