Volunteering F.A.Q.s
What can I do as a volunteer?
We advertise all of our regular volunteering opportunities on our website (just click on the orange links for more info).
We also have lots of one off activities such as litter picking, helping on our information stall and at children’s events. You can find out about these from our website diary or by joining the volunteer email list (email info@action21.co.uk).
You can also ring/email Sam Elvyhart, Action 21 Volunteer and Marketing Officer, for an informal chat about volunteering on 01926 339077 or email info@action21.co.uk
How do I become a volunteer?
You need to speak to Sam Elvyhart, the Action 21 Volunteer and Marketing Officer. You can ring her on 01926 339077 or email info@action21.co.uk. She can tell you about the different things you can get involved in.
You’ll need to complete a volunteer registration form and provide contact details of a reference (professional or personal). After that we’ll arrange to have a taster session and induction in your new role.
Will I have to complete an application form / have an interview?
No, we don’t use application forms. We fill in a registration form to collect your contact details and some other bits of information, such as your availability and your emergency contact details. During the registration session you’ll chat with Amy about what you want to get out of the volunteering. Amy will try and match you with a suitable volunteering role and your volunteering supervisor will check at the end of your taster period whether you’re enjoying yourself and would like to carry on volunteering in that particular role.
I only want to volunteer every now and then, is there anything I can do?
We have a weekend volunteer rota in our re-use shops so that you can help out at little as once every 4-6 weeks.
We also have lots of one off activities such as litter picking, helping on our information stall and at children’s events. You can find out about these from our website diary or by joining the volunteer email list (contact info@action21.co.uk)
I work 9-5, is there anything I can do?
There are some activities you can get involved in during the evening and at weekends. These might be one of our Green Champion volunteer led projects. With some of our roles, like our article writers for instance, you can help out whenever you have the time.
Are there certain skills I need to be a volunteer?
Many of our volunteering roles require nothing more than enthusiasm and reliability. Some of our roles require specific skills or experience and you can check these on our volunteering page where we state what, if any, specific skills or experience are required.
Do you provide training?
We endeavour to provide training wherever it’s needed. You’ll receive on the job mentoring and support from your supervisors. If your volunteering requires handling heavy items you’ll watch our manual handling training DVD. Some of our roles, like our Portable Appliance Testers for instance, require formal accredited training which we will provide.
How much time do I need to give?
All our volunteering roles vary, with some roles requiring a few hours every week whilst others require only ad-hoc assistance. You can check on our volunteering webpage how much time is required for each of our volunteering roles.
Can my care worker come with me?
Yes. You’re more than welcome to bring a care or support worker along with you when you volunteer.
Will I get my expenses paid for?
We believe volunteers should not be made out of pocket by helping us out so we endeavour to pay back travel expenses, and if you volunteer for a full day we’ll cover your meal costs too.
Are childcare costs covered?
Unfortunately we don’t have a big enough budget to cover volunteers’ child care costs. For some of our volunteering project you might be able to bring your children with you (e.g fab fabs).
What age restrictions are there?
You can volunteer at one of our re-use shops from as young as 14 years old. For our youngest volunteers we need parental permission and will carry out a risk assessment to ensure we’ve thought of all the hazards of volunteering associated with your age. We will also make sure you’re always supervised by a responsible adult.
The rest of our volunteering opportunities are suitable for 16 or 18 years and older. You can check on our volunteering webpage to see the age restrictions on each volunteering role.
Volunteering whilst you’re in receipt of benefits
You can volunteer as many hours as you want whilst in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance as long as you’re actively seeking work and are available for interviews (we’ll always be flexible to accommodate this).
It’s best to inform your local Job Centre when you start volunteering and we can help you with this by providing a standard letter explaining:
- what volunteering you’re doing
- that you don’t get paid and are only reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses and,
- that we will reorganise your volunteering shifts so that you can always attend interviews or take up paid work within 48 hours notice.
If you receive Incapacity Benefit or Employment & Support Allowance then you should contact your local Benefit Delivery Centre to ensure that the nature of your volunteering role won’t affect your benefits. You can call the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 to find out where your local Benefit Delivery Centre is.
More information about volunteering and benefits can be found from this booklet produced by Job Centre Plus.