Volunteering

Introduction

Volunteering England defines a volunteer as someone who commits time and energy for the benefit of others and who does so without expectation of financial reward (except for the repayment of out of pocket expenses). It can include anything from helping out at your child's school, assisting at a local sports club, working with youths or older people or giving medical assistance at events. If you are giving your time for free, you are a volunteer.

Many of us volunteer our time without even thinking of it as volunteering. Helping a neighbour with their garden, coaching a child’s sports club or donating blood - all examples of informal volunteering.

Anybody can volunteer for any length of time. Some organisations require full time assistance, others need an occasional hour or two of help and others look for volunteers on a seasonal basis. Whatever time you can spare there's an opportunity out there for you.

Why should I volunteer?

Volunteering has a number of benefits. It can help to boost your employability, gives you the opportunity to network, lets you develop new skills and it can give you the chance to try a new career. It opens the door for you to meet new people, socialise and get involved with your community.

The work you do can help to increase your confidence and can even improve your physical and mental health.

You can give something back, help to have a positive effect on your local community and really benefit the lives of others.

Volunteer Swale

Do you know someone that makes Swale special? Someone who gives up their time to help others and their community? This year as a Council, we are recognising the hard work of those special individuals within the Borough of Swale who give their time to put something back in to their community.

The Volunteer Swale Awards recognise the hard work of those special individuals who give their time to put something back in their community. A volunteer is anyone that gives up their time to help others, this could be through the volunteer centres befriending scheme, coaching at a child’s sport club or doing a neighbours gardening.

How can I get involved?

To find out what opportunities are currently available locally please visit Swale Community Voluntary Service, to talk about opportunities and be matched with a role.

The Reach Volunteering website is available to let you know about local volunteering opportunities in fields you are interested in.

There are also lots of regional and national websites which provide more information on volunteering and volunteering opportunities.

• Kent County Council
• V-inspired