Volunteering is a brilliant way to learn new skills, enhance your CV and build your confidence. Here in Lancaster, we have an amazing array of local organisations who are crying out for help and support. From local community centres, food banks, the environment, local charities and the arts, there will be something for everyone no matter what course you are studying or experience you are seeking.

Where to start:

Decide what suits you – consider whether you prefer one-off events, weekly shifts, outdoor work, or indoor roles.

Check key websites:

• Lancaster City Council Friends groups action → via their parks volunteering page Volunteering - Lancaster City Council
• Lancaster CVS / Volunteer Centre – local listings and advice LDCVS - Lancaster District Community & Voluntary Solutions
• Lancashire Volunteer Partnership – one platform covering libraries, museums, community befriending Become a volunteer in Lancashire • Lancashire Volunteer Partnership
• Internal contacts - THE FHASS EMPLOYABILITY HUB – Your exclusive Arts and Social Sciences Employability Space
• Lancashire County Council Countryside – Volunteering - Lancashire County Council
• Local, Lancaster community centres - The Marsh Community Centre | and Skerton Community Centre | Your Local Hub For The Community often host student volunteers for a range of groups and ages and are always happy for you to contact them directly.
• Local, Lancaster Charities – St Johns hospice - Current Vacancies - St John's Hospice, Cancer Care Homepage - CancerCare, Food bank directory - Food bank & help with essentials - Lancaster City Council

How can volunteering make me more employable?

Volunteering can help you develop in many ways. Not only does it help you build on your CV and get real life experience of the world of work, but it can be great for your mental well-being and confidence too.

“Being part of a community can make life feel more meaningful and enjoyable, help us feel happier and safer, and improve our mental health.” How community benefits your mental health | Mental Health Foundation

Volunteering can often lead to job opportunities either within the organisation you are helping, or because it builds extra skills and references for future employers. It can also build up vital work experience, especially for sectors such as FASS, Psychology, social sciences etc.

So how do I approach an organisation?

Sometimes organisations do advertise for support so make sure you check their websites and social media pages for any positions which are available.

If you have checked and can’t see any posts, then you can make a ‘speculative application’. This involves using information about the organisation and considering what skills would be required to carry out the role.

You can find out more about speculative CV’s here: Speculative applications | ASK - Lancaster University

You can use our volunteering page to seek local and national opportunities: Volunteering | ASK - Lancaster University but if you do need further advice, please book an appointment with the Careers Team who are always happy to help.

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Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.