What is volunteering?
Volunteering can be any activity that involves giving your time freely to do something useful for the benefit of people in the community. You will not be paid but you will usually be given travel and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Who can volunteer?
There are no age limits on volunteering. Refugees and asylum seekers can take part in voluntary activity at any time without asking permission. You can find out more information about volunteering from:

The National Centre for Volunteering free helpline: 0800 028 3304
Email: volunteering@volunteeringengland.org - www.volunteering.org.uk

Where can I find out about volunteering opportunities in my local area?
Most towns have agencies called Volunteer Bureaux, which can give you advice and put you in touch with many types of community or voluntary organisations which offer volunteer opportunities. You can find details of local volunteer bureaux or centres in your local library. Or you may like to visit one of the following organisations.

Timebank
2nd Floor, Downstream Building, 1 London Bridge, London SE1 9BG.
Tel: 0845 456 1668
www.timebank.org.uk Has a lot of information about volunteering. Allows you to register your details in order to receive a list of organisations in your area that need help, and aims to match your passions, interests and skills.

www.do-it.org.uk Matches young people with volunteering vacancies UK-wide. Allows you to search by postcode, type of organisation and type of work. Also has a facility to help you find your local volunteer bureau.