Study, work or travel in the UK. British
culture and life.
Finding voluntary work in the UK
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Study, work or travel in the UK. British
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Finding voluntary work in the UK
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Sections:
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Introduction |
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| Immigration rules | ||
| Finding voluntary jobs | ||
| UK voluntary organisations | ||
| Links |
Why should I think about doing voluntary work in the UK?
The main reason to consider volunteering is if you enjoy working to help other
people.
Doing voluntary work may help you to meet local people and to improve your English
communication skills.
You may also gain skills and experience which can help with future employment.
Voluntary work is very well established in the UK. Full-time volunteers are
allowed to receive some living expenses.
What types of voluntary work are there?
Some of the possible types of voluntary work include helping children, the
homeless, people with mental or physical disabilities, elderly people, or assisting
environmental projects.
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Working
in the Voluntary Sector |
Working
in the Voluntary Sector Publisher: Careers and Occupational Information Centre Date: November 1999 |
The rules about taking voluntary work in the UK are the same as for paid work.
People from the EEA (European
Economic Area: this area includes all the European Union countries) can take
voluntary work without any restrictions.
If you have a student visa you can volunteer part-time, provided that you work
less than 20 hours a week during your school's term-time (you can work up to
40 hours in school holidays).
If you are not a student but wish to do full-time voluntary work in the UK for
up to 1 year, you can apply for a volunteer's visa. You can receive travel expenses,
a small amount of pocket money, and possibly food and accommodation. You will
need a letter from the charity that you will work for, and you will need to
prove that you have enough money to live.
For more details of immigration rules, see: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/voluntaryworkers
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The following national organisations help to promote voluntary work, and provide
further information about volunteering on their websites:
England: National Centre for Volunteering: http://www.volunteering.org.uk
Scotland: Volunteer Development Scotland: http://www.vds.org.uk;
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations: http://www.scvo.org.uk
Wales: Wales Council for Voluntary Action: http://www.wcva.org.uk
Northern Ireland: Volunteer Development Agency (Northern Ireland): http://www.volunteering-ni.org
For information about voluntary sector training courses / qualifications, see:
http://www.voluntarysectorskills.org.uk.
You may wish to contact a charity or voluntary organisation directly. A few
of the larger voluntary organisations in the UK are listed below.
CSV (Community Service Volunteers): http://www.csv.org.uk/volunteer/full-time
CSV accepts volunteers aged over16 for full-time volunteering for between 4
and 12 months. Among the people supported by CSV volunteers are children or
adults with physical disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health issues.
CSV also has projects working with young offenders and homeless people.
Free accommodation is provided, together with food and a weekly allowance. You
will need to complete an application form, give two references and attend an
interview. If you are a UK or EU national and are living in the UK you can apply
directly to CSV. If you are not from the EU or living outside the UK you will
need to apply through one of CSV's international partners, details available
on their website.
Vitalise (formerly known as the Winged Fellowship Trust): http://www.vitalise.org.uk
A national charity providing breaks for disabled and visually impaired people
and their carers. Through five accessible UK Centres, Vitalise is able to provide
over 6,000 breaks annually. Volunteers look after the guests, providing whatever
physical assistance is necessary (for example: pushing wheelchairs, helping
people to get ready in the morning, or assisting at mealtimes). Communication
with the guests is an important part of the job, so good spoken English is required.
Free accommodation and meals are provided.
The National Trust is a charity working to conserve coastal and countryside
landscapes, historic buildings and gardens.
To find out about how to apply as a volunteer, see: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteers
The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) have opportunities for volunteers
to help run and maintain their youth hostels.
BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) organises projects
to help the environment: http://www.btcv.org
IVS (International Voluntary Service) organise short term international
workcamps, usually lasting about 2 weeks. Examples of projects include environment,
work with inner city children, or people with disabilities, or renovation projects.
Accommodation and food are provided, but there is a charge to be paid. See:
http://www.ivsgbn.demon.co.uk.
Barnado's works with the most vulnerable children and young people, helping
them transform their lives and fulfil their potential. Volunteers help by taking
part in fundraising activities, working in Barnardo's shops, or by taking part
in projects which support children's welfare: http://www.barnardos.org.uk
Details of all the charities which are registered in England and Wales are held
by the Charity Commission: http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk
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© UK Student Life 2002-2007
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