Preparing for adulthood: Volunteering
Volunteering helps young people with special education needs or disabilities (SEND) build confidence, develop skills, feel valued and have a sense of purpose. It also opens doors to new experiences that build independence and lifelong skills.
In England your young person can leave school on the last Friday in June if they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.
They must then do one of the following until they’re 18:
- stay in full-time education, for example at a college
- start an apprenticeship or traineeship or supported internship
- spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training
Volunteering is unpaid activity and can be a great way to help your young person make career choices. They can test out different jobs to find out what they prefer and they’ll also gain experience, develop their confidence and skills that are useful in all careers.
There are lots of opportunities for young people to do voluntary work. Most local areas have a volunteer centre which will advise and guide you as to which opportunities would best meet your skills, aspirations and support needs.
Find out what the benefits are for the volunteer in this short video.
Find out more about volunteering from the careers advisor at your education setting or the National Careers Service.
More useful links
Community Links Bromley – Volunteering opportunities in and around Bromley
Do It - Nationwide volunteering opportunities
vInspired - Volunteering website for young people.
Careers Pilot Volunteering impartial careers advice and guidance
Do-it-org volunteering opportunities across the UK
Need more help
Contact the information, advice and support service for free, impartial information, advice and support for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Support is also offered to children and young people with SEND. They can also help provide information in a non-web format.