Barriers to volunteering
Here at Bassetlaw Action Centre we always need volunteers but for a lot of people it just isn't an option. We want to know what stops you volunteering so we can look at changes to make things easier.
The answers are yes or no but if you can go into more detail it would be really helpful.
Do you feel you have too little time available to be able to volunteer?
Having time to volunteer can be really difficult but we don't need a big commitment. If you can give us just one hour every fortnight we can use you!
Do you avoid volunteering because you don't want to work with members of the public?
We have lots of roles and not all of them involve interacting with members of the public. We work with our volunteers to find the perfect role for them.
Are you worried about the expense of volunteering?
We cover expenses for our volunteers - we don't want anyone out of pocket for helping their community.
Do you think volunteering would be boring?
We don't want you to be bored! We have lots of different roles so will work with you to find one that will interest you.
Do you think there would be no benefit to you?
There are lots of personal benefits to volunteering as well as helping others. It looks great on your CV, you can make friends and you can feel a bigger part of your community. If you are new to work it will give you the opportunity to try things out, you get the chance to find new interests and the knowledge you gain can help your job prospects. You even get a warm fuzzy feeling from knowing you've helped someone!
Does your mental or physical health stop you from volunteering?
Volunteering can be a real help to people's mental health, the act of engaging with others (whether multiple people or just one) can be very positive, as well as getting out and giving a structure to your day. Knowing that you are part of something can give you a real boost.
Because we have a number of different roles we are able to find some way that you can help despite any physical or mental restrictions you may have.
Do you feel you wouldn't be confident volunteering?
Volunteering can be a great way to gain confidence. It goes at your pace and you can find that you learn new skills with the full support of the office team.
Are you worried about getting to a volunteering role?
Some of our roles can be done from home, others are based at our office in Retford and some involve going out into the community. So where you are based needn't be a barrier.
Do you feel that your skills are not relevent or up to date?
You would be surprised at how useful the skills you already have can be and we will teach you anything else you need to know.
Do you feel that volunteering is not "for people like you"?
We have volunteers of all shapes and sizes, young and old. Volunteering is for everyone and whoever you are, you will be very welcome!
Is there anything else that stops you volunteering? It is really useful to know so that we can find ways to make volunteering an option for everyone.
Do you want us to contact you about our volunteering roles? It doesn't mean you are commited to becoming a volunteer and it is entirely optional.
Thank you for taking the time to fill in this survey. Volunteers are the lifeblood of charities like Bassetlaw Action Centre - we simply couldn't run without them. We want to make volunteering an option for everybody so knowing what gets in the way is really useful and will help us to evole our roles so they are more inclusive. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in volunteering or if you have any suggestions to make Bassetlaw Action Centre a place for everyone.
You can vistit us at www.bassetlawactioncentre.org.uk, email enquiries@actioncentre.org.uk, or call us between 9am - 1pm Monday - Friday on 01777 709650. It would be great to hear your thoughts.