Does anyone do Volunteering?

[EvianBaby]

working on my own most of the time and living on my own with nobody I know very nearby I get a little isolated so I was thinking about maybe doing some volunteering to get myself out there a bit and maybe meet some new people in my area.

I've found a website that gives you lists of organisations looking for volunteers in your area and gives the types of work they need doing but there are literally hundreds, if not thousands and I really have no idea of what sort of thing to go for. I was thinking something working with young people might be a good starting point.

I just wondered if anyone here has worked as a volunteer for anything? What did you get out of it? Are there any tips you can give?

[craft1948]

Good luck in working with young people. I am not saying they are any better, or any worse than previous generations, but half the time it's like talking to a different species (and I have qualifications as a youth worker)

[EvianBaby]

Sounds like spending an afternoon with my Dad Crafty. Lol

[furrypusscat]

I have been a Brownie & Girl Guide leader for 43 years now. I suppose after all that time I must get something out of it. Over the years programmes have changed and the children too. I like to see how they mature in so little time, arriving as a shy Brownie and working through to adulthood. I believe it is very worthwhile. I am also a member of our Patients Support group at our village surgery, that mainly involves fundraising. You do get a lot out of volunteering and it keeps you active and involved.

[EvianBaby]

Oh, I wonder if it might be worth mentioning I'm a 28 year old female. Not sure if that matters or not really.

[gina32]

looking at my wages every month it certainly feels like i do!

[mrs_overall]

Over the years I have voluntarily helped out with the cubscouts, scouts, brownies and guides.
I wouldn't wish the experience on my worst enemy

[Traci66]

I volunteer at the local primary school a couple of mornings a week, been doing that for about 20 years now, I also one day a week, go and visit pensioners who are by themselves, I may just sit and talk to them for a couple of hours, or maybe take them shopping, out for a meal at Christmas etc.

[marval]

I used to work in a charity shop, it is nice in the shop meeting people.

[EvianBaby]

My naive condidence at working with young people is drastically reducing! lol

[craft1948]

I know what you mean mrs.o..................in my 20's I spent several years as a youth worker at a club 2 nights a week, then working 1 night a week in 1:1 situations with drug users, I'm ashamed to say it was too much for me.

[humbersloop]

Volunteering England website EB, as a starter for 10?

http://www.volunteering.org.uk/

[furrypusscat]

They are not all angels, I agree, and yes they do sometimes seem like a different species but the few keen ones make it all worthwhile when you see them grow up to be mature young ladies. I must admit, my views have had to change over the years. Just a point to add, working with any group under 18 years of age or vulnerable adults, will mean you will have to be CRB checked. Have a go.

[marval]

When I was in my teens I worked with mentally handicaped children and young people. It could be quite challenging at times, but I loved it.

[mrs_overall]

i know what you mean craft. I used to lie awake in bed at night fantasising about ways of killing some of the little sods.
I'm an amateur volleyball coach and the teenagers that come to play are all great, but then again they are there because they want to be

[fairycakes69]

HI I was a stay at home mum for 15 years, had very little work experience so decided to volunteer at my local British Heart Foundation just 8 hours a week, very nervous, but really enjoyed getting out and meeting people. 3 years later felt I could apply for jobs, got the first one I went for in a shop was there for 3 years then moved onto a paid position on another charity shop, which I run when the manager is off and I cover other shops as well. We have volunteers ranging for 18 to 73 years, all get on and we have a good laugh, a few even just drop in when they can and have no set hours. I found it was a good way to meet people and to give you confidence. Give it a go, if you don't find its for you try a different type of volunteering, you don't know till you try it.

[EvianBaby]

I haven't ruled out working with old people but for selfish reasons it goes a little against my main reasons for doing it.

I'd guessed there would be a CRB on certain things but I'm not concerned about that. I've never had a CRB but as far as I know there wouldn't be anything on there.

Will take a look at that link thanks Humber.

[chaptazbru]

I used to dog walk at my local RSPCA centre and I've also visited old folks homes to chat with elderly people who don't get visitors - both very rewarding.

[EvianBaby]

I work full time through the week so kind of want to avoid feeling like I'm just doing another job that I'm not getting paid for.

I'd definitely do dog walking, if just for a bit of exercise. But I'd like to do something more social too.

[chaptazbru]

Wouldn't you find chatting with lonely elderly folk social Evian? It was nice to make a person's day by spending time and having a laugh with them.

[anneasquith]

i did voluntary work up until fairly recently, i loved it, a day care centre for the elderly, dont discount working with the elderly EB the clients i worked with were mainly quite healthy and very amusing,