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[how to volunteer]

We are currently reviewing our policy; whilst we are doing this we do not have any volunteering opportunities. This will change in the near future, if you would like to contact us please call or email us using the details below.


Our volunteers make a valuable contribution to the work we do and we're always grateful for the time and commitment they give to help our clients make positive changes to their lives. If you'd like to volunteer with NORCAS, we'd love to hear from you.

 

Why volunteer with NORCAS?

  • You can help us deliver services that make a real difference to the lives of others, not just those with addiction and dependency problems, but their families too.
  • You can meet new people and work as part of a friendly team, who will help and support you.
  • You can receive training, learn new skills and gain valuable experience, which can open up new opportunities in your career.
 

A volunteer's story

"I originally heard about NORCAS when I was training to be a counsellor. I needed to get a placement to complete 100 hours' counselling as part of the final year of my training course. I applied to become a volunteer counsellor and after an interview was offered a placement. My responsibilities as a volunteer counsellor were to carry out 1:1 counselling and assessments, and I continued to do this voluntarily after I completed my 3-year college course.

I found NORCAS to be a fantastic organisation. As a volunteer I was provided with relevant training, supervision and support as well as being made to feel really welcome within the team. I wasn't treated differently to any other member of paid staff and was encouraged to apply for jobs within the organisation when they arose. I enjoyed working for NORCAS so much that I did apply for a job and I now work delivering the Drug Rehabilitation Requirement group and 1:1 GamCare counselling.

I would recommend volunteering to anyone wanting to get back into work or change careers. I learnt a huge amount from it and it has facilitated a change in career for me, which may not have happened if I hadn't had the opportunity to volunteer at NORCAS." Kate Lawrence

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I need in order to volunteer?

It varies, depending on the role you are interested in and how much time you would like to give. It is often possible for roles to be adapted so that a volunteer with less time available can still become involved. Some roles require regular hours, others can be self determined.

Will I be interviewed?

Again, this depends on the role. All volunteers will have to talk to a member of staff (or two) about why you are interested in volunteering, what your skills and strengths are and what you would like to get out of it. This is an informal discussion and is as much an opportunity for you to find out more about the organisation as for us to find out what you are interested in.

Do I need qualifications?

Not necessarily. For most roles you might need particular skills or experience but qualifications are not essential. If you are looking to volunteer as a counsellor then you will need to be, as a minimum, studying for your diploma. Complementary therapists will need to have a relevant qualification their own insurance.

Do I get my expenses paid while I volunteer?

All reasonable out of pocket expenses are reimbursed. It is always a good idea to check with our volunteer manager that an expense will be reimbursed before making a purchase.

Can I claim benefits whilst volunteering?

Yes, you can. Volunteering shouldn't affect your right to benefits, as long as the only money you receive is to cover your volunteering expenses, such as travel from home to the volunteering location. There are no limits on the amount of time you can volunteer for as long as you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit or tax credit you are receiving. For example if you receive Jobseekers Allowance you must still be actively seeking a full-time job, able to attend job interviews at 48 hours notice and available to work at one week's notice. You should also inform your benefits advisor before you start.

Can I leave if I don't like it?

Yes. If you are not enjoying your volunteer activity you need to speak with the volunteer manager as soon as you start to feel unsettled. There might be something that we can do to help you enjoy your time, perhaps by providing more training or adapting the role in some way. If you still are not happy, you are able to leave at any time, but the more notice you can give the better.

If any of your questions have not been answered here, please get in touch with the volunteer manager for further information.Contact details

 

Contact us

For more information about how you can volunteer with NORCAS, please get in touch. Contact details

 

Find out more about us

If you're interested in volunteering and you'd like to read more about our ethos, history and services, you can find out more about us here.