Volunteering can be a great way to develop new skills, gain valuable experience and build your confidence while you're looking for work. It can also help you establish a routine, meet new people, explore different career paths and strengthen your CV. Many organisations welcome volunteers with no previous experience and will provide the training and support you need to get started.

If you're receiving benefits, you can usually volunteer while continuing to meet your job-seeking requirements. It's important to let your work coach or benefits adviser know that you're volunteering. Many organisations also reimburse reasonable travel expenses, and over time, volunteering can help you build references to support future job applications.

Download our information sheet: New to volunteering? What you need to know – a practical guide explaining how volunteering can support your journey into employment, what to expect when applying for a volunteer role, and how to use our Volunteer Hub to find local opportunities.