What is volunteering?
A volunteer is someone who gives up some of their time and effort, free of charge, to help other people.
Why volunteer?
- To give something back to the community
- To improve your health and well-being
- To develop your skills and experience
- As a pathway into education, training, and employment
- To make new friends
- Build up your experience before the 2012 Olympics
- To have fun!
Can I claim benefits whilst volunteering?
Yes. You should be able to claim Job Seekers Allowance as long as you remain available for and are actively seeking work and Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance should all remain unaffected.
Will I get expenses?
Most organisations will pay reasonable 'out of pocket' expenses, which cover travelling costs and possibly lunch if you volunteer for a full day. However, not all organisations are in a position to pay 'out of pocket' expenses due to financial limitations. It is important to confirm this with either the Volunteer Centre or the organisation direct.
What checks would have to be carried out?
If you volunteer to work with children or vulnerable adults you will have to have a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check that may take six to 12 weeks.
Do I need special skills or experience?
Some opportunities will require previous experience, but most will provide you with all the training you need.
Where can I go to look at volunteering opportunities in the whole borough, including for charitable organisations?
Volunteer Centre Waltham Forest
If you want to find out about more volunteering opportunities in Waltham Forest, contact the Volunteer Centre. They can match your interests to a wide range of opportunities in Waltham Forest and arrange for you to have a talk with an organisation suitable for you. Telephone 020 8539 8163, or visit www.volunteercentrewf.org.uk
Waltham Forest Council
There are a number of volunteering opportunities supporting young or vulnerable people within the Borough as well as volunteering to improve the quality of our surroundings.
Volunteering opportunities with young people
Become a school governor: Governors make key decisions such as appointing the head teacher; their decisions directly affect the education and well-being of children and can really make a difference in improving standards throughout the school. There are vacancies in many of our local schools.
» For more information visit www.vtwf.co.uk
Become a mentor: Peer Mentors and Peer Buddies provide support to other pupils. They will receive training and guidance from their school or college to help them in this role.
» More on mentoring
Volunteer in Youth Services: Working with young people aged 13-19 in a variety of settings e.g. schools, youth centres, parks and detached work. Opportunity for basic youth service qualification .
» For further information contact Nigel Williams on 020 8496 1506 or email him at nigel.williams@walthamforest.gov.uk
Volunteering to opportunities with adults and Community Services
We are looking for befrienders for older people, and adults with learning disabilities or sensory loss. We also require volunteers to carry out gardening activities.
For further information contact Dianne Mautterer on 020 8496 3419 or 07967 289208, or email her at dianne.mautterer@walthamforest.gov.uk
Volunteering opportunities to improve our surroundings
Become a Street Watcher: The Street Watchers scheme encourages residents to work with the Council to make our environment one we can take pride in. Street Watchers inform us of problems which might include issues with refuse collection, highway maintenance, public lighting, fly tipping, abandoned vehicles, road safety and parks.
For further information call Street Waters on 020 8496 3000 or email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk. You can also refer to the Street Watchers web page.
Adopt a Flower Bed: Adopting a flower bed is a great way to do your bit for the community and have fun at the same time. Replanting and maintaining Waltham Forest's flower beds will also help to tackle climate change.
» More information on Adopt a Flower Bed
Be a friend of your local park: ‘Friends of Parks’ groups work with the Council’s Greenspace team to create better open spaces. Each group helps care for a specific park or green space in the Borough.
» More information on Friends of Parks
Volunteer for the Olympics
London 2012 will depend on up to 70,000 volunteers to make sure the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games run smoothly and successfully.
» More information on volunteering opportities for London 2012
