Make a positive impact with voluntary work

If you are looking to develop new skills, meet new people, improve your CV and career prospects or just have some fun, volunteering is for you. Volunteering is a perfect option which combines service, learning, fun and personal development.

From activities in your local area to trips overseas - whatever you are into - there is an interesting volunteering opportunity for you. You can give as much or as little of your time as you want. It is a fantastic way to do something independent that benefits you and others.

Build your confidence - Many volunteers encounter a variety of new challenges when they begin giving time in their communities. Sharing new experiences with new people, you can learn new skills that can give you confidence to face challenges in other areas of your life.

Meet new friends - There is no better place to meet like-minded individuals than through volunteering for a campaign or cause you believe in. Working together to bring about a change is a great way to bond with others and become part of a community that can stay in touch long after your work is done. You could also meet people from a diverse range of backgrounds - people you may never come across in your daily life.

Create more fun in your life - Many volunteers are surprised at how much fun it can be to help others. Not every volunteer experience is the same, but by finding an opportunity that matches your interests, you have a good chance of having fun while giving time.

Boost your career options - Volunteering may also help you when it comes to facing the real world in the workforce. Most employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience rather than one without.

Volunteering can add to skills, while voluntary work experience can actually be more valuable than experience gained in paid employment. Many who volunteered to learn new skills benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted. Additionally, volunteering lets you road-test different kinds of work, giving you hands-on experience of how different professions operate.

Besides, volunteering can bring you into contact with all kinds of professionals and people from every walk of life. In fact, the networking opportunities it can provide are among the least publicised but most exciting benefits of all. A good network can guide your career pathway right through life and help you take giant steps towards your ideal job. If you are already working, volunteering can help you change your career direction.

While there's a lot to be gained from voluntary work, you also have to consider things carefully, since people who may be vulnerable and dependent on your service are affected. Be realistic about how much time you can give. For example, if it is a regular commitment, think about what will happen near exam times or when you are on holiday; In other words, be prepared for the commitment.

Getting involved with 'real' people - especially children - is no joke and is not to be done just for the sake of having a few laughs with friends! Nonetheless, do encourage your friends to also get involved; Talk to them about your ideas and see if they would like to join in too. If not, do not be put off, just do it yourself, you will soon meet new people when you start!