where to find volunteer work?

[what..the?]

Yes I am interested in doing some volunteer work maybe 1 day or half a day a week, I just about have the time around work to do this, I want to do it in the same city I work in and because I don't drive I want the work to be in the city centre or within walking distance.

I dont know who I should ask, I have sent an email to the local counciil asking but I am unsure who else to ask.

I am also worried to get stuck doing work I dont like and I feel guilty telling them I dont want to do it. So if I just ask 'whats available' that might be better and less risky it gives me the chance to choose.

To put it down in black and white and just be blunt hoping not to affend people I dont mind working with the old and disabled infact I have experience of young disabled people and their needs. But if I am volunteering I dont really want to spend all day doing tolieting duties in a home or centre where the paid staff sit and have cups of tea. I have done these jobs before for disabled relatives but I would find this an uncomfortable duty to perform on strangers.

For some reason I am worried about being pushed into doing this line of work, maybe because it is thought to be the worst job and given to new people.

Surely there are other jobs where I can improve peoples quality of life? If so how can I do these jobs and find them?

[funnygirl]

What about your local hospital.

Old people's home.

[funnygirl]

Oh that's the one thing you don't want to do !!! Lol.

Well offer to do clerical duties or any work involving the talents you have.

[what..the?]

lol funnygirl, I am wondering about helping elderly or disabled people shop in town maybe, or even physical manual work for a community project. Its just finding the work.

[what..the?]

just found a great site www.do-it.org.uk its great

[mirela]

i just applied volunteer job in citizen advice bureau, they normally give you a list, which kind of area you are interested, then you can chose. i chose it, because i want to do some admin works and can use my language skills as well. you can think which area you would interest to do , then find relevant organisations, go to there website, normally there is introduction how to become their voluteer:)

[eash]

http://www.do-it.org

[eash]

Sorry didn't read that you had already found that website! Silly me!

[Barmaid]

There may be many local charities who would appreciate some help or failing that some of the national charities have local branches who are always crying out for volunteers - could be anything from admin work to visiting housebound people or helping partially sighted or those with learning difficulties with correspondence. If you look on the website of most national charities there is normally a section for volunteers. Their volunteers often do the most valuable work to them.

[what..the?]

thanks for all the answers I have now found loads of possiblities on the do-it.org.uk site and applied for info

[sleepyj]

what about walking old peoples dogs ..lot of old people have dogs that they cant walk ..

[what..the?]

Thanks sleepyj i thought of that but as of yet I havent found any opportunities to do this work?

I will try and ask at 'help the aged'