What is volunteering?

Volunteering provides many benefits for individuals and the community.  Through volunteering we can build strong communities by connecting people. It also provides an opportunity to:

• help others, including community groups, clubs, seniors, schools, young people and the environment
• share your skills and life experience with others
• gain a sense of community connection and social wellbeing
• meet new, like-minded people
• gain the experience, training, contacts and references that may help you find paid employment
• have fun while giving back to the community
• do something you have always wanted to do
• improve your own health, vitality and wellbeing
• make a difference.

To make sure that volunteering is a great experience for you, it's important to understand what you want from volunteering or your ‘motivation’ to get involved. 

Understanding your motivation will help you to find the best place to volunteer and the most satisfying role for you.

Things to consider:

• What do I want to get out of volunteer work?
• What type of voluntary work would I like to do?
• Can someone benefit from my experience?
• What time do I have available – weekdays or weekends? What about evenings?
• What interests or hobbies do I have that I would like to engage in more?
• Is there a career or industry that I can gain knowledge about through volunteering?