The Volunteering team/ information service based at CAVO, can help you find volunteering opportunities in Ceredigion (including on the telephone/ online/ from home). We work with individuals, voluntary organisations, community groups and public sector organisations to promote volunteering opportunities and to support individuals to find volunteering that suit their needs.

What is volunteering?

Volunteering is activity which:

• is undertaken freely, by choice (no one can force you to volunteer)
• is undertaken to be of public/ community benefit (not for a family member)
• is not undertaken for financial gain (you may be reimbursed out of pocket expenses but you are not ‘paid’)

You might hear people talk about ‘informal volunteering’ or ‘formal volunteering’ but what do these mean?

Informal volunteering – is often described as being carried out without an organisation. Helping someone one-to-one such as a friend, neighbour or a community member. 

Formal volunteering is usually described as being carried out for or with the help or support of an organisation. These roles are often done on a certain time/ day, there may be training involved and potential volunteers may need to provide references and undergo a DBS check (police check) depending on the role. 

Volunteering can be a great way to try something new or pursue something you are passionate about. Share your skills or learn new ones – the choice is yours. 

Depending on what you would like to get out of your volunteering you can do something flexible which fits around your other commitments or could be something you do on an ongoing regular basis to provide structure and routine. 

There is a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available, there is bound to be something for everyone! Volunteering opportunities are found within health and social care, public services, the criminal justice system and many sport groups.

There are many volunteering roles available, including:

• Befriender
• Litter picker
• Volunteer driver
• Fundraiser
• Mentor
• Office volunteer
• Conservation Volunteer
• Repair cafe volunteer

 and many more,

There’s no limit to the ways you can volunteer. Opportunities exist both within your home and throughout your community. Some activities are flexible with changing locations (such as river cleans or fundraising events), whereas others are tied to particular locations (like assisting at a local library or charity shop). We believe there’s roles available for everyone!

Want to learn more?

Thinking about volunteering but still want to know more before deciding?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer but would like to learn more before you do so, you might find the short courses below useful (created by our friends in Carmarthenshire) You can access them instantly – no email or login needed – and work through them at your own pace.

Preparing to Volunteer

How volunteering can work for you

Other courses available include:

Get Ahead with Volunteering – Open University course – Get ahead with Volunteering 

Benefits of volunteering

Improved Wellbeing:

• Reduces stress, anger, and anxiety.
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem.
• Enhances social skills – connect with diverse people and build new friendships.
• Provides a sense of purpose and belonging to your community.
• Can contribute to physical activity and improved health.

Career Development:

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV.
• Access free training opportunities to develop new skills.
• Build strong professional relationships.
• Develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and organisation.
• Explore different career paths and gain hands-on experience in various work environments.
• Increase your employability and gain valuable insights into the job market.

For the community:

• Support vital community services: Contribute to projects that benefit local residents, such as youth clubs, dementia cafes, and environmental initiatives.
• Enhance community life: Participate in one-time events like festivals and carnivals to create a more vibrant and enjoyable community for everyone.
• Improve the environment: Contribute to environmental projects such as litter picking, tree planting, and wildlife conservation.

Youth Volunteering

We also support young people, delivering information sessions to schools, offering opportunities that align with the Welsh Baccalaureate and Duke of Edinburgh Award. If you’re looking to gain experience for your applications, complete required hours, or try something new, volunteering is a great way to achieve your goals.

Your volunteering will undoubtedly enhance your CV. You’ll gain practical experience to discuss during interviews and develop essential skills that employers seek.

Volunteer certificate scheme

CAVO’s Volunteer Certificate Scheme is a program we offer to Ceredigion organisations as a way to thank their volunteers for their contributions; these certificates formally recognise the time and dedication volunteers give to their community.  Get in touch if you are interest in receiving recognition for your volunteering.

…keen to know more?

If you’re keen to know more or want to discuss potential volunteering opportunities, contact CAVO’s Volunteering team at 01570 423 232 or email gen@cavo.org.uk

Volunteering Officers are available online, by phone, or in person to provide support and connect you with suitable organisations.

Contact details:

Telephone: 01570 423 232

Email: gen@cavo.org.uk

Follow us on Facebook @CavoCeredigion
for volunteering news, events and new opportunities.