Who can volunteer?
The simple answer is anyone! There are limited opportunities for people aged under 18 (please call us on 0845 33 00 148 (UK) or 00 44 1539 814 682 from overseas for advice). There is no upper age limit. Vitalise actively welcomes people from all backgrounds and countries.

Why volunteer?
There are lots of reasons why people volunteer, but our experience suggests these are some of the prime reasons:

• To do something useful and rewarding with your spare time
• To put something back into the community
• To gain valuable life skills and experience
• To undertake student placement or work experience in the care sector
• To develop your personal skills and build your confidence
• To enhance your CV and job prospects
• To do something totally different and challenging!

When can I volunteer?
Our Vitalise shops and Vitalise offices need volunteers all year round.

The five Vitalise Centres also need volunteers all year but particularly in the spring and autumn.

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Can I still volunteer if I’m receiving benefits?
Yes, you can volunteer and still receive your benefits. Read the DWP guide to volunteering on benefits.

Can I volunteer if I have a disability?
We welcome everyone. If you have a disability or additional needs that you think may affect your volunteering then please contact us and we will be glad to advise you.

How long can I volunteer for?
Residential volunteers at a Vitalise Centre usually help for a week or two at a time. The weeks run from Saturday to Saturday (or currently Wednesday to Wednesday at Vitalise Churchtown).

If you are available for a longer period then please contact us for advice and guidance. If you wish to stay for longer than two weeks, prior arrangement must be made. Please contact the Vitalise Centre direct or the Volunteering Team for advice on longer term opportunities. There are currently NO long term opportunities available until mid-2009.

To help on a daily basis in your local Vitalise Centre, please call the Centre direct. You can find their details in the Our Centres or Contact Us sections.

What's the process?
You can book your volunteering place as far in advance as you wish. See the Register to Volunteer page for full details on booking a place.

Why do I need to have a background check?
Volunteers working in our Vitalise Centres need to undergo rigorous background checks including Enhanced Disclosures (police record check). For more information on what this involves read the Criminal Records Bureau information.

Vitalise Centres are regisered for care and nursing and it is a formal requirement for us to carry out such checks as it is our duty to protect our staff guests and volunteers.

What does it cost?
Nothing! As a residential volunteer, all your food and accommodation is provided along with insurance and help with travel costs (within mainland Britain) up to an annually agreed maximum. Of course, if you wish you can help raise funds by sponsorship and donations to help cover these costs. This can make a big difference in keeping our costs down.

What is the volunteer accommodation like?
Accommodation at the Vitalise Centre is usually shared. There are, however, some single rooms available. There are ample showers and other facilities (including internet access).

Do I get pocket money?
Sorry, no, unless you are a long-term volunteer coming to us through a recognised agency.

Who else will be there?
Along with the guests (people with disabilities, and carers) for that week, there will be loads of other volunteers too, some short term, some long term, so you won't be on your own.

I have no experience, does it matter?
No. Most of our first time volunteers have no experience either. You'll be given training and support to carry out your role and there are plenty of staff around to ask if you need help or advice.

What is the work like?
Be prepared for hard work and pretty long hours. We want to give our guests as much opportunity to have a good time as possible and you play an important role providing support and independence. There's a lot of socialising and helping on outings and activities, as well as providing basic personal assistance on an individual basis. You won't be asked to provide intimate care or undertake any task you feel uncomfortable with. Read the What to Expect and Volunteer Stories pages for more info.

Do you have extra information for overseas volunteers?
Most of the information is the same whether you are a UK or an overseas volunteer. But please read the Overseas Volunteers page and the overseas section of the Register to Volunteer page carefully.