Knowing where to begin when wanting to volunteer can seem daunting and confusing – but don’t worry!
If you are thinking about volunteering in the Daventry District we offer free advice and support, and will link you up with a volunteering opportunity locally. Our process to help you begin your volunteering journey is as follows…
1. Get in touch with us at the Volunteer Centre
You can get started by getting in touch via our online form, email, telephone or by dropping in to our office at the New Street Centre during our opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9.30am – 1pm. (Thursday & all other times available by appointment)
All drop-ins are done on a one-to-one basis and treated in the strictest of confidence.
2. Check out the opportunities available to you.
Next is looking at the huge range of volunteering opportunities that are available. The best way to do this is to come in to see us in the office at the New Street Centre, next door to Tesco. You can also browse roles with Volunteer Centre projects in our volunteer opportunities section or check out the county-wide database at Community Action Northants.
At the Volunteer Centre you can chat with us about the sorts of things you are interested in, ideas or skills that you have and what you would like to get out of the opportunity – such as finding paid work in the future, learning new or using existing skills or socialising and meeting new people.
Many people do not have any fixed ideas about what they would like to do so we will spend time with you looking at all the types of volunteering available and matching you with something you will enjoy doing.
3. Choose which opportunities you want to explore further
Most people then take away information and have a think before coming back when they have decided on two or three possible organisations. We will then make appointments for you to visit each organisation in turn, which should help you make a final decision about where you would like to volunteer.
We are able to accompany you to the organisation if you would like support.
Most organisations working with people who are elderly, or with children or other vulnerable groups will need to police check you before you are able to start volunteering. This is standard procedure and is nothing for you to worry about.
4. Now you’re ready to decide and get started!
Remember, volunteering looks great on your CV, helps you meet new people and is one way of putting something back into your local community. Most people volunteer for about 2-3 hours a week, some do more and some do less – it is entirely up to you how much time you give to volunteering. Volunteering can fit in with even the most busy person’s lifestyle.