Volunteering
In Britain around 22 million people formally volunteer to help out in their local community each year. Here at The Ashley Foundation we have a small, but enthusiastic team of volunteers who work closely with our residents.
The meaning of voluntary work and what it involves:
Volunteering is working without pay or only for minimum expenses in order to benefit someone else. In many cases, it involves working for a non-profit organisation such as a charity but you can volunteer for anything - for example, to cook a daily meal for an elderly resident in your community.
Why do people volunteer?
Most people volunteer either because they want to give something back to society or because they want to make a contribution to their community. You can volunteer for many different organisations. From well-known national charities like the RSPCA to local community groups, there are thousands of organisations in the UK that seek volunteers. There are also international organisations that send volunteers overseas to work.
Here are some of the other reasons why people choose to volunteer...
- To share a skill
- To get to know their community better
- To demonstrate commitment to a cause
- To obtain leadership skills
- To keep busy
- To donate their professional skills
- To learn something new
- To make new friends
- To explore a career
- To help someone
- Because it's fun
- To feel good
- To be part of a team
- To test themselves
What kind of voluntary work can I do at The Ashley Foundation?
You can volunteer to do almost anything - from cooking meals for the residents or just being there to listen to what they have to say. Whatever you want to do, there will almost certainly be an opportunity available.
How much time would I have to give up?
You can volunteer for as long or as little as you like, depending on your own personal circumstances. It could be from an hour a week to a long-term, full-time commitment. You can volunteer during the day, at night or at weekends. You can also be a virtual volunteer - doing research over the internet. There are no obligations for volunteers to continue if they are unhappy but if you are going to stop, you should first tell the organisation you are working for.
What about qualifications?
You don't need any qualifications to become a volunteer at The Ashley Foundation. We will happily train you up in any extra skills you may need to do the job. For most of our positions, almost anyone can volunteer as long as they are willing and committed.
