Volunteer and keep your benefits

The booklet aims to dispel the many myths around barriers to volunteering while on benefits.

Minister McCausland said: “Research has shown that people who are unemployed and those on benefits are less likely to volunteer. The good news is that if you are on benefits you can be a volunteer as well and it is unlikely your benefits will be affected. This new booklet acts as a guide and explains the positive aspects of volunteering and the impact of any voluntary activity across a range of benefits.”

Many benefit customers do not know they can volunteer and are therefore missing out on a chance to learn new skills, build confidence and ultimately show employers or university selection panels what they can bring to the table. Volunteering is also a great way to find new interests, stay active and healthy and meet new people.

Claireann Murphy, a volunteer from Londonderry said: “I have been on Jobseekers since January 2012 and since then I have been taking part in volunteering opportunities, such as the St Patrick’s Day parade and Clipper Homecoming festival through the Kickstart programme at Derry City Council and North West Volunteer Centre. Volunteering has helped me become more involved in my community and I have met a diverse range of people. I feel I have also improved my chances of employability, through the range of training courses available when I volunteer and it doesn’t affect my benefits!”

In all 10,000 booklets will be distributed over the next few weeks to various benefit offices and to voluntary and community sector locations. It is also available on the DSD internet site. http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/volunteer_and_keep_your_benefits.pdf