Looking to help?
“Volunteering is time willingly given for the common good without financial gain”.
Volunteering can help you gain confidence, meet people, learn new skills, decrease social isolation, act as a pathway to employment all whilst you are doing something constructive within your community and making a difference!
Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering in your local community please contact the Barossa & Light Volunteer Resource Centre on 8563 8326 or by email: volunteer@barossa.sa.gov.au
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many organisations within our community that require volunteers and various roles available. The first place to visit would be barossa.sa.gov.au/volunteering which lists volunteer vacancies within the Barossa & Light area.
If you are interested in a particular role you should contact the organisation direct. You can then find out more information and what processes are involved to begin volunteering.
However bear in mind that at the moment many not-for-profit organisations are scaling back their operations to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19. All citizens must adhere to the latest Department of Health instructions. If you are feeling unwell or are in an at-risk category please prioritise your own well-being and do not put yourself forward to volunteer.
No, there is no guarantee that a suitable position would be available. Also the training involved within an organisation to become a volunteer may take a few months. Often in emergency situations organisations already have their own pool of volunteers to call on.
Informal volunteering is when you help out in your community but are not registered with an organisation or group. Eg. Shopping for your elderly neighbours, walking neighbours dog etc. Many informal groups have been set up through social media channels to assist during this pandemic.
Remember to ensure that your health and safety is considered and understand that informal volunteering doesn’t afford the same level of protection as formal volunteering through an organisation.
Depending on the organisation you will probably need to attend an interview. You may be asked questions regarding your previous work experience, both paid and voluntary, discuss your skills and qualifications and provide the names of referees. You may also need police checks.
This is entirely up to the individual organisation. If you are required to have any checks done (for example a Working with Children Check) the organisation will begin the process for you and should cover any costs involved. If you already have a satisfactory check from another group this may suffice.
Organisations are not legally required to reimburse volunteers for out of pocket expenses eg travel costs. Please check with individual organisations.
Ensure you follow best practice Australian Government health guidelines for preventing the spread of Coronavirus, including:
- If you are feeling unwell – stay at home, self-isolate and DO NOT volunteer
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly with soap and water
- Avoid touching anything where possible – Wash hands after touching objects, goods, money, door handles etc
- Use hand sanitiser if soap and water is unavailable
- Ensure you practice social-distancing
- Avoid physical contact with others such as shaking hands, hugging etc
Do not enter individual homes – leave items at front door where possible – phone or message recipient to let them know you have delivered goods/items.
If you are attending people’s homes try and go with another person (ensuring social distancing protocols).
If not possible to go in pairs let someone know where you are going, how long you intend to be away, when you will be back etc.
Take a mobile phone with you in case you need it.
Look after your own physical and mental health – Supporting others who are isolated and lonely can also affect your own emotions.
Only do what you are comfortable and capable of doing.
If you think a person is in need of additional assistance let someone know.