What is volunteering?
Volunteering is where you carry out activities for free but get lots back in return. You’ll meet new people, make friends and gain lots of useful experience.
It will look good on your CV and can help you get a job, as well as giving you the chance to try out different careers.
Volunteering is much more than just making cups of tea at an office – from helping out at an animal sanctuary to football coaching, there are loads of volunteering opportunities out there for you.
How do I find out more?
Just contact the Volunteer Centre East Sussex
Phone: 01323 301757
Email: info@vces.org.uk
To watch more films about volunteering in East Sussex, go to Volunteering films
So where can I volunteer in East Sussex?
There are lots of different opportunities out there. These organisations can help you find something that suits you.
Volunteering within the NHS Trust
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is developing a new initiative to increase opportunities for young people (aged 16-25) to volunteer for the Trust, working in partnership with East Sussex County Council and community and voluntary sector organisations. The NHS Trust is keen to reach young people, who may not usually be given opportunities to volunteer within a hospital/healthcare setting. Each volunteer will be supported by a Project Manager and they are currently sourcing new volunteering roles within the Trust. This includes supporting young mothers – from maternity to community, and placements on various hospital wards in Eastbourne District General Hospital and Conquest Hospital, Hastings and Bexhill Community Hospital.
If you would like to find out more about the youth volunteering project please visit Volunteering within East Sussex Healthcare Trust or contact Gillian Reynolds (ESHT Patient Experience Lead) on 07929 050708 or e-mail Gillian.reynolds2@nhs.net
The National Citizen Service
The National Citizen Service (NCS) is the Government’s flagship personal and
social development programme for young people. NCS is a once in a lifetime
opportunity, open to all 16-17 olds in years 11 and 12, from all schools and
colleges across England, including state funded, special and independent.
Find out more about when and where you can join up by contacting your local provider:
Hastings,Rother and Wealden - CXK
Active Sussex
If sport’s your thing, you can search for ‘volunteer opportunities’ on the Active Sussex website.
Do It
Do It lists volunteering opportunities in your local area, in the rest of Britain and even overseas. Just search on the Do It database.
You can also take a look at East Sussex County Council’s volunteering information: East Sussex County Council – ways to volunteer.
Caption: Volunteers from vinvolved
How can I find time to volunteer?
You might be busy with college, uni or work, but volunteering can be fitted in to suit you. Many organisations are willing to be flexible, and fix hours around your schedule, whether you can volunteer for a day, a week or a couple of hours a month at the weekend.
Will I get paid?
You won’t get paid for volunteering, but lots of organisations will cover your travel expenses.
Find out more about volunteering
If you have any more questions about how to get involved in volunteering in East Sussex, contact:
Volunteer Centre East Sussex
8 Saffrons Road
Eastbourne BN21 1DG
Phone: 01323 301757
Email: info@vces.org.uk
