Is volunteering for me?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to get involved with your community including discovering events and projects taking place in Newham and surrounding boroughs.

It is also a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and gain lifetime experiences. By volunteering, you will make a contribution to your community and support various events that would not be able to take place without the participation of well organised and skilled volunteers.

Volunteering is open to everyone. We actively encourage participation from disabled people, refugees, asylum seekers, young people, older people and other groups that are underrepresented in the voluntary workforce.

Becoming a Newham Volunteer will provide you with valuable opportunities in improving your life prospects whether it's furthering your education, enhancing your CV or gaining life experiences.

Benefits include:

• Ongoing training with fully accredited qualifications in customer care, first aid, health and safety, child care and protection, disability awareness and diversity and equality; with additional specialised training in FA level 1 coaching, ICT and assertiveness training
• Advice and guidance on how to make the most of volunteering
• Getting access and involved with exciting prestigious events, such as the London Triathlon, Sports Relief and World Skills competition
• Developing skills including leadership skills, motivational skills and working as part of a team
• Socialising and sharing similar interests with other volunteers at prearranged outings and activities
• Reimbursement of all out-of-pocket expenses including travel
• CV enhancement and support for employment or further education
• Personal development from recognition of your achievements, empowerment and utilisation of skills

What do current volunteers have to say?

"Being a Newham's Volunteer is flexible. I only sign up to work on events when I have a free weekend. It is so much fun; you don't feel like you are working."

"Since becoming a Newham's Volunteer I have gained a first aid certificate and health and safety qualification with no out of pocket expenses."

Testimonials from event organisers using Newham's Volunteers

The London Triathlon August 4 - 5 2007
I just wanted to thank you once more for a superb contribution to our event! All the comments from competitors and team leaders were 100% positive. Newham's Volunteers worked like Trojans, and I really hope they enjoyed themselves."
Andy Taylor, Operations Manager, London Triathlon

Thames Bridges Bike Ride May 29 2007
"Without the volunteers the event would have been a wash out, less safe and less motivating for the participants!"
The Stoke Association, Rachel Tonkin, Communications Officer

Comic Relief - The Big One March 16 2007
"We have been grateful for the support of Newham's Volunteers at both Red Nose Day and Sport Relief campaigns. Their commitment, reliability and fun personality through out the night of the televised show has been a real inspiration to Comic Relief, for without their support helping to raise funds taking telephone donations; we would not be able to help vulnerable people across the UK and in the world's poorest countries."
Jan Brown, Telelogistics Manager - Comic Relief