Sheffield Volunteer Centre: Everything you've ever wanted to know about becoming a volunteer in Sheffield

- When was Volunteer Centre Sheffield launched?

The Sheffield Volunteer Centre is part of Voluntary Action Sheffield.

VAS was established in 1926 and provides support and leadership for the voluntary sector.

The Volunteer Centre aims to promote volunteering and to provide access to high-quality volunteering opportunities across the city.

We act as a brokerage, connecting charities needing volunteers with individuals wanting to volunteer.

- How does Volunteer Centre Sheffield work with the people of the city to help them access volunteer opportunities?

Volunteer opportunities can be accessed via our website – sheffieldvolunteercentre.org.uk

There are currently over 400 roles available, and these are changing all the time. People can search through these roles and apply for them online.

We also run a drop-in service if people prefer to receive volunteering advice face-to-face from our knowledgeable volunteer advisors. This is held every Monday – Wednesday 10am – 4pm at The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, S1 4FW.

We can also give volunteering advice over the phone on (0114) 253 6649 and email: [email protected]

Another way in which we help people to access volunteer opportunities is through our Volunteering Fairs, of which we run 3 a year.

These are run jointly with Sheffield Hallam University at venues across the city and are a fantastic chance for individuals to meet with 50+ charities and find out about the volunteering opportunities available.

We regularly have over 500 visitors to these Fairs, and the next one is on Monday March 16.

There are many benefits to volunteering; these include gaining new skills and experience, meeting new people, building up a CV, & gaining references.

Volunteering is also a chance to help others, and to do something worthwhile. Volunteering can bring a sense of purpose and can benefit your mental health and general wellbeing.

Everyone can benefit from volunteering, whether you’re a young person wanting to gain skills and experience, a job seeker looking to build up your CV, or someone who has recently retired and is looking for social opportunities and to put your skills to good use.

- What kind of skills and experience can you hope to gain as a volunteer?

You can gain many skills and experiences from volunteering. There are over 400 roles on our website and they cover everything from helping the elderly, working with asylum seekers and refugees, gardening/outdoor work, driving roles, befriending, helping at events, fundraising, IT and admin support, Trustee and management committee positions, and many more.

These roles are with charities but also community groups and other organisations like the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and South Yorkshire Police.

Each role would bring its own skills – training and induction are provided so that volunteers feel supported and are equipped to carry out their role.

- How many volunteers does Volunteer Centre Sheffield work with?

In 2018/19, the Sheffield Volunteer Centre helped 3,555 people into volunteering and 1,600 came to our Volunteering Fairs.

- Tell us more about your drop in service:

The drop-in is for people who prefer face-to-face help and advice about how to find and apply for a suitable role (instead of searching on our website).

The drop-in service is run by our friendly team of volunteer advisors who are very knowledgeable about the opportunities inSheffield.

As they are volunteers themselves, they can help with any questions, concerns etc. about volunteering and can also talk to visitors about the benefits of volunteering.

- Can anybody be a Volunteer Centre Sheffield volunteer?

Yes, anyone can volunteer. Many of the roles don’t require specific skills, just enthusiasm. We have roles for young people aged 13-17 too.

Visit HERE for details.