Why Volunteer?

Future Directions offer all of our volunteers the opportunity to attend our training induction days. Here you will learn a wide range of skills to enhance your volunteering placement. As well as learning new skills and enhancing your existing skills, you can also expect to:

• Make a difference.
• Feel welcomed and respected.
• Be given tasks to suit your motivations.
• Feel confident to do the task.
• Feel part of the team.
• Feel secure and supported.
• Feel your skills are being utilised.
• Explore new careers and upgrade skills.
• Face new challenges.
• Develop creativity and expertise in areas of personal interest.
• Build self esteem.
• Gain knowledge about the problems of the community.
• Share your hobbies and interests with others.
• Improve future employability.
• Make new friends.
• Investigate a possible career change.

Is volunteering for me?

How do you know that volunteering is for you? Take a look at the essential personal attributes below, these are key to becoming a great volunteer.

Essential personal attributes:

Enthusiasm – a positive attitude is vital.
Common sense – knowing the difference between right and wrong.
Non-judgmental – being able to take an objective view of a person’s problems.
Awareness – being able to recognise other people’s needs.
Reliable – willing to devote a set amount of time regularly.
Compassionate – having and empathy with the plight of a particular person or situation.
Committed – demonstrating your passion for a cause.
Self-confident – able to work both autonomously and as part of a team where necessary.
Good communication – able to relate to both fellow workers and make suggestions for improvements.
Self-assured – able to take constructive criticism.
A shared interest in people who we support activities - i.e. watching Burnley play football. long walks, fishing, cinema, bowling, gardening.