The benefits of volunteering whilst unemployed can be vast.
One of Community First New Forest staff, Stephanie Bell has her own story on how volunteering led to paid work.
Steph became an active member of an Area Forum in her local community.
They were a partnership group with the local council, Police and other agencies looking at the local environment and changing it for the better. She became a street representative and also sat on the environment group which dealt with issues such as fly tipping.
Whilst at a meeting someone approached her to join the Crime Prevention Group, and she became secretary. The group provided her with a telephone and computer for home and sent her on courses to improve her computer skills.
She really enjoyed meeting new people, she said ‘It really does help boost your confidence, and a whole new world opens up to you’
She moved area and whilst settling into her new house, saw a vacancy in the paper for Community First New Forest. The post was PRIME Development Co-ordinator - an initiative which aims to support communities and agencies to work together to solve particular problems in very specific localities.
Steph had all the experience of volunteering in this environment behind her and the enthusiasm to match.
Employers see volunteer(s) as having something to offer, and making
a positive contribution is a great way to boost self-confidence.
It can also give you the chance to try out jobs that you may not have thought about before. Volunteering can keep you familiar with the work place, giving you knowledge and help by gaining, using and improving skills which may lead back into the workplace as well as confidence at job interviews.
You can balance applying for jobs which takes a lot of time and effort by volunteering to do something that you enjoy, maybe using a hobby and sharing your skills with others.
Steph says ‘I met lots of new people, some of which I am still in touch with. It broadened my social circle as well as equipping me with skills which enabled me to get back into work. I wouldn’t be here now, in the job that I absolutely love if I hadn’t volunteered’
If you would like to find out more about volunteering then please contact the Volunteer Centre on 01425 482773 or by email vol.bureau@cfnf.org.uk
