Activity in the Community projects
Activity in the Community projects help people gain voluntary, unpaid experience in a community or voluntary organisation. We can offer support and advice to your project and introduce you to the right people.
What are Activity in the Community projects
Activity in the Community projects are projects that offer opportunities to help people gain voluntary, unpaid experience in a community or voluntary organisation (e.g. churches, charitable trusts).
It aims to help people, including sole parents, people with ill health and disabled people who want to:
- develop more skills
- increase their confidence
- participate in their community.
An Activity in the Community project should:
- benefit the community or the environment
- assist people by developing or maintaining their self-esteem, confidence and motivation
- not result in the private benefit of sponsor organisations, in terms of profit or competitive advantage
- not result in the substitution or displacement of current or future paid workers.
Any organisations that benefit from an Activity in the Community project must contribute by meeting the overhead costs of the project.
How we can help
If your project is accepted, we will refer suitable applicants to you for your consideration. You decide who you want to take on.
We also offer ongoing advice and support to help your project succeed.
Your responsibilities
Your responsibilities as a project sponsor are the same as if you were employing the person.
Participants who are getting a main benefit may receive a:
- non-taxable Participation Allowance of $21 per week to cover participation-related expenses
- up to $20 per week for other relevant costs.
How to sponsor an Activity in the Community project
If you'd like to sponsor an Activity in the Community project, please call Employer Services on 0800 778 008 to discuss your project.
Once your project is approved, we’ll refer suitable applicants for you to interview. You conduct the interviews, do any reference checks and make your decision. You choose whether to take anyone we have referred. We'll talk through the selection process and what you have to do next.