Volunteer

Welcome to the Volunteer First website run by Community First

Community First is a not for profit organisation providing local voluntary and community groups with a range of support services including volunteering, training, good practice and practical advice. For further information on our services please visit our website

We promote hundreds of opportunities in the Winchester, East Hampshire, Fareham, Havant and New Forest districts on behalf of charities, statutory organisations and community groups.

To look for current opportunities please search the Volunteer First database. Before doing a search it is worth taking some time to think about the kind of roles you might prefer, the type of organisation that might interest you and how much time you can offer.  Please note that if you would like to apply for a role online via Volunteer First you will need to register your details first.  You can do this at the top of this page or on the home page.  If you can’t find anything suitable please click on finding a role.

Find out more about what it’s like to volunteer from Victoria Edwards. She has gone from front-of-house volunteering to sitting on the Board of Trustees in her 2 years volunteering with Making Space, a Havant-based community crafts organisations.

Below, St Johns Ambulance Community Bathing Service share what it’s like to help people as part of a volunteer team.

Frequently asked questions:

Who can volunteer?

Anyone can. Age, job status and skills need not be an obstacle. Each opportunity will set out what skills are required of you and you can select them according to your preferences. Some opportunities will have age/gender restrictions and may also require a DBS check. However, this will be stated in the opportunity’s description.

How much time will it take up?

This can be up to you. You can offer as much or as little of your time as you would like, although some opportunities will state the amount of time they expect from you.

I can’t find a suitable role or I need further help?

Please go to our page finding a role. https://www.volunteerfirst.co.uk/volunteer/finding-a-role/

 

Will my expenses be covered?

Most organisations will cover your expenses such as travel costs to where you are volunteering.  However, not all will do so.  It is worth checking with the individual organisation, if it is not stated on the role description.

Will my benefits be affected?

Volunteering should not affect your benefits.  For the latest information on volunteering whilst claiming welfare benefits please see the Direct-Gov website:  https://www.gov.uk/volunteering

How long does the recruitment process take?

Once you have identified an opportunity you will be referred to the organisation.  Please allow up to 10 working days for them to contact you.  If you still do not hear from them please get in touch with the organisation or contact us.

After the initial contact the organisation will usually ask you to attend an informal chat or interview.  They will send you an application form and usually you are asked to provide 2 referees.  If you are working with young people or vulnerable adults you will need to have a DBS check.  This can take a few weeks to process.

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