volunteering uk - abroad and overseas
A recent survey by the National Council for Volunteering uk found that working as a volunteer came second only to dancing as the public's biggest source of enjoyment. Volunteering is often seen as a kind of slave labour, mostly for pensioners, but loads or young people (even Prince William!) are now getting involved.
We've all heard about the 'soft skills' employers are looking for; communication and team-working, for instance, and volunteering is a great way to brush up on them while you're looking for that first job. If you're still having problems deciding what that job should be, working as a volunteer can help you make up your mind and provide you with a more inspiring CV.
There are around 22 million active volunteers in the UK today and that figure's rising, but it's not all about helping old ladies with their shopping; there are loads of things you can get involved in. From working with animals or people with disabilities, to environmental schemes, sex counselling and sport, whatever you're into there's bound to be a voluntary organisation linked to it.
If time's a problem, don't worry. The Community Service Volunteers (CSV), one of the UK's largest agencies linking voluntary workers with good causes, runs one-off community projects called GO weekends in London and Manchester.
And if you fancy a trip abroad there's a range of organisations working in countries like Africa which, in some circumstances, will pay your airfare and costs. A change of scenery and loads of new friends can seriously change your outlook on life.
So, if you're looking for a challenge and don't feel ready to don a suit just yet why not give it a go? It's fun and it helps.
For more information on volunteering search and browse our volunteer jobs Volunteer Jobs.
Work-life Balance
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