Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Your own home town will have its share of charity shops on the high street, and they're
always in need of volunteers. But you could also try local churches or sports groups. Check
your local paper for stories on campaigns, special conservation days and other stories about
good causes close to home that you might be able to support.
CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the UK's leading volunteering and learning char-
ity. Every year, they involve 150,000 volunteers in high-quality opportunities that enrich
lives and tackle real need, helping transform the lives of people across the UK.
A gap-year with CSV lasts between six months and a year and does not cost a penny.
Volunteers live away from home and are provided with accommodation and subsistence
which includes food and day to day expenses.
Volunteers are aged between 18 and 35 and can start throughout the year. Volunteers are
given the opportunity to take part in exciting projects including supporting adults or chil-
dren with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or mental health issues, befriending
homeless people, mentoring young people and many others across the UK.
For volunteer information about gap-year volunteering with CSV call 0800 374 991 or ap-
ply online at
www.csv.org.uk/gapyear
.
What qualities does a good volunteer need?
The Samaritans is one organisation that's reported an upsurge in calls to its confidential
helpline as a result of the recession - and if you've been in the position of losing your job,
and are maybe thinking of volunteering to help others, it would be a good idea to think hard
about whether you're able to offer what's needed.
Here's what the Samaritans have to say:
“Samaritans volunteers need to be able to listen. They are not professional counsellors.
They can also:
•
question gently, tactfully - without intruding;
•
encourage people to tell their own story in their own time and space;
•
refrain from offering advice and instead offer confidential emotional support; and
•
always try to see the other point of view, regardless of their own religious or polit-
ical beliefs.”
Go to this section on the Samaritans website:
www.samaritans.org/volunteer-us
You can find out more here on the training and support you will be given before you are
taken on.
