Why volunteer?

Have you ever thought of getting involved in a volunteering project and giving something back? Volunteering trends are on the up, with 30% growth in the overseas volunteering sector year on year and for good reason. Not only are amazing volunteering opportunities increasingly open to all despite age, ability or budget, but volunteering also offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your own skill set while supporting a great cause.

You can fit a project around your lifestyle by volunteering just for a few days here and there or you might choose to support a project long term. Either way, it’s the getting involved that counts!

Volunteering at home

There are loads of ways to volunteer both at home and abroad and some fantastic organisations to help you get involved.

Your Safe Planet suggests that you start by getting into projects on your doorstep and then perhaps look at integrating a volunteering placement into your next adventure abroad.

Great websites to check out for volunteering in the UK are:

• Wearev.com
• Volunteering.org.uk
• Do-it.org.uk

Volunteering overseas

Many higher education courses now integrate volunteering placements into their modules especially where valuable work experience can be gained in a specific subject area. Furthermore graduate employers are often impressed by students who have used their time and resources to do something different.

You may find your university or college has resources to link you with projects overseas or you may need to use a volunteering organisation.

The key here is to ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. Ensure that the organisation you use has a responsibility policy covering how they operate, where your money goes if you pay them, how they will ensure you stay safe and how they match you with a suitable project. Sadly there are lots of cowboy operations out there, so if your gut feeling is negative don’t trust them!

Volunteering responsibly

It’s important to remember why you’re volunteering – not just to score points with an employer, but to learn while supporting an important cause. It’s all about making the most of any opportunities you have. Ensure that’s the same case with the organisations you link with.

What is their reason for offering volunteering placements – to support a great project or to make money? What will your role be and what impact will you have? There is nothing more frustrating than feeling like all your hard work and money has gone to waste. Also, do your research. There are lots of blogs, forums and advice services online to help you plan your trip and get advice from other travellers and this can be useful when forming your judgement.

Some overseas companies are more responsible than others:

• www.andamandiscoveries.com
• www.peopleandplaces-travel.com
• www.blueventures.com

www.yoursafeplanet.co.uk is a bit different to most organisations as we offer something unique – a connection to a trusted local contact in the place you want to visit. All our ‘YSPeople’ are vetted experts who help plan your trip with personalised advice and tips.

If you do want to volunteer they can connect you with a grass root project offering placements that are often short term and free to join. We are happy to provide impartial advice to any RMP members so drop us a line if you’d like a chat.

Good luck and have a fantastic time!

Sally Broom, Director – www.YourSafePlanet.co.uk