Big Society, and volunteering.

[Mr Mystery]

So this is something I've been considering for a while. Over the past few years, I've been lucky, and managed to land myself a secure, well paying career job which I'm good at, helped by the mixture of skills and that I have acquired over my life.

And credit where credit is due, there are people out there whose voluntary efforts have helped shape me into a now happy and productive member of society, mostly through Scouting.

Now I feel it's time for me to give something back. Not through charity fundraisers, which I always feel to be slightly hollow (can you not just donate the money without the activity? Personal hang up there though), but by getting active in my local community.

Sadly, due to a long commute and shifting hours, Scouting isn't something I can currently support as a leader type, so my service of choice isn't open to me.

Do you reckon local churches might accept a non-attending (on account of non-belief) volunteer? More than happy to be subject to CRB checks, as I've had one for pretty much every job I've had, and I'm clean as a whistle. Element that appeals is assisting the elderly, as my surviving Gran and Grandad get a lot of help up in Scotland, but due to me living 500 miles away, it's difficult for me to contribute there. Even if it's simple things like getting their shopping in during poor weather, or mowing their lawn, I'm up for it, as in my mind it helps redress the balance.

Suggestions? Pointers?

[Kaptain Badrukk]

Try local hospices, they're often looking for volunteers. But be prepared for a really tough experience.
If not then national trust sites and other such things are always looking for volunteers, try arranging it with the people you work with, or your friends.
The company I work for do things like this a couple of times a year, we'll go clear rubbish from nation trust sites or similar, and it's a great bonding experience as well as a good way to give back.

[Deadlift]

I do try and help out with our daughters schools events, my wife's the chair of the PTA and a governor too so I don't get much choice. But it's good fun as long as I don't get stuck on toilet duty at the discos. I personally think any charity work you can do to improve the next generations lives is not only rewarding but an investment too. Even if the little ****s get on my nerves sometimes

[Mr Mystery]

Indeedy!

And the same goes for older folk as well. People around my own age (early 30's) can pretty much look after themselves. But retirees, and kids. All for helping them out.

[Wolfshade]

Firstly, the church *should* be more than happy for you help.
Secondly, there probably wouldn't be a requirement to have a CRB check initially at least as you wouldn't be responsible for the young people/vulnerable adults that you were dealing with. There is a confusion that sometimes happens when organisations think that any one who has anything to do with these groups requires a CRB check, when in reality it usually requires the overall "leaders" to be checked.
Thirdly, scouting is brilliant.
Fourthly, CRB checks are now transferable so you don't need one per organisation.
Fifthly, take up bell ringing it is a great voluntary service.

[Mr Mystery]

[url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24548023]And lo, the BBC Website did provide once again[/url]

Not sure I'd do the Coffee thing, as 1) I don't like coffee 2) I'd be paranoid it's going to someone who doesn't really need the service and is just being a cheapskate.

But the rest I'd do.