Volunteering
Why volunteer?
As a volunteer you can improve your language skills, make new friends, demonstrate commitment and gain confidence, For some this can help them move into paid employment, for others they will find great satisfaction in providing help and support to individuals and organisations.
What can a volunteer do?
Volunteers can do almost anything! From helping an elderly neighbour with their shopping, to providing legal advice for a local charity, volunteers make a vital contribution to all aspects of community life.
Who can volunteer?
Basically any one including non EU Nationals and Since April 2000, asylum seekers (people in the process of applying for refugee status) have been allowed to volunteer. This includes whilst they are appealing against a decision to refuse them asylum, and those whose application has been turned down, but are registered with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for return to their home country when practical. Home Office guidance states that Asylum Seekers are entitled to receive out of pocket expenses just like other volunteers. For Home Office guidance see: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/
How do I go about Volunteering
See below for your local Volunteer Centre. Make an appointment and they will help you find the right type of volunteering for you. Alternatively http://www.volunteering.org.uk/IWantToVolunteer/
Volunteer Centre Brent
Brava (Brent Association For Voluntary Action)
3rd Floor, 144-150 High Road
WILLESDEN
London
NW10 2PT
Tel: 020 8438 1525
Fax: 020 8459 4515
Email: volunteering@brava.org.uk
Website: www.brava.org.uk
Opening Hours: M-F: 10.00-5.00
Volunteer Centre Southwark
Wigglesworth House
2nd Floor (Left)
69 Southwark Bridge Road
SOUTHWARK
London
SE1 0NQ
Tel: 020 7403 2936
Fax: 020 7403 5961
Email: info@volunteercentres.org.uk
Website: www.volunteercentres.org.uk
Opening Hours: M-F: 10.00-4.00
Volunteer Centre Hammersmith & Fulham
148 King Street
HAMMERSMITH
London
W6 0QU
Tel: 020 8741 9876
Fax: 020 8741 3344
Email: enquiries@hfvc.org.uk
Website: www.hfvc.org.uk
Opening Hours: M-F: 10.00-2.00
Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets
1st Floor Norvin House
45 - 55 Commercial Street
TOWER HAMLETS
london
E1 6BD
Tel: 020 7377 0956
Fax: 020 7426 9979
Website: www.towerhamlets.org.uk
Opening Hours: M-F:10.00- 6.00
Volunteer Centre Hounslow
45 Treaty Centre
High Street
HOUNSLOW
London
TW3 1ES
Tel: 020 8583 2626
Fax: 020 8570 5083
Email: info@volunteerhounslow.org.uk
Website: www.volunteerhounslow.org.uk
Opening Hours: M-F: 9-4pm
Volunteer Centre Westminster
53-55 Praed Street
PADDINGTON
London
W2 1NR
Tel: 020 7402 8076
Fax: 020 7402 3124
Email: info@volunteercentrewestminster.org.uk
Website: www.volunteer.co.uk
Opening Hours: M-Th:10.00-4.00
Volunteering and State Benefit
People are allowed to volunteer while claiming state benefits, including means-tested benefits such as Job Seekers’ Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Income Support. But volunteers should be aware of the following.
Informing benefits advisors
Volunteers who receive benefits must notify their benefits adviser that they are volunteering, you will have to complete a form describing what you do (form ES672VJP).
Volunteer expenses
Only actual expenses can be reimbursed as any kind of paid work can jeopardise a person’s right to claim state benefits. Sometimes benefits claimants need to inform their Jobcentre Plus or benefits advisor about their volunteer expenses. People receiving Housing Benefit should also inform their local authority about their volunteer expenses.
