Prospective Volunteers Q&A
Claire & Lois from the Together Trust's volunteer service have put together some of the most frequently asked questions about volunteering with the Together Trust.
You may be thinking about volunteering with the Together Trust but aren’t quite sure what’s involved and how much of a commitment is expected. We hope this Q&A answers some of your initial questions and encourages you to take the next step!
Why should I volunteer?
There are lots of reasons! Volunteering can have many benefits for you, as well as making a great difference to the people we support. It’s a great way of putting your skills and time to good use (as well as gaining new skills), feeling good about yourself and being part of a community. Learn more about volunteering with us here.
What difference will I make by volunteering?
A lot! The nature of the difference you make will depend on what volunteering role you do, but rest assured that whatever it is you will be helping the people we support, either directly or indirectly, to lead happy and fulfilled lives.
What will I get out of volunteering personally?
People volunteer for lots of different reasons, but our volunteers tell us that benefits include gaining new skills and experience, improving employability, enjoying more social interaction and building self-confidence.
Can I still volunteer even though I haven’t got much spare time?
Of course. Some of our roles only ask for one or two hours a week. We will try and match you to a role that fits your availability as well as your skills and interests.
What skills could I offer?
Think about the transferable skills you have from paid work, education, or life in general. Hobbies, such as gardening or cooking, may be things you can share through volunteering. For some roles, simply having a friendly nature and a can-do attitude is all we need! We have different volunteering roles available and can help you identify which may suit you best.
Will I need any training and how will I be supported during my volunteering?
All our volunteering roles involve an induction process with some initial training to get you ready to go. You will have regular catch-ups with your volunteering champion so they can make sure you feel happy and confident in your role. There may also be other opportunities to attend training relevant to your role, either delivered online or in person.
Will I be out of pocket if I volunteer?
Once you are an approved volunteer, we will reimburse any reasonable travel expenses you incur through your volunteering, and if you’re volunteering all day, your lunch costs up to a fixed amount.
I can’t access your online application form, what can I do?
If you have difficulty with the online application process, please let us know and we can arrange to collect your details another way.
Does Together Trust welcome volunteers from different backgrounds and communities?
Absolutely. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio-economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience.
How do I get started?
For more information about volunteering with us click here and view our vacant vacant volunteering roles here.
You can also read about our volunteers’ experiences: Tahira, Rachel, and Mandy.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us on volunteer@togethertrust.org.uk / 0161 283 4882 and we’ll be more than happy to have a chat!