volunteering
Are you an individual wanting to give some time?
Why Volunteer?
There are many good reasons to volunteer - the most important one is because you want to. You may want to:
* meet new people
* fill spare time
* develop or learn skills
* gain new experience
* meet a new challenge
* explore new ideas and areas of life
You may have a particular concern about a group of people or an issue.
You may feel you want to give something back to the community.
Whatever your reason it's a good one - there are no bad reasons for giving time!
What is Volunteering?
Volunteering is anything you do that helps other people or the general community beyond your own family, so long as you do it because you choose to, and not for financial gain.
Volunteers make a vital contribution to all aspects of community life.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone! - Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, from all backgrounds and from all age groups.
Everyone has something to offer.
What can I do?
Volunteers can do almost anything! You could work with:
* older people
* young people
* children
* people with disabilities
* people with health problems
* people who need a friend
* animals
or ...
* in the environment
* on a committee or as a trustee
* in a museum, theatre, or with an organisation like the National Trust
* in a charity shop
and you can use or develop skills in:
* befriending
* administration
* finance
* listening
* mediating
* counselling
* DIY
* gardening
* conservation
* arts and crafts
……….and more besides - click here to download information on all our volunteering opportunities!
What does the Volunteer Centre do?
* We’re here to help you find out about volunteering. If you decide you want to give some time then we will help you find a role to suit you. We don’t directly recruit volunteers, but we will put you in touch with an organisation who is looking for someone like you to support them in their work.
* You make no commitment by talking to us. We can tell you about 100s of different volunteering opportunities.
(These can also be found by clicking here, or at http://www.do-it.org.uk/ or you can search our most recent vacancies )
* You can talk to the Centre Manager in confidence, either in person, or on the phone, or by email
* We will try to advise you on a role to suit your needs, wishes, abilities and experience
* We can help you make contact with any local organisation that you’d like to offer time to
* We offer ongoing support and advice about anything to do with your voluntary involvement
* We don't charge or judge and we keep things confidential
Your Contact at the Volunteer Centre:
Harriet Bisson,
Volunteer Centre Manager
Harrogate & Area Volunteer Centre
Community House
46-50 East Parade
Harrogate HG1 5RR
Tel: 01423 509004
Fax: 01423 502126
e-mail: volunteer@harrogate.org
Useful Contact Information
York and North Yorkshire Volunteer Centres: http://www.volunteeringnorthyorks.org.uk/
Volunteering England: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/