You’re donating your valuable time, you want to get the most out of it, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. To make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit:
- What causes do you care about? You will get the most out of volunteering if you're doing something towards a cause you care about and know that you're having an impact.
- Think about what interests or excites you. This could be something you enjoyed doing before, or something completely new.
- Think about what time or skills you can give. With so many opportunities to choose from, it's a great idea to narrow down the choices by deciding what you're willing to give.
- Get researching!
- Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your goals, your skills, 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 organisation and understand the time and travel 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 organisation about changing your focus or look for a different organisation that’s a better fit.
- Enjoy yourself. The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organisation. 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 what to do next.
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Empowering Inclusive Volunteering
Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) are a champion of inclusive volunteering, particularly for individuals with disabilities. With a strong commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering equality, SASP has developed several initiatives designed to make volunteering accessible to all. Central to this effort is the Fit for Work programme , which empowers individuals with disabilities by helping them build confidence, acquire new skills, and transition into meaningful volunteer roles.
Managed by SASP’s disability team, the Fit for Work programme provides a supportive environment where individuals can develop their skills practically, build their confidence and ability to work in a team. Through these elements, participants are equipped with the tools to lead, support, and engage in a variety of activities both within and outside the workplace.
The impact of this programme is evident through the success stories of its graduates, who have gone on to become volunteers within SASP and other organisations. These graduates actively contribute to various events and initiatives, providing support to other individuals with disabilities and furthering the impact of the programme.
Two great examples of Fit for Work graduates who have transitioned into volunteering roles are Tom and Betty.
Tom has gone on to volunteer at subsequent Fit for Work courses. By sharing his own experiences, Tom is able to empathise with new participants, helping them overcome challenges and find success. He views his volunteer work as a way of giving back to the programme that had such a positive impact on him.
Betty has volunteered at an Inclusive Sports Day organised by Nova Sports , where she assisted adults with disabilities in trying new sports and activities. She also regularly volunteers at the Sedgemoor Stars session, a physical activity programme designed for adults with disabilities. Betty finds volunteering incredibly rewarding, as it has helped her develop her confidence, make new friends, and gain valuable leadership experience.
Reflecting on her experience, Betty shares:
“I loved Fit for Work; I really enjoyed it. It was really fun, and I got to meet new people. I learnt to help other people and helped people get involved with activities. I learnt how to communicate and work as a team, and this has helped me with my volunteering when I am leading.”
One of the key challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when considering volunteering opportunities is the concern that they may not have the necessary support or that their disability may prevent them from participating. Through conversations with participants in the Fit for Work programme, SASP identified that many individuals worry they won’t be able to meet expectations or perform the tasks required.
Betty emphasises the importance of being confident when discussing needs with employers:
“A common concern for people with disabilities is that they won’t be able to do it or won’t have the right support. Be confident to talk to your employer so they can understand what needs you have and how they can best support you. When you have the right support, you can do great things.”
She encourages others to try volunteering, even if they have reservations:
“Just give it a go, you don’t know unless you try. You might find something you are good at or really enjoy. Volunteering gives you lots of energy and boosts your social skills, it helps you make new friends”.
SASP’s approach to inclusive volunteering has proven to be highly effective in creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through initiatives like the Fit for Work programme and the Volunteer in Somerset Campaign , SASP has demonstrated that, with the right support, people with disabilities can become valuable, confident, and active participants in their communities. These programmes not only encourage participation but also provide the foundation for individuals to take on leadership roles and make lasting impacts on the lives of others.
For more information on volunteering opportunities with SASP, please click here:
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