Within our communities, we know of hundreds of voluntary and community groups that are seeking volunteers. Whatever your background, your reason for volunteering or your skills, we can help you to find the right opportunity for you.
Everyone can be a volunteer. (see the ‘Everyone can be a Volunteer’ section at the end of the page if you feel uncertain).
The range of opportunities is huge. We currently have over 300 opportunities to choose from including visiting, supporting older people, community libraries, outdoor work, driving, sports, arts, befriending and mentoring, administration and advice – to name but a few.
A-Z Directory of Volunteering.
Click here to see a detailed list of groups and organisations that are currently seeking volunteers and the volunteer roles that you can do.
If you would like help to find a suitable volunteering opportunity, please come and speak with us.
You can contact us in any of the following ways:
- Use the contact form at the end of this page,
- Ring the Boulevard Centre on 01254 583957
Call in during one of our DROP-IN Sessions.
- Tuesdays – 10am-12 noon – Community CVS, The Boulevard Centre, Railway Road, Blackburn, BB1 2EZ – click on this link to the contact page and map
- Thursdays – 12pm-2pm – Café HUB Foundry Street Darwen BB3 1DJ
- Fridays – 11am-12.30pm – Your Support Your Choice (opposite Blackburn Library main entrance) 9A Town Hall Street, Blackburn, BB2 1AG
Why Volunteer?
People who have become volunteers tell us that they have personally experienced great benefits from getting involved as volunteers.
Here’s a few examples:
- satisfaction of helping others
- enhanced well being
- feeling valued and appreciated
- feeling more connected and meeting new people
- doing something you enjoy, not just because you’re paid to do it
- gaining confidence and self esteem
- learning new skills or building on existing ones
- skills and references to help with getting paid work
- having fun!
Everyone can be a volunteer
If you have additional support needs this will not prevent you from volunteering and the Volunteer Centre will assist you to find an opportunity that is right for you. We have staff and volunteers that provide support for people in recovery from substance mis-use, ex-offenders, people with mental health problems or other long term conditions. If you have any concerns about any personal or external issues that you feel might cause you difficulty in accessing volunteering, ring or visit us at the Volunteer Centre.
We provide additional support to people through our projects:
Inclusive Volunteering
offering help to people who may have additional support needs because they have a physical or learning disability, or other difficult life circumstances.
Fast 4wd
offering help, training and support to people who have substance misuse issues and/or those who want to volunteer in the Substance Misuse Sector.
Volunteering on Prescription
for people who have low to mid-level mental health issues – we will support you get involved in volunteering at a pace and place that is right for you.
What you can expect as a volunteer
Once you start volunteering, you can expect payment of out-of pocket expenses (e.g. travel). You should also expect to be given a clear idea of what your role is, a nominated person to go to for help and supervision, and appropriate training & support. If you aren’t clear about anything, don’t be afraid to speak to an advisor at the Volunteer Centre or someone in the organisation you are volunteering for.
If you would like us to contact you to arrange a suitable volunteering opportunity please complete the Volunteer Enquiry Form , ring us or drop in ( nb link to previous text).
