volunteer/charity work

[joko]

Hi,

Anyone know of any opportunities for volunteering and charity work in the merseyside area?

preferably something a bit different and interesting and unusual - i don't wan't to just work in a shop or hand out leaflets or canvass.

something perhaps to do with nature, or something arty.

thanks

[snook]

The Samaritans are always looking for volunteers. If you get through the interview you'll do about six weeks training (only one evening a week though) before you go on the phones. It's demanding (specially the first time you have a caller on the line who is right 'on the edge' and you realise it's really up to you now, there's no-one else that can help), but it's very rewarding. The Liverpool branch is one of the biggest and busiest in the country and they really do need lots of help.

Sorry Joko, I started answering before I'd read all of your question - didn't realise you'd specified what you wanted in that last paragraph. Still, might be worth considering.

[Emoire]

Hi Joko,

You could try this website for some ideas, hope it helps http://www.volunteering.org.uk/iwantto/

[Emoire]

For some reason that link isn't working properly but if you click on 'I want to volunteer' across the top of the page then it gives you some ideas on ways you can help with things like animal welfare, arts and heritage etc.

[campbellking]

Try the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, who organise holidays and usually local weekly groups. Have done canal clearing, dry stone walling, bridge building, forest reconstruction etc with them. Pond clearing is the most fun, especially if you like getting muddy...

[Famous5]

Try The National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk

They have all sorts of work for volunteers, including gardeners, house stewards, guides etc. They have proerties at Speke Hall, Formby and in Liverpool centre