Volunteering can open door back to work, says British Red Cross

23 April 2009

Volunteering could be the key to getting people back into work, says the British Red Cross. Support announced in yesterday's budget to help the unemployed find training and work placements should recognise the value of volunteering in increasing job skills during the recession.

Since 2007, the British Red Cross has seen enquiries into volunteering and internship opportunities double.

Maryanne Burton, Head of Volunteering at British Red Cross said:
"The number of enquiries we've received has doubled as the recession as taken hold. In 2007, we were seeing around 300 enquiries a month, now it's over 600. We've also increased the number of internships to accommodate the growing number of people leaving education who are in need of work experience to help them get a foothold in the job market."

Yesterday's budget included support for JobCentre Plus to increase the number of training and placement opportunities available to job seekers. The British Red Cross urges JobCentre advisors to recognise the potential of volunteering as a route back into employment.

Maryanne Burton continued:
"The rise in unemployment is worrying and the government is right to look at ways to help people back into work, particularly the long-term unemployed. From our experience, the British Red Cross sees the potential of volunteering as a route into employment. Volunteering opportunities can help people build skills, confidence and self-esteem. It is important that any scheme aimed to reduce unemployment takes into account the potential benefits that volunteering can bring."

Warren Baldock, 19, started volunteering with the British Red Cross in 2008. He is now employed within their Home from Hospital scheme.

"At the moment the job market, especially for younger people, is almost non-existent. I found it very hard to find even part-time work when I was a student, and the recession has made the situation much worse. I know a lot of people are leaving university with degrees, but not finding work, so I think I've been really lucky".

Shaun Nash, 40, is a volunteer fundraiser for the British Red Cross in Cambridgeshire.
"Volunteering has been great for building my confidence. Through dealing with people face-to-face and on the phone, and the work I'm doing, I'm getting more of a feel for the work place again. The Job Centre have been very supportive, they can see the value of the work and the skills I'm learning."

For more information about volunteering or internships with the British Red Cross, go to: www.redcross.org.uk/volunteer or call 0844 871 11 11

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