Discover the Power of Volunteering with Ealing & Hounslow CVS
Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back, learn new skills, and connect with your community. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want a long-term commitment, there’s an opportunity for everyone.
At Ealing and Hounslow CVS, we support both volunteers and organisations, helping you find the perfect role or the right volunteers for your cause.
From boosting wellbeing to gaining valuable experience, volunteering offers countless benefits. Explore flexible roles, get guidance on balancing volunteering with personal circumstances, and even earn recognition for your contributions. Ready to make a difference? Start your volunteering journey today!
Volunteering is defined by Volunteering England as ‘any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, close relatives.’
The key element of volunteering is that it is a choice freely made by each individual.
This can involve formal activities through public, private, and voluntary organisations, or informal community participation.
Across England and the UK, over 14 million people volunteer each year, contributing more than 100 million hours to their communities weekly. The estimated annual economic value of volunteering is over £25 billion.
Volunteering is incredibly flexible. Depending on your interests, time, and skills, there are numerous opportunities to get involved in Ealing and Hounslow.
Whether you’re looking to help with administration, offer your expertise in website design, support events, assist in local parks, or become a befriender, there is a role for everyone.
From full-time commitments to one-off activities, volunteering offers a way to contribute to your community, no matter how much time you have to spare.
The Ealing and Hounslow Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) connects residents and organisations with volunteering opportunities across both boroughs.
Whether you’re an individual looking to volunteer or an organisation needing volunteers, Ealing and Hounslow CVS provides support every step of the way.
For residents, Ealing and Hounslow CVS can help you find the right volunteering role that suits your interests, availability, and skills.
They offer guidance on the types of opportunities available in your local area, assist with volunteer matching, and provide ongoing support to ensure a fulfilling volunteer experience.
For organisations, Ealing and Hounslow CVS provides advice and resources to help recruit and manage volunteers effectively.
They can assist with creating volunteer roles, offer training for volunteers and staff, and help ensure that your volunteer programme runs smoothly.
There are many reasons why people choose to volunteer:
- It’s fun!
- It improves your health and happiness
- Something different
- Make new friends
- Learn new skills
- Develop the skills you already have
- Get involved in your community
- Help local people and causes
No matter your reason, volunteering with Ealing and Hounslow CVS opens up a world of possibilities, providing both personal and community benefits.
Things to Consider Before You Start Volunteering
Before you begin your volunteering journey, there are a few important things to consider to ensure that your experience is both rewarding and in line with your personal circumstances:
If you are receiving benefits, you may wonder if volunteering will affect your eligibility or payments. It’s important to check the guidelines provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
For information on how volunteering may impact your benefits, visit the official DWP site: Volunteering and Benefits.
Think about how much time you can realistically commit to volunteering. The Ealing and Hounslow Volunteer Centre offers a range of opportunities with flexible time requirements, from one-off activities to ongoing roles, so you can choose something that fits your schedule.
Consider what skills you want to use or develop while volunteering.
Whether you’re looking to expand your professional experience, help with a specific cause, or just get involved in your local community, there are many roles that cater to different interests and expertise.
The Ealing and Hounslow Volunteer Centre can help match you with the right opportunity.
At the Ealing and Hounslow Volunteer Centre, we deeply value the time and dedication that volunteers contribute to our communities.
To celebrate your hard work and commitment, we offer Volunteer Awards for those who have made significant contributions.
If you have volunteered for 100 hours or more, you are eligible to receive a Volunteer Centre Certificate. This certificate acknowledges your dedication and the positive impact you’ve made.
To apply for your certificate, simply send your name, along with the email address and contact name of the organisation you’ve volunteered with, to volunteering@ehcvs.org.uk.
We’ll be delighted to send you your certificate as a token of appreciation for your valuable contribution to the community.
You will also receive an invite to our yearly ‘Thank you Ceremony’, and/or can share your personal volunteering stories, which we can highlight on our promotional platforms.
