|
The Volunteer Network Centre, Newham | ||||||||||||
| Volunteers |
Organisations |
News & Events |
Good Practice |
FAQ |
About Us |
||||||||
|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Volunteering? What is the difference between voluntary work and unpaid work? Who volunteers? Why do people volunteer? What are the benefits of Volunteering? Does it effect my benefits? I have a criminal record - does that mean that I cannot do voluntary work? What is Volunteering? Volunteering is the most fundamental act of citizenship and philanthropy in our society. It is offering time, energy and skills of one's own free will. By caring and contributing to change, volunteers decrease suffering and disparity, while they gain skills, self-esteem, and change their lives. People work to improve the lives of their neighbours and, in return, enhance their own. What is the difference between voluntary work and unpaid work? Unpaid work: Forms of unpaid work include activities such as Community Service Orders and service placements required by schools. Although these often support the community, they have been ordered by an authority. Voluntary work: This work is often equated with unpaid work, and people who contribute their time and energy freely to build a better community. Who Volunteers? Volunteers come from all walks of life, representing all ages and demographics. They volunteer for many different reasons and offer vastly different types of skills and services. They include accountants who sit on boards, grandmothers who help in childcare and 10 year-olds who take their pets to senior citizen homes for visits. Someone who is visually impaired may work by phone, another person who is developmentally challenged may tend gardens. Why do people Volunteer?
What are the benefits of Volunteering? Volunteering is a two-way exchange of skills and experiences. By volunteering you are helping an organisation do something that they wouldn't have otherwise been able to do. In return you can gain a whole host of things. Does it effect my Benefits? Job Seekers Allowance (JSA): There is no limit to the maximum number of hours a person can volunteer but JSA claimants have to show that they are available for and actively seeking work and that they are available to attend an interview within 48 hours and start work within one week. Income Support: Again there is no limit to the number of hours a person can volunteer. Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance: There is no limit to the number of hours a person can volunteer on these benefits, There can be some confusion as there was a 16 hour rule which was scrapped in 2000. Volunteering should not call into question whether or not a person is fit for work but this is an area that can cause problems. Care should be taken when considering the type of volunteering they do, for example, a person who is unable to work due to back problems should avoid volunteering that involves heavy lifting, etc. Disability Living Allowance (DLA): Again people on DLA should not be affected by volunteering. I have a criminal record - does that mean that I cannot do voluntary work? Even if you do have a criminal record, you can do voluntary work. It all depends on the type of record you hold. There are no barriers that would hold you back. However if you have a criminal record on interacting with children, this would not allow work in such an environment. Can I be paid something to cover my out of pocket expenses? VNC recommends to all its host organisations to pay all out of pocket expenses against receipt. this includes:
How do I find a Voluntary opportunity? Before contacting organisation think about: What you would like to do? What skills do you have? What additional skills or experience would you like to acquire? How many hours can you spare per week? Then? Search online the voluntary opportunities that are available at the Do-It Website Get in touch with the Volunteer Network Centre by: Telephone: 020 8536 1937 e-mail: volunteers @ vncnewham.co.uk |