Volunteer hub> About Volunteering
What’s volunteering about?
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Start volunteering
There are several ways you can get advice and information about volunteering, so you can choose which of our services works best for you.
1. Come to our drop-in on Tuesdays (10am – 4pm).
Come and see us anytime between 10am and 4pm on a Tuesday and have a chat with an advisor about volunteering. Our volunteer advisors are friendly, knowledgable and experienced in helping people to find volunteer opportunities and can answer any questions you may have. No need to book, just turn up! You’ll find us at The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, S1 4FW.
2. Search online for roles in Sheffield
We have recently launched a new platform for volunteering which makes finding and applying for roles easier.
This platform allows you to:
- Search through the wide variety of roles available
- Narrow down your search by clicking on different categories, tags, the distance you’re willing to travel etc
- Register to apply for roles
- Apply for any you like and receive follow up from the organisation.
- Manage your profile
- Log your volunteer hours and communicate with your organisation (if this is useful to you)
This is a great way to explore volunteer roles, especially if you clearly know what kind of role you might enjoy or what cause you would like to support.
To search, or register/login on the platform, click one of the boxes below. Please note that to access contact details for any role you will need to register on the site first:
3. Have a look at our monthly bulletins which list the latest opportunities.
Click here to view the latest roles. We update the bulletins at the start of every month. There are two bulletins:
- One for those aged 18+ (also contains Trustee/Management Committee roles)
- One for young people under 18 (this lists all the roles currently open to young people).
To receive the latest bulletin every month by email, please contact vc@vas.org.uk with your full name and email address and we will add you to our bulletin mailing list.
4. Contact us.
If you need further support to find a suitable volunteer role or have any questions about volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Centre on (0114) 253 6649 or email: info@vas.org.uk
What is volunteering?
Volunteering is when you give your time to help an organisation, or an individual to whom you are not related. For example, if you have ever helped out at a sports event, or a school fair, or taken part in a sponsored walk, you’ve been a volunteer.
Volunteering should never be something you are made to do, and is not done for financial gain. The rewards are about the satisfaction of putting something back into society, about gaining useful experience and skills, meeting new people, and hopefully having fun!
What should I expect as a volunteer?
- Your travel expenses to be paid. Click on Frequently Asked Questions.
- A clear outline of what is expected of you. This is usually in the form of a written ‘task profile’.
- Training and guidance on your role.
- Support or supervision from a paid member of staff, or in smaller organisations and groups from an experienced volunteer.
- To be safe and covered by insurance to carry out the tasks you’ve been given.
- To be made aware of the organisation’s policies and procedures, including who you should talk to if you are unhappy.
- To feel valued by the organisation and able to contribute to its development.
If these expectations are not met, or you have problems that you cannot sort out with the organisation where you volunteer, e-mail or telephone Volunteer Centre Sheffield and we can advise and support you.
Why Volunteer?
There are so many reasons to volunteer! You can:
- make a real difference to people’s lives
- learn new skills that could lead to a new job
- transform your CV – see Louise Martin’s story and her before and after CVs
- work for a cause you care about
- meet new people
- have fun!
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding and worthwhile contributions to the community and society you can make.
Dale Smith – volunteer
Volunteering has benefits for everyone:
It benefits local communities and it also benefits you as the volunteer. You’ll have the satisfaction of making a difference to people’s lives. And, we also know that volunteering can help you to gain:
- a greater sense of well-being
- new experiences and skills
- more confidence
- opportunity to have a wider circle of friends
Refugees and asylum seekers can gain particular benefits from volunteering. Click on more information for refugees.
Volunteering is fun and helps give a purpose to your days. I enjoy meeting people and I feel I am making a positive contribution to society.
Masresha Agze – volunteer
Can volunteering help me get a job?
Volunteering does not guarantee you a job, but it can greatly improve your chances.
94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills
73% of employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience over one without
58% believe voluntary work experience can be more valuable than experience gained in paid employment
Through volunteering you can try out different kinds of work. If you are already working, volunteering can help you change direction.
Volunteering has given me a chance to further my ambition and career.”
Rosie Henry – volunteer
What can I do?
There really is something for everyone!
There are hundreds of volunteering opportunities in Sheffield. Whatever your interests or background we can help you find something to suit you. For example, you could:
- Drive someone to a hospital appointment
- Help out in an office doing admin
- Coach children to learn sports
- Visit an older person in their home
- Do practical conservation work outdoors
- Become a trustee and help run a charity
- Raise funds for a good cause
See our latest voluntary roles: Volunteer Centre Sheffield Bulletin
Explore roles on-line
Sign-up for our monthly Bulletin
Click on Stories & see what volunteers say about their experiences of volunteering.