Volunteering

Thank you once again everyone.

I'm finding your own stories really interesting to read, and appreciate the pointers.

I'm currently on the waiting list for caring for animals on a community farm and also for several roles that hopefully may arise at two country parks fairly nearby.

Regarding the country parks, there will be an induction in around a month to meet people and look at roles that may be available.

Waiting lists tend to happen here because I'm in a highly populated area of England.

I used to volunteer at an orchid nursery. That was very enjoyable, and while it involved a little bit of public stuff for shows and talks, it was about special interest and so much less difficult and the majority was work in the greenhouse and propagation lab. That project has now sadly finished, but the person who ran it is now running one in the south west if you're on that side of the country. 

I've also volunteered for botanic gardens which I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend you have a look around and see if any local gardens are wanting volunteers, as it's usually about caring for plants rather than talking to people and most provide training if needed.

Nowadays I volunteer in as a first aider at events and in health care settings, which you'd think would be exhausting socially, but actually it's nearly all script based anyway, and as first aid is also a special interest of mine, it is great for exercising the skills I do have, while also controlling the quantity I do at a time. The people I work with are also amazing, with a fair few other autistic people, so it's not just me. I also do a bit of outreach first aid training, which again, is just info dumping about special interest in a professional setting where people have to listen :) 

Reading this it strikes me as odd, how many charities have waiting lists of potential volunteers, but others really struggle to attract anyone!

ErisBee said:

Whatever you decide, good luck

Thank you + for your interesting post.

ErisBee said:

Something I’m trying to work on as I really want to work with animals and bees.

All the best.

Bees are brilliant.

Growing up I was always interested in working with animals, specifically bees, and remember writing to a lot of different places. When I was 21 I got a fabulous activity helping out in a vets practice, I loved it, got to see so many cute and sweet animals every day. The downside was the noise, it could be a loud environment and that was a struggle in the end. Worth noting if you consider volunteering in a veterinary practice. I also found it to be an exhausting experience, that might just be a me thing though…I get tired out easily it turns out.

Since discovering I was autistic when I was 25 (28 now) I haven’t managed to volunteer or work anywhere else. I get burnt out quickly in unfamiliar environments. Something I’m trying to work on as I really want to work with animals and bees.

If you have a pet shop nearby you could also see about volunteering there as well. My brother started off volunteering in a pet shop, then he worked there properly about five years later, he really enjoys it. I liked the idea but that particular shop had snakes for sale and I can’t be near them because they creep me out. Lol.

When it comes to volunteering/working with animals there’s lots of options to choose from. Just be careful that the noise and smells don’t affect you too badly. This for me was the most challenging part.

Volunteering can be tiring but I found it very rewarding at the time. Whatever you decide, good luck!

I just wanted to say a big 'thank you' to everyone on here as I haven't replied individually to everyone.

I really appreciate your input and if you are a volunteer, the work you do.

It's actually very helpful as ideas are here that I hadn't considered.

The record stands at ten minutes after I cleared a section of roadside before someone dropped a small bag of litter. I do not let it get me down but adopt a get up and go attitude. Please do give it a try as it is very rewarding and allows you to meet people without putting pressure on you.  

Hello Debbie, I volunteer for sustrans, the cycle path network charity, and pick litter and clean graffiti off the cycle path signs.  I do it on my own and find it rewarding being out close to nature.  I get lots of thanks from members of the public using the paths. If it appeals to you, have a look at the sustrans website and contact your local sustrans co-ordinator through the site.  www.sustrans.org.uk/.../

LucyLandRover said:

when collecting up to 14 bags in a day

Well done you.

It's an idea - I think it would make me annoyed though because of the people who have done this.

Food for thought.

Thank you.

Hello, I volunteer as a litter picker and work alone on the moors. I did this through my local council who ran an ad and applied. Maybe there is something like this in your area? I love the work and being able to go out where and when I chose to and to make a difference when collecting up to 14 bags in a day. I meet some great people and many wave as they drive past. It is hard and dirty work but I have high viz and gloves and bags provided as well as a picker.

I find with volunteering there's often much less pressure on the social front. Sometimes it can involve tasking alongside another without pressure of being social. 

SpikeyMark said:

It would involve being on hand in classes to make drinks and help people with any class tasks

I think you'd be very good at that.

You sound like a helpful, caring personage.

All the best with this.

I'm looking to volunteer with autistic adults as part of the group that I am a member of.

It would involve being on hand in classes to make drinks and help people with any class tasks.

I was in an art gallery today and it appears that most of the people working there were volunteers.

I'd find it hard nowadays to work closely with people who want to talk to me a lot - I tend to leave the room when people are chattering.

However, it shows that there are many opportunities to meet people by volunteering, and many and various volunteering opportunities.

TheCatWoman said:

What about the cinnaman trust?

I'll investigate.

Thank you.

What about the cinnaman trust? They give care and help to peole and thier animals who are in hospital or unwell, post surgical or something?

TheCatWoman said:

What about dog walking for the local shelter

The shelter has a waiting list for things like that unfortunately - it's vastly oversubscribed and has actually closed some cat waiting lists for volunteers.

Nice idea though.  I love dogs. 

What about dog walking for the local shelter?

Deleted User said:

Most likely word will get out on the local cat grapevine

Or squirrel ... or fox ... 

I have a couple of trees which are in a raised area with tree bark to a depth of a couple of feet. I’m fairly sure they live in there. I think they could make a pretty snug den in there.

I may leave some cat food out and see what happens.

(Most likely word will get out on the local cat grapevine)