Volunteering FAQs

Volunteering can be a rewarding experience in many ways but understandably you may have questions. Hopefully we can answer a few here.

1How old should I be?
There’s no age limit to volunteering. As long as the activity is suitable for you, you can make a useful contribution, and it won’t harm you, there’s no legal age requirement. Anyone under 18 must have written permission from a parent or guardian and must be supervised when doing their role by an adult. As we’re not usually able to provide one-to-one supervision, younger people should volunteer with their parent or guardian.
2Can I volunteer while receiving benefits?
Yes, you can. Please see full details on the government website.
3Can I volunteer as a refugee or asylum seeker?
If you have refugee status or exceptional leave to remain in the UK, you’re very welcome to volunteer. If you’re an asylum seeker, you can also volunteer, but if your final appeal is refused and you’re denied leave to remain, then you need to stop volunteering.
4How much time should I give?
There’s no fixed time for volunteers to give. But some roles benefit from regular involvement. You can decide with the staff member managing the role what works for you and for Arnos Vale.
5Will I be paid
No. There’s no salary as a volunteer. The Volunteers’ Room is equipped with coffee and tea making facilities. As a volunteer, you’re entitled to a discount in the café and the shop. You can also join any of our guided tours at no charge, as long as there’s an empty place.
6Is there training?
Yes, there’s training and induction for every role. And regular check-ins with your manager so you can ask a lot of questions as you go.
7How do I keep up to date with what’s going on at the cemetery?
There will always be people to talk to when you’re here. You can sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with news and events. The noticeboards always have a What’s On poster listing events for the coming month.
8Are there any social events for volunteers?
Yes! There is usually a barbeque in the summer held at our Underwood Centre and a Christmas meal at a friendly local pub.
9How do I apply?
Take a look at the opportunities we have for volunteering. If we have vacancies, you can apply by filling out the short form at the bottom of the page for the role you’re interested in.