Volunteering whilst not in Paid Work
1 - Volunteering whilst claiming state benefits. If you decide to volunteer this will not affect your entitlement to state benefits in any way. You will have to inform the Department for Work and Pensions that you are volunteering. Please look at the Department for Work and Pensions document 'Volunteering while receiving benefits' for more information. Volunteering is often seen as an interesting option to people who are not in paid work. There are a number of reasons why this could appeal to you.
Volunteering can be an effective way of improving your prospects of finding a paid job, or of finding out whether you are suited to a particular type of job. Volunteer involving organisations are often willing to train people up to give volunteers skills in return for the future commitment they will give. If you are a young person or a student you may be able to get additional support to find volunteering aimed at your circumstances. If you are aged 25 or over you can get careers advice from your nearest Next Step adviser. There are also certain schemes that use volunteering as a step into paid employment. Volunteering can be a way of improving your confidence if it is low. You can get a sense of purpose from doing something constructive with your time, and you get to meet other volunteers possibly with similar interests and values. Volunteering can help you get into a regular routine, especially if you do not have any other regular commitments. This can have a positive affect on your health and your well-being. Some people not in paid work do not get the opportunity to meet many people. Volunteering is a good way of meeting new people and giving you the opportunity to make new friends. 2 - Volunteering whilst recovering from an illness. If you are recovering from an illness we recommend you inform the organisation you want to volunteer for about this. This is so they can support you properly if you are still recovering. If you have had, or still have, mental ill health and you are considering volunteering, please look at the information on Volunteer Centre Newcastle's Positive Choices programme. |
I want to volunteer