Volunteering

What is Volunteering?
Volunteering is an activity which takes lots of different forms: formal or informal, individual or in groups, inside or outdoors, locally or overseas.  Volunteering is an activity which can suit every lifestyle, ability, interest and skill, while also having lots of fun in the process! The activity of volunteering, or helping a community group of your own free will, can be described by a variety of terms: community service, activism, good Samaritan, pro bono work, civic engagement - the list goes on.  Whatever term is used, all volunteering is undertaken:

Why volunteer?
Some reasons people volunteer include to: learn new skills; share life experiences and skills; contribute to society by helping people who may be disadvantaged; meet new people; make new friends; give back to the community; make a difference; gain experience and contacts to help find paid employment; build self confidence; have fun; socialise; stay active and engaged with the community; and most importantly do something they've always wanted to do

How Can you help?
There are local volunteering opportunities within our organisation and the local Community;

  We need community out reach assistance in endeavour to help the Kenyan and African Communities integrate easily into the wider UK Community.

  We require volunteers for our events

  Send Us comments and suggestions about our services

  Fund our projects

CURRENT VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

  Teacher and helpers required for our Swahili Saturday Classes.

  Yarlswood befrienders- This is a be friending support service. You will be required to visit detainees at Yarlswood Immigration Centre and/or other detention centres in UK.

  Mentoring Opportunity available through Bedford Race Equality Council. This role involves helping children from ethnic minorities backgrounds having difficulties at school.

If you are interested in working with children, young people or developing projects in your area talk to us and we will find the ideal volunteer placement for you. We are especially interested in hearing from young people who wish to volunteer in their local community.

In return we offer:

development and support
opportunities to be part of a team, meet new people, make new friends
Valuable work experience

Principles of volunteering

Volunteers do not replace paid workers nor constitute a threat to the job security of paid workers. Volunteering:

• benefits the community and the volunteer
• work is unpaid
• is always a matter of choice
• is not compulsorily undertaken to receive pensions or government allowances
• is a legitimate way in which people can participate in the activities of their community
• is a vehicle for individuals or groups to address human, environmental and social needs
• respects the rights, dignity and culture of others
• promotes human rights and equality

**If you would like to volunteer in a field not mentioned above please do not hesitate to contact us. We will help you find opportunities through our partners**