Got a few spare hours?
We are always on the look out for new volunteers to help us with our activities, especially the young people's workshops and activities. These can vary from IT and homework clubs during the evening to day trips at outdoor activity centres.
What type of people volunteer?
All sorts of people! Some are retired and want to keep themselves busy, passing on their experience. Some are unemployed and see volunteering as a valuable stepping stone to employment. Some are students looking for experience.
Whatever your reason, you will enjoy helping us with our projects and helping us to do good work in the local community. Read about Pearl - a typical GTDT volunteer.
For anyone interested in being a volunteer, we provide help with applying to the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) for an Enhanced Disclosure. We also pay the fee which is charged.
Volunteering while on benefits
Volunteering while on benefits is not normally a problem. Here is what it say on the Government’s information website www.direct.gov.uk:
We would add that if you receive benefits because of health problems we advise that you choose something that is reasonable for you to do and will not put your health at risk.“ Volunteering shouldn’t affect your right to benefits, as long as the only money you receive is to cover your volunteering expenses. For example, expenses to cover travel from home to the volunteering location.
There are no limits on the amount of time you can volunteer for, nor any restrictions on the types of organisation you can volunteer for. The only requirement is that you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit or tax credit you are receiving.
For example, if you receive Jobseekers Allowance, you can volunteer full time as long as you are still actively seeking employment. Also, you must be able to attend job interviews at 48 hours notice and available to take up paid work at one week’s notice. ”
JobCentrePlus has produced a detailed guidance booklet which you can read by clicking here.
What next?
Further details of what we offer to volunteers - and what we expect in return - are contained in our Volunteers Charter - please spare a minute or two to read it.
If you would like more information on volunteering or on any aspect of the work, please contact us and ask for an application form.
We look forward to hearing from you!
