Volunteering
Volunteering is a valuable way to find out more about a role, the organisation and the care sector. You will be exposed to different people and the work they do. It can also give you an insight into people’s lives you are helping and see the difference you can make. Having good exposure and work experience can help you find out what career you may be interested in and the skills and qualities you need to do the job.
Volunteering for organisations can be formal or informal arrangements and the length can vary. You will need to look at the organisation website to find out if they offer volunteering opportunities and contact them directly.
Local boroughs may have a volunteering scheme which can be found on their council websites:
- London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
- London Borough of Hackney
- London Borough of Havering
- London Borough of Newham
- London Borough of Redbridge
- London Borough of Tower Hamlets
- London Borough of Waltham Forest
- The City of London Corporation
Local health trusts may have a volunteering scheme which can be found on their websites:
- Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Barts Health NHS Trust
- Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- East London NHS Foundation Trust
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust
The following organisations offer volunteering opportunities for people looking to gain experience in care:
- Active Newham
- Befriending- Tower Hamlets and City of London
- JET at the Tower Project
- Newham Carers First
- Volunteering for Age UK East London
Also visit the Greater London Authority where you can find local volunteering opportunities in health and care.
Others looking to find out more about health and care work can also approach GP surgeries, local pharmacists and care homes with your CV. You will need to apply directly to the organisation and can find contact details on their website.
