Volunteering

Volunteering and charities are very important to Oxfordshire – one of the world's most famous charities, Oxfam, was founded in Oxford, our county town. Charities are important employers and activity providers throughout the county, and many people in Oxfordshire volunteer. Why not become one of them?  

Why volunteer?

Everyone likes to feel useful and valued, and volunteering is an opportunity to make a real difference to someone’s life, or to your local community. Whatever your skills or strengths, there will be a group that will need them. And the payback for you? Apart from the satisfaction of being valued, you can also develop some great skills that look brilliant on your CV for future career or academic prospects.

Where are the opportunities?

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Whatever your interest there is probably a group that you could contribute to. For example:

• conservation or environmental work
• helping people with physical or emotional disabilities
• volunteering at theatres, museums, festivals and sports events

Find out more…

• Do it is a national database with a search facility to look for volunteering opportunities by interest and location
• Connexions Volunteering and personal development opportunities
• Community Service Volunteers (CSV) offers opportunities that are more suitable for the longer term, and require more commitment. Occasionally you might have to live away from home for periods of up to four to twelve months. Previous experience isn’t important – you just need to be keen and dedicated and they will provide the necessary training and support.
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is open to anyone aged 14 or over and offers voluntary activities for you to help with in your spare time in order to gain awards. Your school should have information on how to join.
• Oxfordshire Community and Volunteering Action coordinates volunteering opportunities throughout Oxfordshire and has a search facility so you can match your interests with opportunities.

More about volunteering.