general volunteering and charity websites

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“It’s true hard work never killed anyone, but I figure why take the chance?”                                           

     Ronald Reagan

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This page deals with links to ‘general’ volunteering and charity websites which will match your interests and skills with an appropriate cause that needs your help.

NEW  Career Volunteer specialises in skilled volunteer programmes and in trustee recruitment.  www.careervolunteer.co.uk

See also: Volunteering for projects in specific sectors - from working with children and young people to working with social entrepreneurs. And Jobs on offer - specific voluntary and charity jobs currently on offer

There are several internet sites, now used by many voluntary organisations and charities, which provide a comprehensive list of opportunities for volunteering, and which can be searched in a number of ways - by area, by type of contribution etc.:

www.do-it.org; part of a charity called Youthnet. It was the first UK national database of volunteering opportunities. The majority of the opportunities come from local Volunteeer Centres in England but some national organizations also post their opportunities.

www.volunteering.org.uk; part of Volunteering England, a charity which works to support and increase the quality, impact and accessibility of volunteering throughout England.

www.timebank.org.uk; a national charity which inspires and connects a new generation of people to volunteer in their community

www.charityjob.co.uk; claims to be the UK’s busiest site for charity and volunteering sector jobs

See our list of  Volunteer Roles of the Month


 www.encorefutures.co.uk.  Encore Futures facilitates strategic level, high impact volunteer projects in charities for experienced professionals who are looking for a new challenge. Introductory workshops to help you explore how your skills can make a difference through your next stage of life and work are also available.

 www.csv-rsvp.org.uk/site/home.htm; RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme) is part of CSV (Community Service Volunteers: see below) which gives opportunities for over 50s to volunteer for roles which use their life experience to the full, to help communities and benefit the volunteers.

www.csv.org.uk UKs largest volunteer organisation trains and places full and part-time volunteers.

See also what Direct Gov's website (which carries Public Services all in one place) says about Volunteering:

www.direct.gov.uk

For a comprehensive oversight of information on charities see www.guidestar.org.uk, which is supported by HM Treasury, the Charity Commission and various trusts.

Finding the right voluntary organization

www.primetimers.org.uk advises executives and professionals who are seeking full or part time work in the charity sector but are uncertain where to start; it also gives coaching advice and mentoring.

www.volwork.org.uk ‘Reach’ helps to connect volunteers with voluntary organisations

www.pilotlight.org.uk ‘Pilotlight’ introduces its members (who are volunteers from industry and the professions) to small charities to help them develop.

www.getonboard.org.uk a joint site from the Charity Commission, Governance Hub and Volunteering England to encourage trustees and volunteers to fill vacancies throughout UK

www.prohelp.org.uk enables professional firms to make a difference by putting something back into their local community.

www.can-online.org.uk Community Action Network supports and networks social entrepreneurs who are seeking to improve the quality of life for all, but particularly disadvantaged communities.

  http://www.independentage.org/volunteer.aspx .  Independent Age tackles older peoples financial needs and lonliness by offering information, advice and friendship.

  NEW  Here are a few other websites dealing with different aspects of volunteering which may interest you:-

How to Choose the Best Volunteering Option
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2010/10/26/how-to-choose-the-best-volunteering-option

VolunteerMatch | Where Volunteering Begins
https://www.volunteermatch.org/

Volunteer Opportunities | Division for Legal Services
http://www.americanbar.org/groups/probono_public_service/resources/volunteer_opportunities.html

Global Health Volunteer Program
http://www.fimrc.org/ghvp/

Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
http://www.habitat.org/getinv/volunteer_programs.aspx

The Community Advocate’s Guide to Feeding the Hungry
http://www.culinaryschools.org/blog/guide-to-feeding-the-hungry/

How To Run a Successful Food Drive
http://www.uwotc.org/hold-a-drive

Steps for Running a Successful Community, School or Workplace Clothing Drive
https://donate.goodwill.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Steps_to_Start_a_Donation_Drive_in_your_Community.pdf