Volunteering - Getting started

Once you've found the right opportunity to suit you will probably be invited along for a chat or in some cases a more formal interview.

You will probably have to fill in an application form but don't be put off by this - it is as much for your benefit as for the organisation's. You don't want to be volunteering in a situation which isn't right for you.

Probably you will have to give details of your interests, experience, skills and perhaps your plans for the future. A bit like a job application form.

In some volunteering positions, particularly if you are going to be working with children, the organisation will check with police to see if you have a criminal record. If this is done it will be a matter of procedure for all applicants.

If you do have a criminal record don't be put off - your experience may put you in a good position to help other young people not go down the same road. You can get advice from the Nacro Resettlement Plus Helpline on 020 7840 6464.

When you apply to work as a volunteer remember you also have the right to ask questions. For example:

• What will be expected of you?
• How much will you be supported by other staff?
• Will you get paid for travel and other expenses?
• Are you insured if there is an accident?
• What kind of equal opportunities statement and practice does the organisation have?
• Is there someone who can support you if you find the work difficult or emotionally draining?
• Are there opportunities to receive accreditation or recognition for your achievements?

Don't be afraid to ask these things. It is important you spend a bit of time checking out the organisation to make sure you are happy with what you are being asked to do.

A good volunteering programme will support its volunteers. In return you will be expected to work seriously and give a commitment to the project. You can give as much or as little of your time as you feel you want but some organisations may request that you work a minimum of two sessions per month, for example.

See the list below for practical resources designed to help support young volunteers:

Resources supporting young people volunteering

Grants, Awards and Accreditation

People volunteer for a variety of different reasons; some to improve their CV, some to try new things and meet new people and others just want to take action and give something back to their community. Some volunteers feel it is important for them to link their volunteering experience with formal accreditation. Others want to avoid the necessary logging of progress and hours that may be involved.

Of course, there are other ways of recognising the achievements of volunteers; many volunteer involving organisations run celebration events or present their own certificates. There are also a number of national awards that recognise the achievements of young people taking action in the community often around particular themes, and grants/schemes aimed at providing the necessary financial support to help make a difference.

Depending on the type of activity you are interested in, you may need to do some form of training in preparation for your role. This can range from short informal courses run by the placement organisation in areas such as health and safety and first aid or accredited programmes of learning in areas such as decision-making skills or sports leadership.

Download listings on grants and awards available to young people seeking financial support and recognition for volunteering projects and other positive activities:

Awards for young people - January 2009

Grants for young volunteers - January 2009

Listed below are some of the main providers of accredited programmes aimed specifically at young volunteers.

ACCREDITED PROGRAMMES

Duke of Edinburgh Awards is a programme of activity for young people aged 14-25 with awards at bronze, silver and gold levels. Participants are required to undertake a range of activities under a series of headings within a set timeframe.

vinvolved is the new national volunteering programme run by youth volunteering charity v. vinvolved is available to young people in all areas of England and includes a diverse range of projects and opportunities to gain accreditation for your achievements. Go to vinspired to find your local provider.

Step into Sport is aimed at young people aged 14 to 19 years. The programme includes a nationally recognised level 1 certificate in Sport Leader Awards in preparation for taking part in a programme of volunteering in your local community.

Youth Challenge and Youth Achievement Awardsare national schemes available at various levels designed to help encourage young people to select, plan and lead on activities based on their own interests.