What is voluntary work?
Voluntary work could offer the opening you need if you are having difficulty finding work. It is a great way of getting into a working environment whilst helping others. You could:
There are many choices in the sort of voluntary work available so its worth thinking about what you want to do and how much time you have available.
If you are getting benefits, you must check with your local Jobcentre Plus to see if this may affect any benefit payment or credits.
Volunteering contacts
There are lots of volunteering opportunities available that might be relevant to your future career plans.
To find out about your local volunteer bureau, phone the National Association of Volunteer Bureaus on 0121 633 4555.
In Ealing you can contact the Ealing Volunteer centre on 0800 652 3183 or visit www.ealingcvs.org.uk or email them at volunteering@ealingcvs.org.
The Pre-School Learning Alliance has started a two-year project, which aims to support people, through the volunteering and work placement routes, into employment. For further information you can contact Lesley Hunter on 020 8799 2591.
Coram Ealing Outreach Service is a children's charity offering a volunteering opportunity for parents and carers to help with the planning and delivery of groups and activities in Children Centres across Ealing. For further information you can contact them on 020 8993 3609 or email them on ealingoutreach@coram.org.uk.
Home - Start Ealing are looking for volunteers to offer support and friendship for families in Ealing. For further information you can contact them on 020 88421617.
You can also contact Community Service Volunteers (CSV) the largest volunteering and training organisation in the UK on 01223 728460 or visit www.csv.org.uk
If you want to be a volunteer overseas you can contact the VSO (voluntary service overseas) contact 020 8780 7200 or visit www.vso.org.uk
An excellent website for volunteering is www.do-it.org.uk where you can find what’s available in your area.
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