Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I have to give?

This depends on how much you want to give – some opportunities require commitment on certain days but others are more flexible. A weekly commitment is needed in the majority of roles.

Can you help with childcare while I'm volunteering?

Unfortunately we cannot provide child care support, but we try our best to accommodate you so you have plenty of notice in regards to training so you can arrange childcare.

How long does the application process take?

From the time we receive your application to you completing the VOLocity training, it is on average 4-6 weeks.
For MILE this would be aprox 15 - 16 weeks.

Why do you need a reference?

Our references are more to do with you as person, as we want to get a feel for your personality. Volunteering within the substance misuse field is not for everyone so these external references play a part in us discovering if volunteering is right for you.

Will the information I put on my application form be treated confidentially?

Yes, we treat your information with total confidentiality and NewLink Wales works within the Data Protection Act.

What kind of things could I be doing as a volunteer?

We try and get as many varied roles as possible so people have a wide variety of choices. We feel our opportunities have something for everyone.
Some examples of the activities you could be involved in are; supporting recovery groups, providing support for staff who run group sessions, running social group activities, providing administrative duties and acting as an interpreter for assessments but for more information, please visit our
volunteer opportunities page.

What if I start volunteering somewhere and I don’t like it? Can I change my placement?

We have many volunteer opportunities that we feel meet all sort of needs, however if you feel the role is not right for you, you will need to discuss this with the Senior Volunteer Coordinator at NewLink Wales to discuss other opportunities.

Will I get a certificate to show what volunteering training I receive at NewLink Wales?

VOLocity volunteers will receive a certificate at the end of their 3 days of training and MILE volunteers will receive one certificate for MILE and one for the 3 days of training. If you complete the City and Guilds Employability Award you will also receive a separate certificate for this.

Is there further training provided?

Once you complete your volunteering training and you are in placement for at least a month, you can access our programmed courses for free. These course range in subjects and are an excellent way to develop your knowledge to support you in your volunteer role.

Will I get a qualification?

You can chose to accredit your Substance Misuse Awareness course for a small fee, which you can complete in your own time. For more information on this please speak to a member of the volunteering team.

Can I volunteer if I am still using drugs or alcohol?

We do not take volunteers who are currently misusing drugs or alcohol.

Can I volunteer even if I’ve never had a problem with substances?

Yes! All we ask is that you genuinely want to give something back the community, have a non judgmental attitude and are ready to learn and develop.

Will I need a Data Barring Service check?

A DBS will be carried out by placement agency when necessary – please discuss this with your volunteer supervisor in your placement.

Will volunteering affect my benefits?

Volunteering should not affect your benefits – if your an active volunteer you will be entitled to have 48 hours notice for job interviews and one weeks notice to start your job.

Can I volunteer if I'm still on medication?

Yes, as long as you make us aware of what medication your on so we know if any side effects that might interfere with your training.

How likely am I to get a job out of volunteering?

Although we can’t guarantee your volunteering will get you a paid position in this sector, we will try our utmost best to up skill you through your journey of volunteering with NewLink Wales.
We always encourage our volunteers to apply for any suitable positions that may come up that we are notified about.

When I apply for a job, can I use NewLink Wales as one of my referees?

The NewLink Wales volunteering team are more than happy to be a reference, however we will only be able to comment on your time during training with us. For hands on volunteering experience reference, your placement agency would be best suited.

Take a look at current volunteering roles available here at NewLink Wales or opportunities with agencies you may be placed with.

If you'd like to know more please email a member of the volunteering team or call us on 02920 529002.