Volunteering Questions answered

Over the years STARS has been asked many questions about volunteering and has now compiled the most commonly asked with answers below.

Please read through the answers to get a better feel for what it is like to volunteer with STARS!

What are the benefits of volunteering with STARS?
Where can I volunteer?
Who volunteers for STARS?
What skills and experience do I need?
I have a special skill to offer, how can I use this for the good of STARS?
What training and support will I be given?
How much time do I have to give?
Can I claim expenses?

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Many of our volunteers learn new skills and build up valuable work experience, which can help you get paid work in the future. Volunteering can be a lot of fun and is a good way of meeting people and finding new friends in your local area.

Other volunteers get great satisfaction from utilising their existing professional skills and experience for STARS. It is true to say, whatever your motivation, you can be sure that your efforts will be making a real contribution to the work of STARS (Syncope Trust and Reflex anoxic Seizures) the only organisation in the world providing support, information and advice to people living with a condition that will affect nearly half of us during our lifetime.

Where can I volunteer?

You could support one of STARS projects such as the Education ‘Shine a light on Education programme.

You could also help run one of our major events. We hold events such as raft races, charity balls and golf days all over the UK and need volunteers to help in the run up and on the day.

Some volunteers like to support us by holding regular awareness raising activities such as participation in fetes and coffee mornings. This work is very important in that STARS recognising the need to raise awareness at grass roots level therefore allowing people the opportunity to choose the health care most suitable for them.

Then there are our fundraising volunteers, dedicated to raising funds for our important work. The opportunities are endless and activities can be carried out anywhere in the UK. If you are interested in fundraising, our network of local volunteer champions will be on hand to offer you the advice and support you need to make your activity a success.

Who volunteers for STARS?

STARS has people from all walks of life volunteering for us. Retired people looking to put their experience and free time to good use.

Similarly, students and young people volunteer for us to gain much needed work experience and skills necessary to successful gain employment in later life.

Other volunteers are in full-time work but find the time to volunteer at evenings and weekends. See our case studies section and get a feel for the types of people volunteering for STARS. Please note that STARS is an equal opportunities employee (see statement)

What skills and experience do I need?

Most of our STARS volunteering roles do not require you have to have any experience or specialist skills. For example if you were to volunteer through supporting a major event, raising awareness or fundraising, STARS will provide all the training and information you will need to take on these roles.

If you are interested in our more specialist volunteering opportunities such as helpline support or project support we would always state in advance skills and experience necessary.

I have a specialist skill to offer, how can I use this for the good of STARS?

In the past people have come forward and offered STARS their professional skills and expertise for our cause. We have had support and benefited from the help of accountants, lawyers, DVD producers, web designers and auctioneers to name but a few of the professionals who have stepped forward to help us.

If you have a particular skill that you would be happy to offer stars in a voluntary capacity then please get in contact with our Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 01789 451832, or email volunteering@stars.org.uk

What training and support will I be given?

Whatever volunteering role you choose to carry out for STARS, we will make sure you are fully trained and supported throughout your time with us. STARS has a network of volunteers with volunteer champions covering designated regions. These champions will offer on the ground support, with our Volunteer Co-ordinator on hand at head office.

How much time do I have to give?

This really depends on your choice of volunteering role. If you choose to be a fundraiser or an awareness raiser these roles can be carried out as many or as few times as suits your life style. Organising an event will obviously take more time in the preparation and delivery and if you choose to volunteer for one of our projects we may well need your support throughout the period of the project.

Can I claim expenses?

STARS volunteers do not receive any payment for their work but you will be able to claim expenses so that you are not out of pocket.

For example, volunteers can claim travel expenses (previously agreed) and lunch should you be working for us for a full day.