Volunteering

In the UK you would normally need to be at least 16 for most volunteering opportunities, however this does not mean you couldn't find a place to volunteer if you are between 14-16. One of the main issues for organisations is whether they can insure you if you are under 16 so perhaps the best advice is to check out any age restrictions with the place you'd like to volunteer.

There are all sorts of projects available depending on what interests you, what is around in your area and whether you are old enough. Some young people might volunteer in a charity shop, some for the Red Cross, some will help out at a local animal sanctuary. Check out the 'links' to do a search on different opportunities in your area.

Being a volunteer by definition means you are giving your own time to support a project or an organisation in its work. This means you will not be paid as you are offering your services for free. However, it may be that in some cases you will have your travel expenses paid (eg, bus fares) and you may be provided with meals and refreshments.

Many organisations who recruit volunteers can only offer the services they can - or even survive - because they have the support of people who give their time for nothing. Charities, welfare organisations, youth and community projects and others all rely on the goodwill of members of the public to help them in their work. Having a good mix of volunteer - both older and young people - means there is a healthy balance of people to improve the work these organisations do.

Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding experience for the volunteer, not only knowing that you are making an important contribution to an organisation that needs your help but also for many other reasons. You will meet new people, learn new skills, be introduced to new experiences in the world of work and you never know...it could even lead to a job.

Sometimes there will be volunteering projects offered in school and these will help you set up placements. However, many of these schemes will operate for over-16s only eg, for students in the 6th form or at college. It is likely that if you want to do some volunteering between Years 9 and 11 that you will need to organise this yourself but, as mentioned above, you will need to check out the legal and insurance position with the organisations involved and you will probably need permission from parents/carers.

There are two ways you can find out where to volunteer; the first would be to ask at an organisation where you would like to be a volunteer and ask if it's possible. The second would be to do a search using one of the websites in the 'links' section to see what is available in your area in the North East.

Employers are impressed by anyone who has done something outside of school work. This shows you have shown initiative, energy and drive as well as a caring and thoughtful nature. With lots of people chasing fewer jobs it is important to be able to show you have something different to offer and giving up your own time to do something for someone else is one of the best ways of demonstrating this.

Similar guidance would apply to volunteeirng as it would to work experience. You have the same rights and opportunities as anyone else and having a health issue shouldn't bar you from applying for volunteer work. However, your health issue would have to be taken into account to ensure that your placement is suitable for both you and the organisation concerned. You may find your opportunities are more limited until you become 16 but that should not stop you looking into it.

Give as much time as you can afford to give, or as much time as your organisation can offer depending on your circumstances. Under the age of 16 you will need to stick within the working time guidelines however even these may be too long and you may prefer to offer just a couple of hours a week to start with. You could always do a bit of volunteering during the holidays to start you off and see what you think - the worst thing you can do is make a commitment you can't keep and then end up letting people down.