Volunteers make an enormous contribution to our work at Change Grow Live.
Last year over 1400 volunteers donated over a quarter of million hours of their time to our organisation.
Would you like to join our growing team of volunteers, and make a real difference?
Volunteers contribute to Change Grow Live in a variety of ways and each volunteer brings a unique set of skills and talents. We are incredibly grateful for all that volunteers do to support our service users.
Most of our volunteer opportunities don’t need any special qualifications. We’ll make sure you get all the training and support you need. All we ask is that you\'re kind, open-minded and passionate about supporting people.
Everyone is welcome at Change Grow Live. As a volunteer you will be treated with respect and accepted for who you are. You don’t need to have personal experience of drug and alcohol recovery to get involved.
Mark Webb | volunteer.westsussex@cgl.org.uk
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vocational Support Volunteer
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like Change Grow Live.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like Change Grow Live. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps Change Grow Live understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Change Grow Live
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show Change Grow Live how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Change Grow Live serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with Change Grow Live.
