Time is very often our most precious commodity. Volunteering is a commitment of time, enthusiasm and energy, given freely for the benefit of others in the community and environment in which we live. It is made by choice and without regard for personal financial gain.

Volunteering can be for as little as 2 hours a week. Some Charities may only require a monthly or even a quarterly commitment.

Benefits of Volunteering

Recognition that you have something to offer

• The chance to gain in confidence and to make a commitment
• Social contact by meeting new people
• Involvement in the community
• A challenge – create a sense of achievement
• Work experience
• An opportunity for personal development
• Training opportunities
• To cross the boundary from “helped” to “helper”
• An awareness of difficulties other people face
• A break with the past
• Structure to your day

The opportunity to help yourself by helping others, knowing that your skills are valued and you are contributing to the community.

Volunteering means making a commitment and following it through.
• What do you really enjoy doing?
• What are your particular interests and skills?
• Is your preference is to work with people on a one to one basis or to be part of a group?
• Are you “up for a challenge” or do you prefer something that you can do easily?
• Do you thrive in handling a crisis or are you prone to panic yourself?
• How much time can you commit and for how long?
• What day(s) and time(s) are you free?
• Are your own circumstances likely to change in the near future?

Remember, volunteering is exactly what it says and should only be entered into of your own free will.

How to become a Volunteer
One of the first steps in becoming a volunteer is to make an appointment to talk to one of the Volunteer Co-ordinators   at the CIRCA office at Level 2, Chester Street Car Park, Douglas (above Shoprite). Contact Kerry Bell or Maureen Crawford on 613713

Once a date has been agreed, the next step will be an informal chat where you'll be given a short application form to complete. This form gives us an idea of your skills and experience, but does not place you under any obligation. Click here for a form

After this is completed there then follows a general discussion about what sort of voluntary work you'd like to do. If you are not sure we can offer suggestions based on the information that you've supplied on your volunteer form. Once the interview is over, we then contact the organisation(s) in which you have expressed an interest. They, in turn, will get in touch with you.

At all times, the information you supply to us is kept confidential, and will only be released to the organisation(s) that you are interested in, and then only with your permission.

If you'd like to become a volunteer, or would like to talk to someone about the opportunities that are available, please contact us. Even after your visit there is no obligation for you to get involved.