Click HERE to discover volunteer opportunities.
Meet new people
Volunteering in your local area is a great way to meet some amazing people. People united by a common cause. There are people from all walks of life, including a wide range of backgrounds and age groups, who you might not otherwise get a chance to meet in your professional and social circles. Finding the things you have in common could just surprise you.
It is good for your mental health
Volunteering is linked to better physical, mental and emotional health. It keeps you in contact with other people. And feeling more socially connected can reduce stress, depression and isolation. For elderly volunteers, volunteering can promote wellness by keeping mobile and active – though we are committed to accommodating a range of abilities at our shops. And you only need to do what you can.
Gain Confidence
As a volunteer, there's no pressure to have any professional skills. So it’s a great opportunity to try out new things in an environment where help and guidance are always available. Interacting with other volunteers as well as customers can help boost your self-confidence. And you can be proud to know you’re helping transform the lives of people living in poverty with every shift.
Get professional experience
You don’t need any previous experience to start volunteering. But you can gain some experience by volunteering.
This valuable professional experience looks great on your CV - or your UCAS form if you’re a student. And it can count towards the volunteering section of your Duke of Edinburgh award. Volunteering helps to show that you’re truly motivated to help others without a financial incentive. It’s a great sign for any employer.
Always working to help
Together, we can help to tackle local causes. You will know that the work you are doing is directly supporting local people that need it the most.
Find a new interest
You might start volunteering with a particular passion, and leave with detailed knowledge of something completley different. There’s so much variety in what you can do. And so much knowledge shared between volunteers. You’re bound to pick up something you didn’t know before.
Join a community
All volunteers are at the heart of their communities, a powerful movement of people united by one goal – to help whoever needs it. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by a constant stream of bad news. But volunteering can help you feel connected with everything that BCVS and all our partners, are doing to make things better. Because you’re part of the team that’s making it happen.
Make the most of your skills
Every charity loves to make the most of every volunteers’ potential, whatever your hobby or professional knowledge.
Maybe you have a great artistic eye for creating beautiful displays.
Maybe you’re savvy at online selling and could help list items for an online shop.
Anyone who loves to chat would be great at engaging and welcoming members of a group.
Whatever your strengths, we’re keen to help you use your skills and experience to the best of your abilities.
Find the role that suits you best
With roles of all varieties listed on our volunteer recruitment page, there is bound to be something that appeals to you.
But if not, just let us know and we can try and match you with something suitable.
You can view all current volunteer vacancies HERE.
Have Fun!
Volunteers everywhere are highly valued – without you, none of the local vital work could take place. We aim to support the sector in creating a welcoming, inclusive and friendly environment for volunteers, so you can enjoy your experience, and get the best out of it.
Blogs and Articles on the Benefits of Volunteering
HelpGuide.Org - The surprising benefits to volunteering - click HERE to read
Indeed.com - 12 social, professional and personal benefits of volunteering - click HERE to read
Volunteers Week - The benefits of Volunteering - click HERE to read
NHS England - The value of volunteering - click HERE to read