Volunteering is a great way to doing something, without pay, that benefits other people as well as you.  These people are usually people outside of your family, but can include them too.  Volunteering benefits you too.  When volunteering you can have fun, learn new skills, meet new people and improve your CV greatly.  Employers recognise the skills learnt from these activities, like communication skills and team-work.  You can mention this in interviews too.

Volunteering activities can range from helping out in your local area (for example, helping children or lending a hand on a community newspaper) to trips abroad (for example, voluntary projects and holidays, which are especially good if you can’t commit your time on a regular basis).

The best way to choose what sort of volunteering is right for you is to think about what you enjoy doing, how much time you can give, what type of skills you already have and what skills you want to improve.  You may be looking for a new job, in which case there are voluntary opportunities in every sector, and it means you can gain valuable experience as well as helping others out.

A lot of people volunteer abroad in their Gap Year.  Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) is an organisation that will match your skills and experience with opportunities with organisations abroad.  You will be in demand if you have experience and skills but if you are lacking in that department then it may be more difficult to find an opportunity.  If you are thinking about volunteering abroad then it is advisable to speak to a returned volunteer.

Volunteering abroad is not always fun, whilst you settle into a completely new environment and culture.  Think long and hard before you make a decision.

Local  volunteering opportunities are advertised on Do-it.

Connexions can advise you on which volunteering opportunities are best suited to you.