Why volunteer?
Good for your community. Good for you.
By volunteering you can help change lives and grow communities. Evidence shows that people who volunteer see improvements in their mental health and wellbeing, and feel more connected to the place and people around them. Some research even suggests that volunteers can live longer!
Mimi's story
“I started volunteering in the community when I was fourteen, at a local Cheshire Home. Since then I have continued to do so in various different settings over the years. I started with HIP just before retiring as a nurse from the NHS.
I had been to several of the concerts performed in Hastings by the young pianists from all over the world. I had not realised that this is only possible because of the support of volunteers who host the young performers in their own homes so that they can feel welcome into a family environment when they are so far away from home. I have had some as young as 16 years old staying with me.
Volunteering, for me, has brought new friendships and experience. I can also see the opportunities that this brings for our local children who get to experience the skills and enthusiasm the pianists have for their art. I am grateful to have had the chance to work alongside these young people and support HIP in their endeavours to nurture the potential of our local children.”
FAQS
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I want to volunteer. What should I do?
You can find advice, plus a range of possible volunteering roles on our website.
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I can't commit to regular volunteering. What do you suggest?
There is a really wide range of opportunities out there, including ad-hoc/occasional roles. Some roles, such as festival or events,may ask for commitment for as little as one “shift” per year.
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Can I volunteer if I'm under 18 years old?
Because of the sort of things you might be doing, some volunteering roles require people to be over 18 years old. But there are options out there for you if you are under 18, and we are often contacted by younger people doing their Duke of Edinburgh awards looking for ideas. Get in touch with [email protected] to discuss.
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I work or have childcare commitments. Can I volunteer?
Many volunteering roles are flexible and can fit around existing commitments.
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I receive benefits? Can I volunteer, or will this affect my benefit entitlement?
In short, you absolutely can volunteer whilst in receipt of benefits, and many people find volunteering a good way to gain confidence, upskill, remain connected to their community and more.
Depending upon the type of benefit you receive, there are some restrictions around maximum number of volunteering hours and what type of expenses you are allowed to receive, but you can find some some very helpful and information about this on the NCVO website.
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Volunteering is good for my mental health? Tell me more!
Reasearch consistently shows that people who volunteer feel it improves their mental health and wellbeing, as well as boosting confidence and giving people a sense of personal achievement. You can find out more in the NCVO ‘Time Well Spent’ survey from 2023.
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What if I can't find a volunteering opportunity that suits me on the HVA website?
The list of opportunities on the HVA website is not exhaustive, and new volunteering opportunities spring up regularly. You might be able to find other suggestions on Tribe, which shows volunteering roles throughout East Sussex (including Hastings). If none of the opportunities on our website or on the Tribe website feel like the right fit, get in touch. We may be able to help you explore other options based on your interests, skills, availability and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
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Rother Voluntary Action
Support, advice and volunteering opportunities for communities and organisations across Rother.
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Community Action East Sussex
Support for voluntary and community organisations across East Sussex, including funding advice, training and resources.
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Sussex Community Development Association
A community charity supporting people and organisations across Sussex through projects, partnerships and local services
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Tribe Volunteering Platform
Find local volunteering opportunities across East Sussex and connect with organisations looking for volunteers.
Not sure what's right for you?
You can explore current volunteering opportunities on our website. If nothing feels quite right, get in touch using our online form and we’ll help point you in the right direction.