Volunteering simply means any kind of work that you take on, unpaid and of your own free choice, to help causes you care about. Raising funds for charity, campaigning on issues that matter to you, helping people or animals in need, working in a charity shop or other community organisation such as a library, and coaching a sports team for younger children are all just some of the many examples of volunteering you could consider.
Volunteering is a wonderful thing to do for many reasons. First, it allows you to give back to your community and support the things that you care about most. It also allows you to build new skills, meet new people, and stretch yourself by trying new things. Volunteering can boost your confidence, and it will look great on your CV when you come to apply for jobs.
Based in the West Midlands and thinking about volunteering? There are all kinds of organisations and causes to get involved with.
National Volunteering Organisation
Ready to branch out with your research? The National Volunteering Organisation gives loads of info about what it is like to volunteer, how to do it safely and where to find out about opportunities in your area.
Be Collective
This organisation is really interesting. You can browse the latest volunteering opportunities listed on their site. However, the Be Collective platform also lets you build your CV from the skills you’ve gained by volunteering. Handy! Find out more about Be Collective and see what you think.
National Citizen Service
Designed specifically for 16 and 17-year-olds, the NCS experience will give you a clearer idea of what you want from your future. Find out more about the NCS volunteering and experience programme.
The Prince’s Trust Programme
The Prince’s Trust runs a 12-week personal development programme for 16-25-year-olds. It provides a chance to gain new skills, take a qualification and meet new people.
You West Midlands
YOU West Midlands offers an opportunity to make positive changes to your life and future; to find new real friends; to have exciting and sometimes challenging adventures and experiences; to develop a multitude of skills and abilities; and to help others. If you’re under 18 and want to get the most out of your life, this could just be it. And if you’re over 18, there are tremendously rewarding spare time roles as an Adult Instructor.
Local Help
Birmingham
BVSC
Birmingham City Council
Birmingham Museums
Age UK
Birmingham Women and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Coventry
Voluntary Action Coventry
Coventry City Council volunteering
MIND mental health volunteering in Coventry
NHS volunteering in Coventry
Dudley
Dudley Volunteer Centre
Volunteering Counts
The Dudley Group, NHS Trust
Dudley Mind
Sandwell
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Connexions Sandwell
Sandwell & West Birmingham, NHS Trust
Solihull
Solihull My Life Portal
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Website
Age UK, Solihull
Solihull Active
Solihull for Success
Do It
Walsall
One Walsall
Walsall Council Website
Walsall Health Centre