Why volunteer?
Volunteering can help you:
- Build confidence and develop new skills
- Meet new people and make friends
- Gain experience to add to your CV
- Support a cause or community you care about
- Have fun and try something different
It can also give you plenty to talk about when applying for college, university, jobs or other opportunities in the future.
Watch the video to hear from a young volunteer about their experience as a Youth Facilitator - representing the views of other young people and playing an active role in making a difference.
Volunteering and your future
The time you spend volunteering could also count towards a range of programmes and awards, including the Welsh Baccalaureate and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
As well as gaining recognition for your time and commitment, you’ll have the opportunity to develop useful skills and gain real-life experience along the way.
Volunteering and your Welsh Baccalaureate
Whether you're supporting a local charity, helping at an event, working with younger people or getting involved in a cause you care about, volunteering can give you valuable real-life experience while working towards your Welsh Bacc.
Verity volunteered with Arthritis UK to complete 15 hours of voluntary work in her community as part of her Welsh Baccalaureate.
“To me, volunteering is all about giving up your time for the benefit of others, without wanting anything back in return.”
Through volunteering, Verity became more confident by leading support sessions and developed greater empathy after listening to people share their experiences of living with arthritis and the impact it has on their daily lives.
The opportunity also helped her learn more about arthritis and the challenges faced by those living with the condition.
Members of the support group enjoyed having a young person from the community leading the sessions. Verity’s involvement helped them feel more connected to and included within their local community.
Get experience doing something you love
Aaron Ponting knew he wanted to volunteer outdoors, and he found the perfect opportunity with the Bannau Brycheiniog Youth Warden Scheme.
Later, Aaron was invited to join a Youth-Led Grants Panel. At first, he wasn’t sure about getting involved, especially as it meant working with a group of new people. But he decided to give it a go - and was really glad he did.
Volunteering helped Aaron build confidence, try something new and discover opportunities he might not otherwise have considered.
Ready to get involved?
There are lots of different ways to volunteer, whatever your interests, experience or the amount of time you can give.
Start exploring opportunities on Volunteering Wales and find something that’s right for you.
Get in touch with your local Powys volunteering hub
Haven’t found what you’re looking for yet? We're just a message away: volunteering@pavo.org.uk