Our free service can match you with charities and community groups that need your time and skills – search our online database of current volunteering roles, email volunteering@msva.org.uk or ring 07774 021481.
Download our new Get Volunteering app!
We’ve just launched a brand new app to help you to find your perfect volunteer role.
The new ‘Get Volunteering’ app gives you a quick and easy way of seeing what volunteering roles are available in your area and finding out more information about getting involved. You can also set MSVA as your local centre so that you can receive notifications each time a new opportunity is added, so you never miss a new role!
To download the app, simply search for Get Volunteering on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store or click the following links:
Apple App store
Google Play Store
Anyone! You can volunteer whatever your age, job status or abilities. Some volunteering roles will have age restrictions or a requirement for specific skills or qualifications but this will be made clear in the role description.
Volunteering is good for you! It improves physical and mental wellbeing. It builds your confidence, helps you gain new skills, improves your CV and finds someone to give you a good reference. It can get you out of the house to meet new people and make friends. It will give you something positive to do in your spare time, and benefit your community or a charity that’s close to your heart.
This is entirely up to you. It can be anything from an hour a month to a few days a week or even just a one-off commitment such as helping at an event.
Volunteering shouldn’t cost you anything. Most organisations will pay ‘out of pocket’ expenses including reasonable travel costs – check before applying.
There are no legal age restrictions for volunteering. If a role has any age restricting criteria, it should be specified in the role description.
Volunteering shouldn’t affect your right to benefits as long as the only money you receive is to cover your volunteering expenses, like travel. There are very few limits on the amount of time you can volunteer for, as long as you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit or tax credit you’re receiving. More info on volunteering and benefits can be found here.
There are many opportunities available in the evenings or at weekends as well as roles you can do from home, like becoming a trustee, events helper or a phone friend. Find an opportunity that works for you!
Many companies offer their staff volunteering leave. This can support staff development, increase engagement with local communities and improve employee morale. Volunteer with your colleagues and take up a team project such as gardening, decorating or organising a fundraising event or training course.
Find the right role: the best way to search for volunteering opportunities is through our website but if you need help, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Get in touch with the organisation: click the ‘Register my Interest’ button under the role details. This will put you in touch so you can find out more and how to apply. Make sure you’re totally clear about what the role involves before you commit to it. Again, get in touch with us if you need any help!
If you haven’t heard back within two weeks of registering your interest, you can either get in touch with the organisation and find out what happened or contact us and we’ll chase it up for you.
