Volunteer

How it is used

Many social care and community services depend on volunteers, for example befrienders, mentors and food bank helpers. Volunteers are usually trained, supervised and checked for safety before working with vulnerable people.

Example sentences

1. A volunteer visits Mrs Kaya every Tuesday for a chat and a walk.

2. She volunteered at a refugee centre before training as a social worker.

Common collocations

• volunteer coordinator
• recruit volunteers
• trained volunteer
• volunteer at a charity
• volunteer work

Related terms

• NGOShort for non-governmental organisation: an independent, non-profit organisation that works on social, humanitarian or environmental issues.
• community engagementInvolving local people and groups in identifying needs, planning services and making the decisions that affect them.
• support groupA group of people with a shared experience, such as caring, bereavement or addiction, who meet regularly to share feelings, information and practical tips.
• outreachTaking services out to people where they are, such as on the street or in the neighbourhood, instead of waiting for them to come to an office.

More terms: Community Work

• community development
• social exclusion
• capacity building