The Value of Volunteering: A Stepping Stone into Health and Care Roles
Discover how volunteering can be a stepping stone into health and care roles, helping you gain skills, experience, and confidence to start your career.
Are you considering a role in health and care? Volunteering can be a powerful entry point into the sector. It gives you experience, confidence, and insight into what working in health and social care is really like — and it can help you build connections that support your next step.
Whether you are a student, career changer, returning to work, or simply passionate about helping others, volunteering can be the first step towards a meaningful and rewarding career.
Why volunteering matters in health and care
Volunteering is more than “giving back”. It is a two-way exchange that benefits both you and the community. If you are considering a career in health and social care, volunteering can give you a strong foundation by helping you build practical experience and develop the values employers look for.
For many people, breaking into the sector can feel daunting — especially if you do not yet have direct experience. Volunteering can be an excellent stepping stone.
Skill development
Volunteering helps you build essential soft skills that are highly valued in health and care, including:
- communication
- empathy and compassion
- problem-solving
- confidence and resilience
- teamwork
These skills can strengthen your CV and help you feel more prepared when applying for roles or training.
Hands-on experience
Volunteering in settings such as hospitals, care homes, hospices, or community groups can help you gain hands-on experience and a better understanding of the day-to-day work involved.
You may develop experience in areas such as supporting people, communicating with different individuals, working within a team, and staying calm under pressure — all of which can make you more attractive to employers.
Insight into the sector
Volunteering provides a realistic preview of the rewards and challenges of health and care work. It can help you decide what type of role might suit you best and what environments you enjoy working in.
This insight is especially helpful if you are considering a career change and want to explore the sector before making a longer-term commitment.
Networking opportunities
Volunteering introduces you to people already working in the sector. Building relationships with staff and teams can open doors to:
- mentorship and career advice
- references for job applications
- information about training and progression routes
- potential job opportunities
Many people who start as volunteers go on to secure paid roles within the same organisation.
How to maximise the benefits of volunteering
To get the most from volunteering, consider these practical tips:
- Choose a role that aligns with your goals: if you are interested in a particular area, aim for experience that helps you build relevant skills.
- Engage with professionals: ask questions, seek feedback, and learn from experienced staff.
- Treat it like a job: show commitment, reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
- Reflect on your experience: keep notes on what you learned, the skills you used, and the situations you handled. This will help when writing your CV or preparing for interviews.
You may also find this helpful: How to identify your transferable skills.
Volunteering opportunities across Surrey
A wide range of volunteering opportunities exist across Surrey within care homes, hospices, the NHS, and community organisations. These roles are vital in supporting both patients and teams, especially during times of increased demand.
Volunteering can be a stepping stone into roles such as healthcare assistants, nursing, ambulance services, social care, and wider support roles across the sector.
Looking for your next career opportunity in health and social care?
Join Surrey Talent Hub Talent pool to explore health and social care jobs in Surrey.
