Volunteering / voluntary working
Why volunteer?
Volunteering is a great start to add to your skills, finding an opportunity that’s right for you and giving something back to the community.
What are the benefits of volunteering for you?
- confidence booster – volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the opportunity to try something new and feel a real sense of achievement
- make a difference – volunteering can have a real, valuable effect on the community and its people
- meet people – volunteering helps you to meet different people and make new friends
- learn new skills – volunteering can help you learn new skills and gain valuable experience
- take on a challenge – as a volunteer you can challenge yourself to try something new and achieving some personal goals
Volunteering in the East Lothian countryside
You will find more information about volunteering in the countryside on the Countryside page.
Volunteering in sport
Volunteering in sport is a great way of putting back into your community. Become a coach, use your business skills to help behind the scenes or make a cup of tea on a Saturday. Find out more on the Active East Lothian website.
Volunteering in East Lothian and further afield
Find more information about:
- volunteering in East Lothian and elsewhere on the Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) website
- volunteering opportunities overseas on the Voluntary Service Overseas website
Share the Care
Share the Care is East Lothian Council's short breaks service for the families of children with disabilities. The service is run by the Children's Disability Team. It provides essential support to children with disabilities and their families by offering regular breaks in a carer's home, the child's home or the local community. These breaks:
- give children the opportunity to take part in different activities and make new friends
- give parents the opportunity to spend time with others or to recharge their batteries