We’re all too aware of the difficult time everyone’s facing: news of redundancies, a severe lack of new jobs and students unable to get into universities even if they’ve made the grade are a depressing reality. But these challenging times are creating a new, positive reality for many people, not least, people who seem a million miles away for these troubles. Volunteering and volunteerism are on the increase, giving people an opportunity to build their skills, improve their CVs and take stock of what they really want out of life. Individuals are now in a position to take some time out, give something back to those who really need it and are helping to shape a brighter, more equal future for everyone.

With this new influx of interest in the volunteer business, it has become just that: business. Just type ‘volunteering’ into a search engine and you are flooded with tantalising possibilities from turtle conservation in Costa Rica to orphan childcare in Uganda. However, how do you know what you’re getting? How do you know that you will actually be helpful whilst you’re away? And, how do you know that the often high fee you pay to companies who arrange these placements is being used to help the people who really need it? The simple answer is you often don’t. This is where a new enterprise called Links for Change comes in. They are seeking to challenge the way volunteer placements are organised and developed and create a sustainable, ethical volunteering sector.

Links for Change links volunteers and charities worldwide. They do not arrange their own placements but partner with local, grass-roots charities who request volunteers with specific skills and experiences to fulfil a particular need in their organisation. This system is deliberately created to ensure that volunteers respond to the real needs of communities. With much debate and research on the value and positive effect of aid on communities REF, Links for Change values this ‘community-led’ approach to volunteering. This also reassures the volunteer that they are going to undertake work that is valid and necessary. After all, who can afford to give up their time, energy and resources for something that potentially is more damaging than beneficial? All of Links for Change’s partner organisations are fully vetted and approved for partnership so volunteers can be assured that their experience will not hold any nasty surprises.

Links for Change works to place volunteers, based on their needs and experience with organisations worldwide. A potential volunteer can indicate the area they would like to work, their preference on role, their budget and duration for volunteering. Links for Change also requests information on what the volunteer wishes to do next so that their placement can be chosen to help them make the next step towards their career or life plans. Using this information, Links for Change then provides a number of placement options for the volunteer to choose from. As much information as possible is provided to the volunteer, including if they will have to pay for accommodation or if the charity they will work with will provide this for them. The aim is to provide the volunteer with all the information possible so they can make an informed choice and feel confident in this decision. So far, Links for Change has a 100% success rate in finding volunteers suitable placements.

When a volunteer is happy with their choice, their placement is confirmed and Links for Change works with the volunteer to provide them with as much practical support as required. The service offered is designed to be flexible and all inclusive so volunteers know that, however much support or advice they need, they will not incur any additional costs or be left without help. From visa support, packing advice, finding the cheapest flights or simply discussing any fears, Links for Change is on-hand to assist. And this support does not end when the volunteer gets on the plane. Throughout the entirety of the placement period, Links for Change provides continuing support for both work and personal issues. For added reassurance, Links for Change offers a free reassignment option (subject to availability). This ensures that if a volunteer is not entirely happy with their placement, for whatever reason, Links for Change will work to find them another placement so they can continue with their volunteering.

But what about the cost? Many volunteer agencies set a high price for their placements, which seems to multiply exponentially based on duration, services provided, location or type of work. And where does this money go? This is an issue Links for Change has been working to challenge. Their fee is a low, fixed payment regardless of how much support is required, where a volunteer goes or for how long. The company has also created a system that ensures that the fee volunteers pay does not go straight into the pockets of the management. Instead, the fee is used to cover admin and staffing costs and to provide the linking service free to its partner organisations. Links for Change also offers a free advice service, providing technical assistance to its partners so that they can grow and develop to support themselves. The key to all of Links for Change’s work is sustainability and efforts are made at every stage to ensure this. They also donate 5% of their income to local charities.

So, if you’re thinking of volunteering, want a service that can adapt to your needs, are concerned by the potential costs and what happens to your money, need reassurance that your volunteering experience will be worthwhile and make a difference whilst helping to support over 100 charities with your fee, visit www.links4change.com or email info@links4change.com for more information. With a free consultation, there’s nothing to lose and potentially a world of experiences to gain.

Victoria Leat
Director | Links for Change
Email: victoria@links4change.com
Skype: links4change
www.links4change.com