Getting started

The benefits of volunteering

For You

For the Community

We are dedicated to supporting people live their best lives, promoting independence, kindness and encouraging good old fashioned community spirit. Along the way, we’re  empowering people to discover their own ways to improve their health and wellbeing, and routes to wellness. 

Without volunteers like you, we just couldn’t do it. You influence everything we do, you are the center of what we do, because you are the ones who make it all happen.

Tips for getting started

First, ask yourself if there is something specific you want to do.

For example, do I want…

…to improve the neighbourhood where I live

…to meet people who are different than me

…to try something new

…to do something with my spare time

…to see a different way of life and new places

…to have a go at the type of work I might want as a full-time job

…to do more with my interests and hobbies

…to share something I’m good at

Getting the most out of volunteering

You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. To make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit:

Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. Sample questions for your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved, who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience.

Make sure you know what’s expected. You should be comfortable with the organization and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed.

Don’t be afraid to make a change. Don’t force yourself into a bad fit or feel compelled to stick with a volunteer role you dislike. Talk to the organization about changing your focus or look for a different organization that’s a better fit.

Enjoy yourself. The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why. Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable simply because the situation is new and unfamiliar? Pinpointing what’s bothering you can help you decide how to proceed.