Maybe you’re not sure about what you want to do because:

• you lack confidence
• you have a disability or health issues
• you have not been in paid work for a long time
• you have to consider childcare

If so please contact us for some extra support to help match you up to suitable volunteering placement.

We can help by:

• Matching you up with a suitable group or organisation
• Give you advice for accessing childcare while you are volunteering
• Help you to contact the organisation you are interested in
• Arrange a ‘taster’ of volunteering if you are not sure of what you would like to try

Benefits and Volunteering

Volunteering will not affect you claiming benefits although you will have to inform your advisor. If you’re claiming Job Seekers Allowance you still need to be actively seeking, and available for work.

Claiming Expenses

Volunteers should not be out of pocket when volunteering and usually receive payment for expenses incurred such as travel, lunch and equipment. The payment received should not be more than the actual cost incurred as any amount above that could be deemed as payment for work done. This could then affect any benefit the volunteer receives.

Our advice is to inform your advisor of any expenses that you receive. More information and a sample notification form is available here.

If you need any further support or advice, please contact us.