Volunteering as a veteran

When it comes to giving back, volunteering as a veteran is a great way to give support that helps individuals or communities.

Whether you are participating in a one-off event, or dedicating your time more frequently, you are playing your part.

I’m a veteran. Why should I volunteer?

Volunteering as a veteran can have lots of benefits, not only for your fellow veterans who are being supported, but also for you as the individual.

A huge personal benefit of volunteering is the experience you could gain through activities you might not have done before, as well as the opportunity to learn a variety of skills. Volunteering can also help you to socialise and in some cases, it takes you out of your comfort zone, which can also improve confidence.

One benefit, which is important when looking at why other veterans in particular are encouraged to volunteer, is the fact that you can relate more to the feelings experienced by other veterans using our services.

Firstly, you are more likely to have a better understanding of the reality of life in the Armed Forces and the challenging situations people often face. In addition, you can also relate better to the transition from life in the Armed Forces to life when you leave.

Generally, veterans can engage better in these topics given that they have already – or in some cases, still are – experiencing it. 

How does volunteering as a veteran help other veterans?

Volunteering enables charities like us to help veterans with life after service. One example is through raising funds, which can then be used to provide additional support. 
For example, help with physical or mental health, housing and applying for benefits, to name a few.

Although we appreciate volunteering from anyone who wants to help our veterans, we encourage fellow veterans themselves to volunteer even more so. There are many benefits to veterans volunteering, but most importantly, their own experience in the Armed Forces means they often have a better understanding of the struggles that some veterans face.

Coaching Academy

Our Coaching Academy is the perfect opportunity for the Armed Forces community to enjoy sports. If you’re interested in coaching other veterans, you can undertake the year-long course run in collaboration with national governing bodies.

The course will teach you how to coach a sport of your choice, which upon completing, will give you the necessary skills to teach other veterans how to play.

In the end, you will be making a difference on the day to day lives of other veterans through encouraging them to be more active by participating in a regular sports activity. You will also be giving people an opportunity to socialise with other members of the Armed Forces community, which in turn will help to improve their confidence.

As a veteran, how much time do I have to give as a volunteer?

As a veteran, you can dedicate as much time to volunteering as what suits you and your lifestyle. You could volunteer for fellow veterans by participating in a one-off event or you can volunteer in activities which take place more regularly.

What skills do I need to have?

If you are enthusiastic about wanting to volunteer as a veteran, then this is the only skill you really need.

In some cases, certain volunteering roles will require more specific skills, but these will be listed on the role description.

Is training provided to veterans who want to volunteer?

A lot of our volunteering roles don’t require any specific training. If there is a role which does require more in-depth training, guidance will be provided before you begin the role.

Where can I find information about volunteering as a veteran?

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can volunteer, visit our volunteering page, where you can find more details on any upcoming volunteering opportunities.

If you have any questions about volunteering with us, you can contact us through volunteer@helpforheroes.org.uk.

How can we help

If you need support with your physical or mental health, feel lonely, or need help with housing, or applying for benefits, just get in touch. We also host free activities and events across the UK so you can spend time with other veterans and find activities to enjoy in your community.

To get support, all you need to do is submit an online form or call our friendly helpline team on 0300 303 9888.