Volunteering: Working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Sutton Jobcentre Plus

Volunteer Centre Sutton is working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Sutton Jobcentre Plus to highlight how volunteering can help local people move towards employment.

As part of this work, we have been engaging with jobseekers, DWP staff and the wider local community to raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering and the opportunities available across Sutton.

DWP news articleRecently, Volunteer Centre Sutton was invited to attend a DWP Careers Fair at Wallington Library, where we had a stall and were able to speak with several DWP clients about volunteering. The event provided an opportunity to explain how volunteering can help people gain practical experience, develop new skills, build confidence and strengthen their CV, while also connecting with their local community.

Case study: Koileswari’s volunteering journey helped her gain key skills, confidence, and experience, paving the way to secure a paid role successfully. Read more...

Case study: After 15 months volunteering with Volunteer Centre Sutton, Sarita moves into paid work, carrying valuable skills and experience gained while supporting her local community. Read more...

Jo at DWP talking to 18-24

We were aloso invited to speak to 18–24-year-olds about the benefits of volunteering for work. For young people starting out in their careers, volunteering can be a valuable way to gain experience, explore different areas of work and develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and reliability. It can also help individuals build confidence and demonstrate their skills to future employers.

An important part of our partnership has been working directly with DWP staff to discuss how volunteering can be recommended to clients. We have shared information about the types of opportunities available and how Work Coaches can signpost clients to Volunteer Centre Sutton for further support in finding a suitable volunteering role.

We have also produced tailored information for people looking for work, explaining how volunteering can help build skills, experience and confidence, strengthen a CV and support the journey towards employment. This resource gives jobseekers practical information about the benefits of volunteering and how to get started, with signposting to Volunteer Centre Sutton for further support. 

How Can Volunteer Centre Sutton Help You to Volunteer? Find out more