Giving something back is a sure way to boost your spirits and feel good. Volunteering is very simple and much easier to do than you may think. It’s basically about giving your time to do something useful, without getting paid. Not only will you get satisfaction of time and effort well spent it can be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills to gain useful experience at the same time as having some fun!

For many people one of the hardest problems is finding the time to volunteer. But whether you have just a few hours or plenty of time, there’s plenty of need out there. There are generally no age-limits on many volunteering jobs, but look into each case as some may well have restrictions. There are literally loads of different things you can do, so whatever skills and experience you do or don’t have, there is something for you.

Getting started is easy just log onto the web and visit sites like www.do-it.org.uk and www.timebank.org.uk. You can put in your postcode and see whats available in your area and the time that you have available. Many of the opportunities are one off with lots available for regular volunteering.

http://www.do-it.org.uk/

http://www.timebank.org.uk/

 Top Seven Tips for Starting to Volunteer

1 Think about what you want to get from volunteering

2 Think about what you have to offer – enthusiasm, work skills, life skills?

3 Work out roughly how much time you have to give

4 Think about what you could be doing as a volunteer

5 Remember that everyone can volunteer – whatever your skills

6 Ask questions – don’t be shy about asking questions

7 Just try it