Volunteering at Locala is all about giving your time to do something useful, without getting paid (apart from reimbursement of travel expenses). In return, you get the satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference to someone's life. In addition, volunteering at Locala can be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and gain useful experience. It should also be fun!
Volunteers have a variety of roles within Locala, ranging from befriending, supporting new breastfeeding mums, meeting and greeting to assisting therapy staff with rehabilitation.
No! Anyone can apply to volunteer for us as long as they are at least 16 years old (although be aware that some roles require you to be 18 years old). There is no upper age limit.
Yes if:
This varies, but there is an element of commitment which will be agreed between you and your allocated supervisor. As a volunteer you are free to leave whenever you wish, but if things don't work out, or your circumstances change, it's good to talk things through with your allocated supervisor or the Volunteering Services Manager, and give them as much notice as possible.
Locala will reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, as long as you hand in your receipts. These can include mileage, car parking, public transport fares or meals (if you are volunteering for 6 hours or longer).
Yes, all of our volunteer roles require a DBS check. Whether it’s a standard or enhanced DBS check is dependent on the role.
Before you start volunteering you can expect to have a clear idea of what your role will be and training. Once you start, you will have an induction with your team and ongoing support from your Volunteering Services Manager, with additional training if necessary.
This will depend on your volunteer role. Everyone can volunteer, whatever their skills, experience or background, but some placements may require specific skills or experience.
We require two character references, these can be provided by current or previous employers, tutors, teachers and also by a friend, neighbour or the Job Centre. Please be aware we can’t accept references from relatives.
Yes, either your allocated supervisor or the Volunteering Services Manager will be able to provide a reference as long as you have volunteered for a minimum of 3 months. Please be aware we can only provide references for a period of up to 12 months after your leaving date.
A Volunteering Services Manager will be in touch to acknowledge receipt of your application. They will check through it to make sure you have completed it in full and meet the criteria of the role you’ve applied for. They will also check that the vacant shifts match your availability.
Your application will then be forwarded onto the relevant team for their consideration. Once the Volunteering Services Manager hears back from the team, they will get back in touch with you with further details about an informal interview as soon as possible.
