Volunteering
Volunteering is taking part in an activity that helps others, and can be anything from helping on canal boat trips to putting on a fashion show for a charity or local cause. Other volunteering projects have included clearing litter in a local pond, developing activities with children and helping out in a youth group. There really is a huge variety of options.
By volunteering for something you enjoy, you not only have a good time, but can also gain experience and skills, meet new people, and get to work as part of a team – all great qualities to add to your CV.
You can get accreditations too to show that you have been a volunteer, and many employers will be keen to see these and hear about your achievements and experiences.
How can I get involved in volunteering?
Have a good time,gain experience and skills, meet new people, work as part of a team.
- The important thing is to find something you’ll enjoy doing. Look for ideas on the vinspired site and the do-it site.
- Visit the website of Hertfordshire’s volunteering organisation called vinvolved in Hertfordshire.
- Local contacts can be found at local volunteer centres.
- Click on the PDF below to find out about V Talent Year
The Duke Of Edinburgh’s Awards (‘D of E’)
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award for 14-25 year olds is an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development. It is available to all young people and is a great opportunity to experience challenge and adventure, acquire new skills and make new friends.
There are three achievement levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold. To gain any one of these levels, entrants must complete four sections:
- Expeditions
- Skills
- Physical Recreation
- Service
Many organisations offer the chance to take part, including schools, colleges, youth clubs, voluntary organisations, pupil referral units and young offenders units.
Thinking about taking a gap year?
There are all sorts of ways to spend a 'year out'. The following sites offer lots of ideas and information:
yearoutgroup : a 'not for profit association of leading year out organisations
vinspired : a volunteering site for young people aged 16-25
gapyear.com : a site produced 'by backpackers for backpackers'
connexions-direct : also has information about gap year activities....go to Learning > Learning outside school
Green Team : aged 16 - 25 and not in any employment or training? Want to gain a national qualification?
Find out more about volunteering:
Mogozout
To find volunteering opportunities in Hertfordshire why not check out mogozout