Why not make a difference.... Volunteer!
Did you know that Volunteering can increase your chances of paid employment? A good volunteering role can help to build confidence - especially for people who have not worked before or may have been out of work for some time.
Volunteering can teach you new skills - many opportunities offer on the job training and some even offer formal training with a qualification!
Volunteering can provide valuable references. Is it any wonder that many employers have indicated that they see people who have done some form of volunteering more favourably than others?
And if all that wasn't enough, volunteering can be a way of 'giving something back' and great fun too! Volunteering comes in many forms and there are as many opportunities as there are different walks of life.
How can I find out about volunteering opportunities?
Bath and North East Somerset Volunteer Centre is an independent charity providing free services to both volunteers and organisations across the local area. If you would like some advice or to find out more about the volunteering opportunities available, simply visit their website or view the volunteering opportunities advertised on the Council's website by clicking
here.
The Council organises a series of annual staff volunteering days. If you are a voluntary or community group that might benefit from a team of helpers, contact Sara Dixon on 01225 396594 or e-mail sara_dixon@bathnes.gov.uk
Would you be interested in hosting a team of volunteers?
Do you know someone who deserves a big thank you!
Each year the Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council presents a number of different Awards to recognise the achievements of people that have made an exceptional contribution to the local community. So why not nominate a volunteer that you think deserves a big thank you.
Download the Chairman's Community Awards 2010/2011 Nomination Form and Guidance Notes (PDF)
Other Local Volunteering Opportunities
Libraries volunteers - a range of opportunities, including delivering books for the Home Library Service; helping with children's activities; assisting the Local Studies Team with indexing scrapbooks and conserving photographs.
Sport volunteers - advice on becoming a sport volunteer for the Sport and Active Leisure Team.
Jobs and Carers – volunteer opportunities are regularly advertised on the Council’s website.
Other Useful Contacts:-
Timebank is a National Charity connecting those interested in volunteering opportunities.
Volunteering England works to support an increase in the quality, quantity, impact and accessibility of volunteering throughout England.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme – volunteering aimed at young people aged between 14-24
Information on Volunteering from Directgov
Do- it advertises 1,000’s of volunteering opportunities across England.
National Volunteers' Week takes place at the beginning of June each year.