Voluntary work

Volunteering opportunities come in all shapes and sizes.

They can often speed up your chances of finding paid work. For more advice, you can contact the Employment and Skills Service on 0800 111 4013, or by filling out the form at the bottom of the page. 

1. ‘Try before you buy’
   Volunteering in a new role can help you decide if you’d like to do it for a living.

2. Develop your skills
   Find a voluntary job that lets you brush up existing skills or try a fresh challenge to gain new skills.

3. Meet new people
   Volunteering helps you expand your network (see our tips for more information on networking).

4. Get into a new routine
   A voluntary job can give you something new to look forward to each week (and can count towards Jobcentre job search requirements).

5. Check these links out
   Try these websites to find something you’re interested in:
   Do it website
   NCVO website
   Charity Choice website

Get in touch