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Your community

Donating just a few hours each week can make a real difference within your local area. From helping to run a community based recycling scheme through to providing support over local health issues, there are many ways to help.

Many local projects also provide 'commitment free' options for people with limited time. For example, if you have a free day one weekend, you can pop along to a footpath clearance project and spend a few hours helping out. No prior skills or training are required and everyone 'mucks in' with the tasks.

The Community Service Volunteers website provides information on what's available and examples of structured local projects. You can also contact your local council for information about projects supported in your area.

• Community Service Volunteers (CSV) Opens new window
• Find your local council

Seeing the difference

Many community volunteers opt for local projects so they can actually see the difference their time makes. Physical changes, such as improving parks and open spaces may be immediate and make the environment a better place to live. Volunteers can also see social changes from assisting those who are socially deprived and help to build confidence and skills.

Case studies

One of the best ways to find out about volunteering is to read case studies of people who already provide their time.

Men's health

Richard, 43, got the bug for volunteering when he was working in the construction industry. Realising that a lot of people needed essential building work on their houses, but couldn't afford it, he decided to dedicate at least one day a year to working for free.

Later, after experiencing health problems himself, he helped set up National Men's Health Week plus many other projects, including Pride Not Prejudice, an annual event bringing Gypsy and Traveller communities together with the police.

Concrete to Coriander

Sheby volunteers on the "Concrete to Coriander" a project run by CSV Environment and the Bangladesh Women's Garden Club at Small Heath Park in Birmingham. The project allows people to use existing gardens, many of which have been long abandoned, as allotments to grow fruit and vegetables.

"I started volunteering on the project four years ago. I found out about it because my mother was the chairperson of the project. Now it is a thing that my whole family enjoy. Even my kids come along on the school holidays and they love it."

"Volunteering with Concrete to Coriander is a great opportunity to meet people from the community and talk and laugh with them. It is also a good way to keep fit and healthy"

More useful links

• Community Service Volunteers (CSV) Opens new window
• Find a volunteering opportunity with Do-it Opens new window
• Volunteering England website Opens new window
• Timebank website Opens new window
• Charities and community groups