How can you make a difference in your community?

Volunteering is a great way to make a difference, gain experience and change someone else’s life, as well as your own.

You don’t need special skills or loads of time to get involved.

You can find out about the latest opportunities, different types of volunteering and what others have to say about volunteering in North Yorkshire below.

“I am really enjoying being a trustee and using my time, skills, knowledge, and experience to further the objectives of this great organisation. It is a great way to meet new people, learn new things and give back to my community.” Rebecca Buckley, trustee at Community First Yorkshire

Why volunteer?
Volunteering can offer a chance to discover a whole new side to life.

Volunteering can help you to experience new things, meet different people as well give you the opportunity to share your skills and ignite your career.

It can leave you feeling good, knowing you have made a difference to someone else.

Best of all, there are volunteering roles to suit everyone. Organisations offer a wide variety of volunteering opportunities and are inclusive and supportive of people’s preferences.

Search for volunteering roles on the NCVO (the National Council for Volunteering Organisation) website. There are links to multiple volunteering websites from organisations such as Vinspired, Step on Board and Volunteering Matters.

Types of volunteering
Volunteering roles are as many and varied as the people who volunteer.

If you’re looking to experience new things, utilise your existing skills, meet new people or give just a small amount of time from home there are roles for you.

There are a huge number of volunteering roles available in North Yorkshire. Just as there is no such thing as a typical charity or community group, volunteering roles are just as unique. Roles can be anything from being a trustee, a community transport driver, a charity shop assistant to being a befriender. You might want to volunteer on a regular basis or help out at a one off event – there’s plenty of flexibility to help you give the gift of your time in a way that suits you.

“Volunteering …is a great experience and a really good way of boosting skills. Whether you want to give back to the community, do more with your spare time or develop employability skills – there are so many different volunteering opportunities available. I never could have imagined that starting out as a volunteer would end up with me, employed as the full-time Communications Officer at Healthwatch North Yorkshire.” Gemma Hutcheson, Communications Officer, Healthwatch North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Connect

North Yorkshire Connect is a free community directory run by North Yorkshire County Council.

It contains information about local activities, services, advice and guidance that is relevant, reliable and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Anyone can browse North Yorkshire Connect to find the service they need or volunteering involving organisations in their area.

North Yorkshire Connect