Types of volunteering
Types of volunteering
The range of voluntary work available is endless! Think of any activity or job and the chances are that someone, somewhere is doing it as a volunteer. Below are some of the types of volunteering opportunities that are available through ADVIT Moldova and keep in mind this list is not exhaustive.
Conservation, the Environment and Gardening
Conservation volunteers repair footpaths, clear ponds and waterways, plant trees, create nature trails - the list is endless. The work can be done at weekends. You could help out at a community garden project or do simple maintenance for someone who is unable to look after their own garden.
Learning Disabilities
People with learning disabilities have difficulty understanding new or complex information, learning new skills or coping independently.
Volunteers can:
· Help with activities, sports and crafts and social clubs, youth clubs and resource centres;
· provide one to one support to families or individuals as befrienders or advocates;
Mental Health
Mental health problems come in a variety of forms. Many involve feelings of depression, anxiety and confusion, sometimes to an extent which makes it difficult for the person to cope with everyday life. Only a small number of people experiencing mental health problems are admitted to hospital. Most are treated and supported in their community.
Volunteers can do:
· reception and admin. work;
· financial or management committee tasks;
· computing;
· 'one off' pieces of work such as setting up a database, producing publicity material or devising a marketing strategy.
Older People
Most opportunities to volunteer in this field are with frail older people or dementia sufferers, and are mainly in the daytime. They include:
· helping at social canteens or day centres - perhaps serving teas and lunches or assisting with quizzes, games and reminiscing activities;
· library books to housebound people;
· befriending and home visiting;
· helping in residential homes and hospitals e.g. reading to patients, playing board games.
Homeless
With people living in temporary or hostel accommodation, or those sleeping rough, volunteers can:
· help at drop in or night shelters, providing hot drinks and meals and giving support;
· be trained to give information and advice;
· work alongside paid workers in outreach work on the streets.
Practical
Some organisations need building volunteers to paint and decorate, carry out repairs or put up shelves.
Befriending
Befriending involves giving support and friendship to someone who may be going through a difficult period, is feeling lonely, or is adjusting to a major change in their life. Befriending schemes can support older people, single parents, families with children, adults with disabilities or health problems and more.
Volunteer befrienders are matched with a client (perhaps because they share an interest or are of a similar age). They meet on a regular basis, perhaps to go shopping or go to the cinema, or simply to have a chat over a cup of coffee. Befriending may encourage the client's independence, build their self confidence or offer social contact other than their immediate family.
Befrienders are carefully selected and trained and receive continuous support
Physical Disability
· Volunteers can work with groups dealing with specific conditions such as arthritis, cancer, or epilepsy or with more general disability organisations.
· provide one to one support as a tutor, befriender or peer counsellor.
HIV/Aids/Drugs
With individuals and families affected by HIV AIDS or drug dependency, volunteers can:
· help out at a drop in or information centre;
· be a befriender in a 'buddy' scheme;
· provide practical help such as gardening, driving, baby sitting, or painting and decorating;
This project and web page are prepared with the financial support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe. European Youth Foundation shall not bear any responsibility for the opinion therein.
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