Why volunteer?

We could talk for hours and hours about why it's so great to volunteer, but we thought we'd go through just a few of the benefits you can get, apart from the great feeling you'll get knowing you're making a huge difference of course.

Volunteering just a few hours a week can:

boost your CV

Whether you are fresh out of education and lacking that all important experience, or you are looking for a change of career and would like to try something out, volunteering is always a great addition to any CV.

Bill explains what volunteering on the Tenovus Cancer Support Line has enabled him to do:

'Volunteering in this way gives me some insight into the world of cancer services which was previously something I knew little about.

This new knowledge will help me in deciding if this is a line of work I would like to follow, if it might suit me in my changing circumstances and whether I might be any good at it.'

The wealth of opportunities at Tenovus means you will have the chance to try out a range of roles.

help you return to work

Volunteering with us can give you that much needed confidence boost.

Losing your job or being unable to find work can be demoralising and affect your self esteem and volunteering has been proven to have a positive impact on general health and well being.

Ian has been unemployed for over nine years and came to us when he was unable to find work and had low confidence. A few weeks ago, Ian had his first interview in over five years:

'I recently had a job interview and one of the first things that was said was that working as a volunteer looked good.  It proves that I am willing to work, and I think it says something about a person's personality if you are willing to work for free to gain experience rather than just wait around hoping someone will eventually give you a job.'

fill up newfound time during retirement

From working a five day week to suddenly finding yourself with a lot of time on your hands, volunteering can help to fill a few hours in the week and use the long held skills and experience you can offer.

help boost your social life

You'll meet so many new people, from members of staff, patients, members of the public and other volunteers.

We also arrange regular social events for our volunteers to celebrate success and share our stories.

get you recognised

From 2011 we will be holding our regional and national volunteer awards, for which you will have the opportunity to be nominated.

Imagine how great that will look on a CV, or to impress the grandchildren with! Keep checking back on the website for more information.

have fun (we saved the best til last)

Volunteering can be a lot of fun and we'll support you every step of the way.

Take it from Vanessa, our volunteer Project Assistant:

'Joining Tenovus was and still is an amazing experience and an adventure where I am learning something new every time. If I would have a big regret it would be not starting it earlier.'

 

other frequently asked questions

1. Who volunteers with Tenovus?
2. Are there any age limits to volunteering at Tenovus?
3. How much time do I have to give?
4. Do I need to make a regular commitment?
5. Do you pay volunteer expenses?
6. What skills and experience do I need?
7. Do you ask for references or carry out any checks such as CRB?
8. Will I have an interview?
9. Will I be given any training before beginning my role?
10. Will I have to report to anyone whilst I am volunteering for Tenovus?
11. Do you have a role where I can use my skills? None of the roles listed are  what I'm looking for
12. Will volunteering affect my benefits?
13. Can I apply for a paid position with Tenovus if I am volunteering?
14. Can I leave if I don't like the role I'm doing?
15. How do I apply for a voluntary role?

 

1. Who volunteers with Tenovus?

We welcome people who wish to give us just some of their time, no matter how small.

Many of our volunteers are

• Recent graduates and students
• Unemployed or individuals that are currently taking a break from the job market and looking to get back into the workplace
• Retired people
• Anyone that would like to help us make a difference to cancer patients and their families

Please see our Meet Our Volunteers section to hear from some of our volunteers.

2. Are there any age limits to volunteering at Tenovus?

Whatever your age, there will always be a way for you to volunteer with us.

3. How much time do I have to give?

We are extremely flexible, just tell us how much you would like to give and we are more than happy to discuss all the options with you.

4. Do I need to make a regular commitment?

Not all roles require regular commitment. We can help you choose the role most suited to your availability.

5. Do you pay volunteer expenses?

Yes! Details and limitations will be discussed during your induction to the charity.

6. What skills and experience do I need?

This will be dependent on what role you are applying for and are detailed on each role description.

If you do not think you currently hold the relevant skills or experience mentioned, don't panic! This can be discussed at your first meeting with the Volunteer Development Manager once you have applied.

7. Do you ask for references or carry out any checks such as CRB?

Yes, details can be found on the volunteer application form.

CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks or disclosures provide an organisation with confidential and impartial information regarding a person's criminal record. Such checks are carried out on potential staff members and some volunteer roles, dependent on what role that is.

8. Will I get an interview?

You will be asked to come in for a chat with the Volunteer Development Manager.

This is not an interview, but an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have, find out more about the charity and the positions available.

9. Will I be given any training before I begin my role?

All volunteers will be invited to attend the 'Induction to Tenovus' training day prior to starting in your post.

All shop volunteers will undergo a separate training programme.

Further details can be found in Training for more information.

10. Will I have to report to anyone whilst I am volunteering for Tenovus?

You will be given a designated supervisor who will be responsible for you while you are volunteering with us.

You will also be given the support of the Volunteer Development Manager who will  meet with you on a regular basis to discuss progress and look at your development within the organisation.

11. Do you have a role where I can use my skills? None of the roles listed are   what I'm looking for.

We are always waiting to hear from people who have a particular skill that they think can help the organisation.

Contact us and let us know what you can offer.

12. Will volunteering affect my benefits?

No. In fact volunteering is now actively encouraged for unemployed people and will not affect the benefit payments you receive.

If you are seeking Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) you are free to volunteer so long as you remain available for work and you are still actively seeking employment.

If you are claiming Incapacity Benefit, Income Support and/or Disability Allowance, you can volunteer for as many hours as you wish.

See ­Meet Our Volunteers for Ian's story.

13. Can I apply for a paid position with Tenovus if I am volunteering?

Yes. One of the benefits of volunteering with us is that you will be able to apply for both external and internal vacancies.

Please see our Jobs section of the website for current vacancies.

14. Can I leave if I don't like the role I'm doing?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to discuss with your supervisor and the Volunteer Development Manager.

15. How do I apply for a voluntary role?

Please contact Head Office on 029 2076 8850 or volunteer@tenovus.org.uk for all opportunities.

Got a question that's not been answered above? Please do not hesitate to ask us on volunteer@tenovus.org.uk or by calling 029 2076 8850.