FAQs

Please see below for some of the more commonly asked questions, if you need more information please call or email us.

What's in it for me?

Stay active and have fun
Volunteering is really good for your health!
It will boost your confidence
Being selfless makes you feel good
Your whānau will be proud of you
Enjoy new social and cultural interactions
Make a positive difference
Connect with your community
It's a nice break from routine
Develop existing skills and learn new ones
Gain work experience, boost your CV, gain a reference
Grow your networks

What positions do you have available?

A wide variety that changes all the time! Scroll through the positions via the ''Current Positions'' link (under Want To Volunteer) for a list.
What towns do you have positions in?

We list voluntary roles throughout the Mid and South Canterbury Region including Waimate, Mackenzie Basin, Fairlie, Geraldine, Timaru, Ashburton, Methven, Rakaia and Hinds. We might not have positions available in every area all of the time, but roles open and close frequently!

How do I get a voluntary position?

You can simply search for available positions online and apply for any that are of interest.
If you are in or near Ashburton or Timaru, you can contact us to arrange a time to come in to chat with one of our staff. During this time our staff member will discuss what volunteering you might be interested in, and show you what roles are available.

How much will it cost me?

Whether you come in and see us or sign up online, our volunteer placement service is free.

Do I need a C.V.?

No, not for the chat with Volunteer Mid and south Canterbury, however the organisations that you apply to may ask to see your CV.

Do I need qualifications?

There are some jobs which require a person to have specific qualifications. However, most of our jobs do not require formal qualifications.
Training is often provided on the job.

Will volunteering result in paid work?

Volunteer work gives you useful experience, contacts and a reference. Occasionally a volunteer position does become a paid job, but it is rare.

Do you check references or do police checks?

We will tell you if a police check is required for the role. We do not check references or do police checks when you apply for a voluntary position, however, many of our organisations complete these checks before you start your voluntary position with them.

What are my obligations?

Your obligations as a volunteer will include such things as turning up for work on time, doing the job to the best of your ability, and getting on well with the people with whom you are working.
You will be told what the organisation expects from you before you accept a job.
If you are a volunteer, you must take reasonable care of your own safety and take care not to do anything which could harm another person. You should follow all reasonable safety instructions given to you when you are volunteering at one of our member organisations, so that they can comply with their Health and Safety obligations.