I want to Volunteer

If you’re thinking about volunteering you’ve come to the right place!

Linking Local People

 

Qube has been linking local people with volunteering opportunities for over twenty years. Our volunteering database holds on average around 200 different opportunities, with everything from costume making to community gardening and furniture restoration to First Responding.

 

If you’d like some help, our experienced Volunteering Officers are here to talk through options with you and answer queries you have please email info@qube-oca.org.uk or call 01691 656882

Other reasons to volunteer…

 

Everyone is doing it! According to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), 44% of adults in England said they had volunteered at least once between August 2012 and April 2013. Also, you may be interested to know that study by the Royal Voluntary Service (formerly the WRVS) found that volunteering in later life decreased depression and social isolation. It was also found to boost quality of life and life satisfaction.

 

Here’s what some of our volunteers have told us…

 

“I like being able to re-use old skills, making new friends and get a different perspective on life.” Carole Stebbings, Chirk Castle volunteer

 

“I enjoy speaking to the patients and taking them the newspapers around the ward.” Jennifer Roberts, League of Friends volunteer

 

“Volunteering at the community garden gives me a sense of achievement.” Stephen Hignett, Chalk Community Garden volunteer

 

“I love volunteering, it’s so much fun; we’re helping keep the Castle alive and preserving our rich history.” Arthur Armstrong, Chirk Castle Volunteer

 

Your volunteering questions answered…

 

Below are some questions we regularly get asked about volunteering. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Volunteering Team by calling 01691 656882 or emailing: info@qube-oca.org.uk

Why Volunteer?

People volunteer at different times of their lives and for many different reasons. It may be that you want to…

– Get involved with your local community
– Meet new people or make new friends
– Learn new skills
– Pass on your skills and experience to others
– To keep fit and active
– Just because it makes you feel good!

How much time will I have to commit?

The good news is that volunteering is flexible and you can decide much you want to do and when, taking into account the other commitments you have in your life. Maybe you just want to start by volunteering for just a couple of hours a week, or find something you can do from home. We’re here to find out what suits you best.

Will I get my travel expenses paid?

Many organisations will pay travel expenses but please check first with the organisation you want to volunteer for.

Will volunteering affect my benefits?

Volunteering can help you gain new skills and useful experience that can help with finding a job or career. It also looks good on your CV – many employers look very favourably on volunteering experience. There may be training opportunities you can access as a volunteer.

In most cases there should be no problem with you volunteering while claiming benefits, so long as you continue to meet the conditions the benefit you receive and the only money you get from volunteering is to cover expenses, like travel costs.

Please check with your benefits advisor before embarking on any voluntary work.