Volunteering
Join our growing volunteer community
Volunteering is a great way to try something new, gain experience, develop skills, improve career prospects, build confidence and meet new people.
For organisations
Search the 200 volunteering opportunities available in East Lothian
Making a difference feels great!
There are so many benefits that volunteering can bring to you and of course to the people that receive your help - we’ve listed just a few here. There are literally hundreds of things you could get involved in, from helping at a day centre or art club, to fostering a pet or gardening.
With so many opportunities available, you can give as little as an hour a month or as much time as you like. In most cases, you don’t even need qualifications and many organisations will happily provide training.
Improve the lives of others
Connect with your community
Experience a sense of belonging
Learn new skills
Build your confidence
Gain experience that helps advance your career
Having recently started volunteering in the VCEL Pantry after using this service previously himself, this wonderful volunteer commented that he felt it was a very worthy service and liked the idea that volunteers were involved with it. He’d always been keen to ‘give volunteering a try’ but didn’t know how to. He telephoned VCEL to ask about any kind of volunteering opportunity, and our team member Tracey filled out the volunteer form with him over the phone.
We then helped him look at potential volunteering options, which was when he suggested The Pantry, as he’d actually used it himself. We found a vacancy in The Pantry for Monday’s which he’s fully embraced and is enjoying. He’s actively engaging with the users of The Pantry, as well as getting involved in essential tasks such as stock maintenance and quality control, and is happy to report that “Not only does it get me out of the house, but I feel like I’m doing something worthwhile with my spare time.” We all look forward to seeing his successful volunteering journey continue!
— James
Volunteering FAQs
Looking for more help or have specific questions about volunteering?
-
As much or as little as you like. There are volunteering opportunities from one hour a month to a few days a week.
-
No. There are many opportunities that don’t require qualifications. Some skilled posts will require relevant qualifications, but your local volunteer centre will help you find something that suits you.
-
People volunteer for many different reasons. Making a difference to the lives of others is immensely rewarding, but the benefits don’t stop there. Volunteering can give you the skills and confidence you need to get back into work, climb the career ladder or even just expand your circle of friends.
-
Yes. You can volunteer whilst claiming benefits, but you still have to be actively seeking work and you must inform Jobcentre Plus that you are doing so.
-
Most organisations provide training relevant to the opportunity role. However the training can take the form of basic on the job instructions up to a 12 week course depending on the opportunity. Full information will be provided by the organisation.
-
Yes. Some opportunities are designed for teams of volunteers, whilst others are looking for individual volunteers.
-
Many volunteer organisations will refund expenses, such as travel or meal costs, but you should check with them before you start volunteering.
-
Yes. An increasing number of people are getting involved from home. For example, you could be a telephone or e-mail befriender, lobby decision makers on behalf of a charity you believe in, research information to support work, or even foster a pet.