It supports volunteers to make a valued contribution to their communities, and to develop new skills, interests, confidence and independence.

“When I went to the Volunteer Centre after a period of isolation, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was offered a lot of support to choose and start with a project which has worked out perfectly for my needs and has allowed me to build a bridge back in to the community - the experience is really helping me to move forward.”

A+ Volunteering also works with organisations, helping them to effectively involve and engage with a diverse range of volunteers.

If you decide you would like to volunteer, there is a flexible range of support available. You choose how much or how little support you need.

There are lots of benefits to volunteering: it can increase your current skills, knowledge or confidence, involve you in the local community, add experience to your C.V, give you an up-to-date reference, make productive use of your spare time and provide an opportunity to make new friends.

If you have been unemployed for a while it can act as a stepping stone back into paid employment but with more flexibility than is often possible with paid work. You’ll be able to choose how many hours you work a week and each voluntary placement will tell you how many weeks or months they require as a minimum commitment.

You won’t be paid for your volunteer work, but you will receive expenses for any costs which arise as a result of your volunteering: for example, travel expenses, or lunch expenses if you volunteer over a certain number of hours.

Volunteers have access to a wide variety of opportunities across the borough of Kensington & Chelsea – the same as any other volunteer getting in touch with the Volunteer Centre. These opportunities include working with children or older people, working in a kitchen, office or garden, and working in a charity shop.

You can choose a project which builds on your existing interests and skills, or try something totally new! You choose what you would like to do are over 300 different vacancies at the Volunteer Bureau to choose from. Such as: gardening, office work, befriending, youth work, graphic design, childcare and art projects. All placements are within Kensington & Chelsea. If you don’t live in the borough you can still volunteer but you will be expected to work here.

The first step is to meet with Frances 1:1 for an informal discussion about what kind of volunteering you are interested in doing, and what support you would like to help you get started.

This meeting is usually held at the Volunteer Centre, but if it is difficult for you to get to our office in Ladbroke Grove, please let us know and we will arrange an alternative, more convenient location.