Frequently asked questions about volunteering
- How will volunteering affect my benefits?
- This will depend on which, if any, benefits you receive, how much work or volunteering you do and sometimes where you do it. In all cases we will put you in touch with benefit advisors to have a quick benefit calculations check so that you know how work or volunteering could affect you.
- How long must I volunteer for?
- How much time must I spend?
- What will I be doing?
- You decide how long you can spend and the sort of thing you would like to do. We will talk with you and help you to choose and make a personal action plan which will take into account your skills and interests, the time you have to spend, working around any difficulties you feel you have.
- Will it cost me?
- It will cost you some time, both in the planning of what you want to do and in the time given to doing it. You should not be out of pocket, as volunteering expenses will be paid.
- What will happen when I go on holiday?
- As with all work, your employer will need to know when you have booked a holiday in plenty of time so that your work can be organised in your absence. Holiday times will be arranged when placements are arranged.
- What if I don't like it?
- We will be supporting you in your volunteering. You should be doing the things you like doing, if there is a problem with other things such as the workplace, we will help you sort it out.
- How can it help me?
- Your experiences might benefit you by helping you gain valuable social contact, people have commented about how work and volunteering has helped stop feelings of isolation, with proving your own self worth, extending and learning new skills, raising awareness of other areas of work, opening up opportunities as well as putting something back.
- What do I do to get involved?
- Contact Red2Green to get involved in Advance by emailing from this link or call us at 01223 811662.
