by Paul Malloy

Even though there are around 68,000 volunteering opportunities on the do-it database, it's still possible that you might not be able to find something suitable.

Perhaps you feel that you don't have the time or that you are "not the kind of person who volunteers". If so, why not try starting closer to home.

For example, many of us know elderly people who are becoming more isolated, possibly through bereavement or lack of opportunity to meet new people.

Helping neighbours in need is the most basic form of volunteering. But a friendly word or some help with household chores can be of real value.

From there, it's a short step to getting involved with an organisation such as Age Concern. As Age Concern's Melanie Beardon explains, "Age Concern is the largest organisation working with and for older people. We are a federation of independent local charities so we work in communities providing local services for local people."

You will find lots of Age Concern volunteering opportunities on the do-it database - roles such as befriending, administration or just general helping out at groups and meetings that can make a real difference to the quality of life of people in your area.

Give blood

Another simple way to contribute is by blood donation. It's a simple process, but an important one. You are asked to donate every four months. On each visit you complete a questionnaire that requests some personal information, such as whether you use drugs or are sexually promiscuous, but these are necessary to ensure that your blood is suitable.

Your finger is pricked to check the haemoglobin levels are safe to donate, and then you lie down on a bed where a needle is quite painlessly inserted into a vein in the crease of your elbow to draw a pint of blood.

For most the whole process lasts less than an hour, after which you will be asked to remain for a while until your body adjusts and a plaster is applied. As a regular donor, I can testify to how easy, convenient and painless donating is. You won't find many other volunteering opportunities where the main requirement is to lie still, save perhaps for charity fundraising by lying in a bathtub filled with baked beans!

With many donation sessions available it is always convenient for me to give blood at a time that fits around my schedule and they are located in areas accessible by buses.

Once you've given blood you might like to volunteer with The National Blood Service, perhaps to recruit people who have the same fears or apathy you had. Or you could look at the do-it database - there is a wealth of opportunities in the health field, many of which require no previous experience.

Further information:

Age Concern

National Blood Service

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