Ways to volunteer

Volunteering is one of the best ways to make a difference in your community. Whatever your passion, in whichever way you get involved, volunteering offers a way to have a real and lasting impact on the world. 

As a volunteer, you can make a difference in the health and wellbeing of your community, no matter how small or big.

Volunteer and support your community in the following ways:

• Help out as a volunteer firefighter, assisting with search and rescue, delivering meals to homebound seniors or help monitor phone calls at support centres.
• Keep our neighbourhoods, parks, rivers and green spaces clean and safe for everyone.
• Mentor, teach, coach and support young people with school homework, sport and life skills.
• Find out how you can help the homeless in your community.
• Help out at animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres.
• Provide support during natural disasters.
• Build houses and schools and repair infrastructure in vulnerable communities.
• Lead historical tours in your town and city.

This should give you an idea of the wide variety of ways you can give to your community by volunteering.

The benefits of giving your time

You can:

• develop skills, 
• learn more about career options,
• make friends,
• make new professional contacts, 
• keep fit, 
• spend time outdoors, with seniors, children or animals, and
• it will help you change your routine.

Volunteering should be a selfless act, but why can’t giving back and meeting your  personal goals not happen at the same time?

To find the right volunteer work for you, you need to be honest about what you hope to learn and achieve while helping others. Enjoying volunteer work helps you to grow as a person but also allows you to effectively contribute to your community.

What are charitable organisations and NGOs?

Charitable organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) provide services which government isn’t able to provide. Some of these organisations are partially funded by government.

There are various charitable organisations which need support. This support could range from donating food and clothes to shelters to volunteering your time to assist in the organisation's initiatives.

Organisations vary greatly in focus areas and include categories such as social upliftment and empowerment to animal welfare and environmental causes.

How do I donate responsibly?

The Department of Social Development encourages donating responsibly to organisations and not giving money to beggars, but rather to encourage them to seek assistance from social upliftment organisations.

Which organisations should I support?

Charitable organisations aim to provide social upliftment by assisting those who are unable to assist themselves. While it’s generally considered that donating items and one's time is accepted and appreciated, it’s best to consult the relevant organisation which you wish to assist. You should also do some research into the organisation to find out about their work.