Make a difference by volunteering in your local community
A variety of exciting volunteering opportunities exist in Lowestoft, Beccles, and throughout the Waveney area. There are many ways to get involved: volunteers contribute to all aspects of community life.
Our friendly advisors can put you in touch with organisations looking for people just like you. You can choose how much time you want to give and the kind of activity that suits your skills and interests. And if you're not sure what you'd like to do then we can help you decide!
Who can volunteer?
People from all generations and from all sections of the community can become volunteers. If you are:
| Retired | Your experience will be invaluable — your time can continue to be gainfully used. |
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| Employed | There are opportunities to volunteer outside working hours. |
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| Unemployed, on benefit or returning to work | Volunteering should not affect your benefits, however you should advise your Job Centre or Benefits Agency before becoming a volunteer. |
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| In full or part-time education | Volunteering can provide useful work experience in your spare time or during vacations. |
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| A parent with children at or starting school | Voluntary work during school hours is a useful start towards a return to paid employment. |
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| Someone who has experienced mental ill health, who has a physical or learning disability, or in need of some extra confidence | We offer help to volunteers who need extra support whilst volunteering. |
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What can volunteers do?
There are many different ways to volunteer:
- Working with children and families
- Working with elderly people
- Driving
- Fundraising
- Helping the environment
- Providing information, advice and counselling
- Working in charity shops
…and many more!
Why do people volunteer?
People become volunteers for different reasons. Some examples are:
- To improve their confidence.
- To gain a sense of achievement.
- To meet new people and make new friends.
- To feel valued.
- To gain valuable experience.
Perhaps the most important reason is to have some fun!
Our Recruitment Procedure
When you visit the Volunteer Centre you will be invited to complete a simple registration form during an informal and confidential one-to-one interview. We will then discuss suitable volunteering opportunities with you so that we can:
- Telephone an organisation to arrange a date for you to visit;
- Give details of contact persons so that you can make contact yourself;
- Give you more time to think things over by taking away our Directory of Volunteering Opportunities.
We operate an Equal Opportunities Policy and all interviews conducted with prospective volunteers are subject to strict confidentiality.
