| What is voluntary work? | The definition of volunteering used in the 1997 National Survey of Volunteering is "any activity which involves spending time, unpaid, doing something which aims to benefit someone (individuals or groups) other than or in addition to close relatives, or to benefit the environment".
Although voluntary work is unpaid, expenses are reimbursed to our volunteers.
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| Why should I volunteer? | Different people volunteer for different reasons and no one reason is necessarily more valid than the next. Here are just some of the reasons why you may choose to volunteer:
There is documented evidence that volunteering can improve your health. In “The Healing Power of Doing Good”, writer Allan Luks found medical and scientific documentation supporting the health benefits of volunteering, such as:
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How can volunteering help my career? |
A survey carried out by TimeBank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses:
Additionally, volunteering gives you the opportunity to test out potential career choices by giving you hands on experience in a wide variety of settings. If you are already working, volunteering can help you decide if you want to change your career direction |
| What is the age range of our volunteers? | Our volunteers range in age from 18 years old to 80+. They are local people, from a huge variety of backgrounds, different genders, with individual personalities, life experiences, skills and knowledge. |
| What do Sitting-in Service volunteers do? | Volunteers are involved in a variety of ways.
Take a look at the comprehensive range of activities that our volunteer’s share with the people they visit.
You may have experience in:
Volunteers are specially matched. |
How much time will I need to give? |
One common misconception is that volunteering is only possible if you have a lot of free time on your hands. The time you give depends on the time you have to offer. Volunteering opportunities with the Sitting-in Service are flexible – people who use the service need assistance throughout the week and weekends, during daytimes and evenings. Many volunteers decide the number of hours they have available on a particular day (or days). Some volunteers arrange their volunteering around other commitments such as appointments, normal routines, paid employment or childcare. Be realistic and honest with yourself and the organisation; it may be better to start with a few hours that you can increase as and when you are comfortable in your role. Many of our volunteering opportunities require an ongoing commitment, of perhaps 1-4 hours a week, whilst other opportunities are available as one-off activities or only a few hours each month. If your time is more limited, you may be able to volunteer in the evenings or at weekends. Some opportunities may even allow you to volunteer on-line or on the telephone. |
| I'm working full-time. Will I still be able to volunteer? | Yes, there are many opportunities to volunteer that do not require you to be available Monday to Friday during the day. Don’t be put off volunteering because you work full-time! The Sitting-in Service always needs volunteers that are able to offer some time during evenings, and/or weekends. |
| Will volunteering affect my benefits? | Whether you are on Job Seekers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance, you can still volunteer, so long as you do not receive any payment other than your out-of-pocket expenses. If in doubt, check with a disability advisor at the Job Centre Plus where you receive your benefits. |
| What expenses will I be paid? | You will not be paid for the time that you offer to the charity but you will be reimbursed for travelling expenses incurred as part of agreed plans. This may be a mileage allowance for your car or motorbike, or the cost of journeys by public transport. Other expenses incurred as a result of your agreed voluntary role will also be reimbursed. (Course costs, refreshments at meetings, special equipment).
You will usually be asked for receipts for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. |
| Will I receive training? | Training is offered in a variety of interesting subjects connected to your role. Recent courses have included
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| What skills will I need/can I develop? | That depends on the voluntary work you wish to undertake with the charity. Look at the opportunities available and decide how you might wish to be involved. You may already have many of the skills and attributes necessary for some of the voluntary opportunities available with the Sitting in Service. If you wish to get involved and learn new skills there will be opportunities to learn and develop your knowledge in a variety of areas. Some opportunities don't require any specific skills. Perhaps simply an awareness and empathy with others in relation to the impact of illness, disability and frailty due to age. Perhaps an understanding of the issues that affect families and carers, together with a friendly nature, an interest in people generally and a willingness to help others. For opportunities related the administrative side of the charity it may be important for volunteers to have specific skills and expertise to bring to the role. Good computer skills, and experience in a variety of administrative tasks can be very helpful. People with knowledge of marketing and, publicity together with presentations/public speaking skills and fundraising expertise are welcome to discuss potential roles with us. |
| Can I volunteer for more than one opportunity? | If you like your role, and you have the time, there is nothing to stop you offering more time to visit another family or person. Several volunteers at the Sitting-in Service enjoy visiting different people every day. It’s a good idea to start visiting one carer or elderly person at first, developing new relationships over time. |
| Can I volunteer with my family or friends? | Yes, you can. Some families need more than one volunteer so two or more people could join together to assist in planned ways |
| What if I change my mind after starting to volunteer? | As a volunteer you are free to cease volunteering or leave whenever you wish. There is no obligation for you to continue volunteering if you decide volunteering with us is not for you, and you are not obligated by any contract. If your circumstances change to an extent that makes your volunteering no longer possible. It is helpful to talk things through with us and let us know that you intend to stop volunteering. This will help us to support the person you were visiting until another volunteer can help them. If you wish to leave because you were unhappy then let us know of any problems, so that we can take steps to try to resolve matters to your satisfaction. |
Do I have to disclose my disability? |
It's up to you whether you want to disclose your disability or not. But by telling us you will give us the opportunity to look at ways to support you to carry out your volunteering role more confidently and safely. Disclosing your disability is also a great way to help to awareness and understanding of how to involve people with disabilities in volunteering. |
| When can I start getting involved? | Right now! Ring, write or email us. |
| What are Criminal Records Bureau Disclosures (Police checks)? | The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), an Executive Agency of the Home Office, provides wider access to criminal record information through its Disclosure service. This service enables organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially that involve children or vulnerable adults. The CRB was established under Part V of the Police Act 1997 and was launched in March 2002. All staff, trustees and volunteers with the Sitting-in Service must agree to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure or Police Check. |
Who can I talk to if I have a question or problem? |
If you aren't clear about anything, or you wish to discuss any matter in confidence, please get in touch. See our Contact Us page. |
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Registered Charity No. 1053839
Company Number 3165953