What is volunteering?

Making your community a brighter place

A volunteer is a someone who gives a commitment of time and energy for the benefit of the community, which is undertaken freely without financial gain. 

For many people becoming a volunteer is not a decision but something that happens quite by chance. From a simple offer of help at a school fête, shopping for a neighbour, washing the 5-a-side kit, a love of gardening or being a listening ear to someone during a difficult time.

Every day millions of people are involved in voluntary work, but many more are needed, we hope you will join them.

Watch How to Volunteer from Kent TV:

Your questions answered

Why do we need Volunteers?

Some community groups are totally reliant on volunteers and would cease to exist without them, also many organisations and charities would be unable to provide the services they do without support from volunteers.

What can I gain from Volunteering?

Volunteering can open the way to learning new skills and experiences and can be a useful addition to your CV. And although payment is not in money, the rewards come from the satisfaction of helping others, your environment or your community.  

What have I got to offer?

Most importantly you - your skills, experience and knowledge.

Will I need any special training before I start?

There are some volunteering roles that do require you to undertake training before you start but there are many more that don't.

How much time could I give?

As much or as little of the time you have to spare. This can be a regular commitment or just helping out from time to time.

Am I physically fit enough?

You won't need to go into fitness training to become a volunteer, however volunteering does have health benefits starting with raising your spirits. Even if you have a disability there are many volunteering roles you can undertake.

Can I volunteer if I'm under 16 or over 65 years of age?

Some organisations cannot insure volunteers under 16 or over 65 years of age. However, ask about this when finding out about volunteering with an organisation. If you are under 16's there are also organisations who cater especially for you.

Am I covered by insurance?

The organisation you volunteer with must have adequate insurance for you and the activities you will be involved in.

Can I claim expenses?

Volunteers can claim out of pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering.

Will volunteering affect any benefits I am receiving?

Volunteering should not affect any benefits you are claiming.  However for the latest information contact your local Jobcentre Plus office and get their booklet 'Volunteering while receiving benefits' (PDF, 55k).

Does volunteering offer career development opportunities?

Volunteering offers the opportunity to learn new skills, especially where training is provided, and some volunteers have gone on to change careers completely after they've had the opportunity to volunteer in a role first.

Will I need a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check?

If the volunteering you want to do involves working with children, young people or vulnerable adults you will need to have a CRB check and from July 2010 all new volunteers working is this area will also need to be registered with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

What types of things can I do as a volunteer?

Use the link to see the range of volunteering opportunities available, but there are lots, lots more. You may even find that you can turn your hobby in to a volunteering activity.

How do I find out about volunteering in my area?

Contact your local Volunteer Centre or check out your local borough council website or library for local interest groups. There is also the Do-it national website, a database of current volunteering opportunities searchable by postcode.

Can I volunteer abroad?

There are plenty of organisations with opportunities to volunteer abroad. However you may be required to pay board and lodging, so do some research before signing up to anything.

I am not a British National, can I volunteer in the UK?

There are no restrictions on volunteering by EU, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein nationals. People with refugee status (or who have exceptional leave to remain) and family members can do any type of work including volunteering.

Asylum seekers and family members may volunteer – including whilst they are appealing against a decision to refuse them asylum. You can find the latest information about volunteering by non-EU nationals by visiting the Home Office website.