Advice needed, volunteering, no work experience

puzzlehead

I am struggling with my mental health, I feel lonely and bored and can’t seem to get myself out of this black hole

I am 26 years old and feel like a complete failure

I don’t have any passions

I have no social life, all I do is stay home watching movies, go for walks with my dog and go places with my mum occasionally

I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder last year

I thought it might be good for me to volunteer somewhere as I have so much time on my hands but I have never done it before and I have never had a proper job before

I have an empty CV and about two qualifications from school

Will I even get a volunteer role?!

The few voluntary opportunities open near me are in retail but this really doesn’t appeal to me

I don’t know what to do

Razr

I hope this helps

https://www.gov.uk/volunteering

https://getvolunteering.co.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/volunteering-and-claiming-benefits

Razr

Razr

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/126934/advice-needed-volunteering-no-work-experience

see above

Razr

I used to volunteer for the National Trust and a local private garage and found it very rewarding personally, there are many opportunities for volunteering and also sometimes they will pay for you to get training

Applied to the National Trust as a volunteer gardener

The garage i just went and asked them and they got me doing all sorts of things, it was brilliant, i even got to do what i love and thats welding

The good thing about volunteering is you can find out what you do like by trying different things without it being detrimental to for instance your CV or employment record, volunteering can also be used on your CV

Mary_Scope

Hi @puzzlehead

It is good to hear you are thinking about volunteering. It can be a great way to meet other people, build up personal and professional skills. Plus it may even be an opportunity for you to find things you may be passionate or interested in such as looking after animals or helping other people etc.

I've linked below some websites that you can search by postcode for volunteering opportunities..

Volunteer roles | CharityJob

Vinspired | Unite, Impact, Inspire

Royal Voluntary Service - Opportunities

Razr

Thumbs up to you, You will never be knocked for volunteering, helping others to help yourself is never a bad thing, they always appreciate any help you give in my experiences

puzzlehead

Hi everyone

thanks for sharing the links

some places ask for a referee / references but i don’t have any 😬

as for my empty CV and no work experience i’m also worried i wont get picked

do i disclose that i’m autistic and have mental health issues?

what if they ask why i have no work experience?

Razr

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/955381#Comment_955381

Volunteering can be the first step towards work especially if you are disabled, if they ask you then i would be open and honest with them it will help them and you to get a placement that works for you both

Thanks puzzlehead, you have just helped me to understand my son better

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/developmental-coordination-disorder-dyspraxia-in-adults/

https://www.dyspraxicadults.org.uk/forums/index.php

Razr

see above Sorry i put those links in the wrong chat tab

puzzlehead

@Jimm_Scope @Rosie_Scope @Mary_Scope

@Community_Scope

could you give any advice please

i’m thinking of volunteering somewhere but some places ask for a referee / references but i don’t have any 😬

do i just leave that part blank?

i have no work experience, empty CV and i’m worried no one will take me on

do i disclose that i’ve had mental health issues and that i’m autistic?

what if they ask why i have no work experience?

Kaliwax

Is there any support charities near you that could help you?

If you are based in Yorkshire, I know of a particular Autism charity, who can help, free of charge.

puzzlehead

@Kaliwax i’m not sure,

i’ve referred myself to therapy maybe they’ll know

i know there a national autistic society branch the next county along maybe i could ask them?

Kaliwax

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/955406#Comment_955406

You could do, there is no downside in asking them.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @puzzlehead, you're not a failure at all, and the fact that you're looking forward and thinking about trying some volunteering is really positive.

For a referee, is there anyone who knows you that could give a character reference instead?

If where you're hoping to volunteer has an email address, you could try emailing ahead before you apply to explain your situation and ask whether there is an alternative to supplying a referee. If not, you could perhaps mention it on your application and tell them that while this will be your first experience of work, you're looking forward to gaining some valuable experience. I'm sure you won't be the first person and hopefully they will understand.

Even though you have no work experience on your CV, I'm sure you'll still have skills that will apply to a workplace environment. You can use your CV to show what skills you have that would be useful in the roles.

For example, if you're looking at admin work you can explain any computer skills you might have. If you were looking at roles with animals, you can highlight how you've cared for your family dog. It might seem silly but even things like researching your hobbies or interests can be turned into a skill that you can highlight. Or personality traits like if you're an analytical person, or perhaps you might like organising things (these are just examples!). There will definitely be skills and experiences from your life that will be really useful for volunteering.

It's up to you if you'd like to disclose about your autism and mental health issues and how much you'd like to tell them. Often it can be helpful for them to know so they can support you properly if you do start volunteering.

Everyone has to start somewhere, so please don't feel ashamed that you don't have any experience yet! I hope you find somewhere that can get you started and support you 😊

Razr

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/955403#Comment_955403

you could contact these puzzlehead, they will understand your position

https://theautismproject.org/get-involved/other-ways-to-support/volunteer

Get Involved

Volunteer

Help us to provide quality support, training, and programming that is accessible to children and adults with ASD, their families, and those who work with them.

puzzlehead

this isn’t in the UK? @Razr

Razr

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/955799#Comment_955799

My bad sorry

Google is your friend