Unemployed and volunteering

[DannyG]

Hi all

does anyone have any advice about volunteering? I’ve been unemployed for 4 months I get interviews but no job offers.

Ive been trying for volunteer roles and I get no response. I call and leave messages or send emails - nothing.

is anyone else going through similar and feel like sharing their thoughts?

Thanks:) D

[geoff]

Hi Danny, can I ask you and I mean no harm in saying this, but you might need to get things like a police check or a working with children check (WWC).

They don't cost any money but once you have these, then your chances would be much better.

In Victoria you can access this by copy and paste 'Victorian Government's volunteering website'.

-State Emergency Service

-Life Saving Victoria

-Meals on Wheels

-Conservation Volunteers

-Wildlife Victoria

-hospitals but I would try and get those checks WWC and police check this will help you so much.

Geoff.

[AndyR]

Hi Danny

Your experience mirrors mine in both the job search and in finding roles for volunteering. I'm still doing both and it isn't easy.
Geoff mentioned the two checks that are often needed. They do cost but are certainly worth having. My employment service provider paid for the checks I needed as not having them was a barrier to participation so I'd suggest raising this with your consultant next time you see them.
VolunteeringVictoria.org.au is a good place to begin searching, being the peak body.
From my own experience I found having a clear idea about the area of interest in which I thought I could offer skills helped in finding opportunities. One of these developed into some casual employment which while not frequent is regular/
So hang in there and keep trying even if at times it feels too tough. And speak woth your employment consultant about how they can help
regards

Andrew