Essential Information
- Why Volunteer? Volunteering is an excellent way for people to learn new skills, become more involved in their local community and fill some time. Voluntary Centre Services has over 400 active volunteering opportunities across the district, and their team of trained advisors can help anyone who is interested in volunteering to find out which opportunities will match their skills and interests.
- Booking a Volunteer Appointment: Volunteers can contact us using these contact details:
- What happens at a Volunteering Appointment? Sessions last around 30 minutes and a trained Advisor will help the volunteer to match their interests and skills to roles in their local area. The volunteer will then be put in contact with the relevant organisations for further information.
Volunteer Appointments are available at:
The GuildhallCaistor Arts and Heritage Centre
Marshall's Yard28 Plough Hill
Gainsborough DN21 2NACaistor LN7 6LZ
Rasen HubSaxilby Library
3 Union StreetSt Andrew’s Community Centre, William Street
Market Rasen LN8 3AASaxilby, LN1 2LP
Volunteering FAQ’s
Q: Will I be out of pocket?
A: No. Most organisations pay volunteer expenses for travel. A few may be able to pay towards other expenses. We do not believe volunteers should be out of pocket.
Q: I am claiming benefits and seeking paid employment. I have been told I can only volunteer a certain number of hours.
A: Jobcentre Plus support those who choose to volunteer with charities and non-profit organisations. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can volunteer (unless you are in receipt of carers allowance), but you do need to tell them that you are volunteering. Ask your volunteer advisor for a ‘Volunteering whilst getting benefits’ Leaflet.
Q: I am a carer and therefore cannot guarantee a specific timeslot each week. Does this exclude me from volunteering?
A: Carers are very welcome, organisations are usually flexible and will appreciate your experience. If you are claiming carers allowance you can volunteer up to 35 hours per week.
Q: I don’t have much free time but would like to volunteer. Is there anything available?
A: You can volunteer when it suits you. Many of our opportunities require just 4 hours per week. There are opportunities which can fit around your other commitments or you could consider Microvolunteering, which takes as little as 30 seconds!
Q: Will I need to have a Criminal Records Check?
A: Some opportunities require that a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is carried out on anyone who wishes to volunteer with them. This is usually the case if you are accepted to work with children or vulnerable persons.
Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from volunteering. If you have questions about how previous criminal convictions could affect you, visit Unlock’s Disclosure Calculator here:
Q: I am a full time student. Is volunteering an option for me?
A: Yes, you could volunteer in between your lectures/seminars, weekends, evenings or holidays.
Q: Am I fit enough to volunteer?
A: Yes there are plenty of activities which require no physical activity at all! If you need special facilities or support, the Volunteer Centre can help you to find a suitable opportunity.
Q: What if my circumstances change and I am unable to continue with my volunteer placement?
A: Let the organisation know! They will appreciate any time you have already given. Good communication will ensure you can revisit your placement in the future, if you wish to.
Have another question that we haven’t answered? Ask us…….we can help you