Survey results

posted by: Administrator

So... volunteering

The last young hackney poll asked you for your thoughts on volunteering. Judging by the responses, there's a lot of good will out there: 60% said they'd be interested in volunteering but didn't know how to; 20% said they didn't know what was involved; only 20% said they were too busy. It looks like you need to know more...

How do I go about volunteering?!

Easy: get in touch with the Young Hackney Volunteers.

Young Hackney Volunteers is a service provided by national charity CSV (Community Service Volunteers) and funded through Young Hackney. The project has already worked with over 500 young people who have collectively volunteered over 12,000 hours of their time to making a positive difference.

They've been involved in a whole range of opportunities from being trained as football coaches, youth leaders and befrienders to the elderly, to learning to fundraise, write press releases or speak in public. Other volunteers have become conflict resolution trainers, cooks at homeless shelters or have been getting their hands dirty renovating outside spaces.

Six steps to becoming a volunteer

• Step 1: Contact Young Hackney volunteers - If you are interested in volunteering contact one of the Young Hackney Volunteers team either by email to mruskin@springboardlc.org.uk or phone 020 8510 4900. Or, if you prefer, you can just drop in at The Levy Center, 18 - 24 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0PD. 
• Step 2: Register The team will send you a form so you can say which types of volunteering you are interested in and when you are available. If you're visiting the centre, you can fill out a form there and then.
• Step 3: Find something you're interested in doing Young Hackney Volunteers will talk to you to about the available opportunities and how that fits in with what you want to achieve. 
• Step 4: Start volunteering Next step is to arrange your first day making sure you know when and where you need to be. You'll get support from a member of the Young Hackney Volunteer team - in most cases they will accompany you on your first day - so it won't be too intimidating.
• Step 5: Induction On your first day your supervisor will talk you through your responsibilities and some health and safety, give you a tour of the volunteer site, explain how to keep a track of your hours and introduce you to everyone you need to know.  Feel free to ask questions as there is never such a thing as a stupid question, just a stupid answer!
• Step 6: Work towards a qualification As you continue at your volunteer placement the Young Hackney Volunteers team will be on hand to offer ongoing support and, on a monthly basis, check in on you to make sure everything is okay. They'll also discuss your training needs and/ or if you want to work towards a qualification.

How would volunteering benefit me?

Volunteering offers a whole range of benefits to the volunteer:

1. What you choose to do should be enjoyable, fun and something you are interested in.

2. You'll meet people from different backgrounds and make new friends.

3. You'll have the chance to learn something new, gain some new skills and add to your CV. You'll gain skills such as team working, social skills, self-confidence, making decision, leading a project and using your initiative!

4. You'll gain recognition for your involvement - there are regular celebration events, offering qualifications and certificates.

Worried about paying your way?

As a Young Hackney Volunteer you'll get cover for your travel costs and, if you're volunteering for a full day (7+ hours) Young Hackney can even pay for a meal.

Interested?! Then get in touch today and start the ball rolling