Voluntary work
Voluntary work is great way to get work experience, learn new skills and help a community. You don’t get wages, but for some projects you can still get your benefit and you may get extra allowances.
Voluntary work can be a good option
Voluntary work in a community or voluntary organisation can be a great way for people such as sole parents, people with ill health and disabled people to get experience in the work force.
Doing voluntary work can:
- teach you new skills
- build your confidence
- look good on your CV
- help a community.
If your voluntary work is part of an Activity in the Community project, and you are on a main benefit, you:
- keep your benefit
- get an allowance
- may get some money to help towards expenses.
If you are on a benefit that requires that you to look for work, and you find paid part-time or full-time work, then you should take paid work before you do voluntary work.
Finding voluntary work
You can find your own voluntary work, or we can refer you to approved projects.
People who choose to take part in voluntary work as part of their Job Seeker Agreement don’t need our approval of the project.
Voluntary work websites
About the community and voluntary sector - Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector (OCVS)
Information about participating in volunteer work and links to sector organisations.
Search for Volunteer jobs - Volunteer now
Search for voluntary work in your region by job category and type of organisation.
For more information
If you are interested in doing voluntary work, or want more information, talk to your case manager or contact us.