Volunteering means you giving some of your time to an activity that will help others, often in your community. So, if you have some free time and want to do something that is fun, helps others and may improve your own career then volunteering may be perfect for you!

There are loads of ways that you can get involved and is doesn't matter what experience or skills you have. You can be involved for a few weeks over the summer or a few days each week. You decide.

Most of all it can be fun, exciting and is free. Many people that volunteer say that it is a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

You could:

• Gain new skills
• Build your confidence
• Plan and deliver an exciting community action project
• Discover your talent
• Help your local community
• Get recognition for the work you do
• Improve your CV and boost your chances of getting the job or course that you want

There are lots of volunteering opportunities available that might be relevant to your future career plans. You might want to:

• Help out at your local leisure centre during the summer holidays as a play scheme supervisor
• Be a conservation volunteer at a nearby park or National Trust site
• Volunteer at local festivals, sporting events and exhibitions

Places to get more information:

Vinspired (website)

Vinspired has been set up to promote youth volunteering in England. They're hoping to encourage one million more 16-25 year olds to volunteer their free time to help out on projects in their local area.

Because they're working with young people all the time, the volunteering opportunities Vinspired can offer are especially interesting young people.

Community Service Volunteers (website)

CSV are another charity that supports volunteering. They don't only work with young people but there's still good stuff to check out.

Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme (website)

The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme is a voluntary programme of activities that you can do in your spare time. There are different sections of activities that you can choose from. Ask a teacher or a youth worker or check it out on their site.