Welcome to the Community First Young Volunteers Project for 13 to 17 years olds
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.
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.
Following a successful funding bid to the National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, Community First is delighted to have the opportunity to develop and deliver the Young Volunteering Project in Hampshire for 13 to 17 years olds. Our Young Volunteer Development Workers are here to support young volunteers and organsiations in Hampshire over the next 2 years.
- Are you thinking of volunteering?
- Do you know a young person who would like to volunteer?
- Let us help you develop and provide a volunteer role for a young person.
- Ask us anything related to Young Volunteers!
Contact the team at youngvolunteers@cfirst.org.uk today to discuss our exciting new Young Volunteers Project for 13-17 year olds:
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 young people that are making a difference in their communities:
What is volunteering?
Volunteering is giving your time freely to someone in need. Whether that is an hour a week helping run a social media account, a few hours on a weekend looking after some animals in a rescue, cleaning some equipment, cleaning up the countryside or befriending an elderly person.
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.
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.
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.
I can’t find a suitable role or I need further help?
Please go to our page finding a role here.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering is simple. It’s about giving your time to do something useful that can benefit both you and your community. Many voluntary organisations would not survive without the time freely given by volunteers.
What can I do?
There are lots of different things you can do. Everyone can volunteer, no matter what your age, background and life experiences. There is an opportunity to suit everyone!
It is as important to think about what you don’t want to do as what you do want to do. You will enjoy it much more and get more out of it if you have found the right role in the right organisation.
You may also find that, having gained experience in one sector, you might be able to find work in it, if that is what your end goal is.
If you would like to ‘dip your toe’ in volunteering then why not have a go at helping at an event?
What can volunteering do for me?
You could
- Meet new people
- Learn some new skills
- Increase your knowledge
- Develop your CV
- Enhance your college application
- Use towards your DofE volunteering task
- Give back to your community
- Develop a new interest
- Have some fun!
I/my parent/guardian is concerned about my safety
We only work with registered organisations and charities. We vet these opportunities to make sure they are real and we have also checked or provided them with policies specifically regarding young people which includes safeguarding and risk assessments. We would never want you to feel unsafe when you’re doing something amazing. If your parent/guardian wants to contact us, they are more than welcome too! We are a real human team and we want to work with everyone to address your concerns.
I need some more help
You can email us at youngvolunteers@cfirst.org.uk and we will be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
We currently only have placements for over 18s. Won't there be lots of regulations and issues having a young person as a volunteer?!
Not really! We have lots of experience in this area and will be there to guide and support you. We only work with registered organisations and charities and we can help you to ensure you have the right policies specifically regarding young people, which includes safeguarding and risk assessments; but if you don’t please contact us so we can help you out.
We have created a comprehensive toolkit, to make sure that between us, we have covered everything before your young person starts their placement. You can also find more resources here.