Voluntary Work
What is voluntary work?
This is when you give you time and energy to benefit others without being paid. Voluntary work can be in various organisations such as charities, community groups, small local businesses or social enterprises for example.
Why should you volunteer?
Volunteering helps other people and can also help you in many ways. It is a way of learning new skills and practising the skills you have. It helps build confidence and you may meet people who can help you find paid work. Volunteering is something very positive to put on your CV and any job application forms as this shows prospective employers that you are proactive, can keep to regular hours, commit to tasks and are prepared to give something to others and your community. It is also a good way of getting references and filling employment gaps on your CV and job applications.
Volunteering is also a great way for you to do something you enjoy, find new interests, stay active and healthy and pass on your skills to other people. It is also a good way of meeting people who you may not normally meet in your normal day to day routine.
What if I'm not working and receive benefit?
Volunteering can give you a much better chance of finding paid work but you must contact JCP to seek the proper advice and receive the correct information before you secure a placement. If you are on JSA you must still actively seek employment and be available for job interviews and interviews with JCP whilst you are doing volunteer work.
How do I get started?
There are many opportunities so it is worthwhile searching for something that's right for you. If you are unemployed and looking for work choosing the right volunteer placement may enhance your employment prospects.
The Volunteer Centre for Liverpool will have details of all the volunteer opportunities in the city and their offices are based at 151 Dale Street, L2 2AH. You can contact them by telephoning (0151) 237 3975 or you can email them at enquiries@volunteercentreliverpool.org.uk; alternatively if you have internet access please visit their website www.volunteercentreliverpool.org.uk.
Below, you will see some other useful websites that contain information regarding volunteering:
- Directgov
- www.direct.gov.uk
- Do-it Volunteering made easy
- www.do-it.org.uk
- Volunteering England
- www.volunteering.org.uk/finder
- MySignpost
- www.mysignpost.org
You can also call into the nearest LMH neighbourhood office to make enquiries or telephone LMH Connect on either 0800 678 1894 which is free from a landline or for mobile users call 0300 123 230 (small charge). You can also contact the LMH Regeneration Team by telephoning LMH Connect or email LMHRegeneration@liverpoolmh.co.uk as there are a variety of roles within our organisation that maybe of interest to you.
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