From “Forever Volunteer” to Paid Work: A Toolkit for Young Disabled People in Wales

 

From “Forever Volunteer” to Paid Work: A Toolkit for Young Disabled People in Wales

How to make volunteering work for you, & not just for others


Understanding the “Forever Volunteer” Phenomenon

Many disabled or neurodivergent young people (aged 16 to 30) in Wales find themselves stuck in long-term, unpaid volunteering roles. What often begins as a hopeful stepping stone - to gain experience, confidence, or skills, can quietly become a cycle of exploitation. That puts folks that start out motivated, enthusiastic and hopeful at risk of alienation and adverse mental health impacts. This is an ongoing but often unseen issue for disabled adults, we are hoping to resolve. 

Take the case of Tom Boyd, a 28-year-old autistic man who volunteered at his local supermarket for four years, clocking up over 600 hours. When his family asked if he could be offered a few paid shifts in recognition of his commitment, he was told not to come back at all. Source: The Guardian – “Man asked for paid work after volunteering 600 hours – was told to leave”

Tom’s story is not rare. Many organisations, including large disability charities, welcome disabled young people as “inspirational” volunteers, but then quietly exclude them from paid opportunities. As campaigner Shani Dhanda puts it:

“Inclusion without fair pay is not inclusion. It’s exploitation with better PR.”
Source: Metro Interview, 2021

Why does this happen?

  • Funding pressures: Many charities rely heavily on volunteer labour due to underfunding.

  • Low expectations: Some organisations assume disabled volunteers aren’t seeking pay or progression.

  • Legal gaps: Volunteers aren’t protected by employment law in the same way paid staff are.

  • Systemic failure: Programmes like Access to Work or ReAct+ exist but are poorly promoted or accessed.

Unless volunteering is structured around your goals & aspirations, it can become a permanent, unpaid holding pattern.

The Benefits of Volunteering: When Done Right

Volunteering can be incredibly positive when it supports your development, confidence, or social connection. In fact, the Welsh Government recognises volunteering as a key element of community wellbeing and personal growth:

“Volunteering can be a stepping stone out of poverty or social exclusion and back into employment.”
Source: Third Sector Scheme, Welsh Government

It can help you:

  • Practice soft skills (teamwork, communication, timekeeping)

  • Build a CV with real experiences

  • Grow confidence after time away from school or work

  • Meet people who may become references or employers

  • Try different fields before choosing a job or course

According to Volunteering Matters,

“96% of young people aged 16–25 in Wales said they felt more confident or prepared for employment or education after volunteering.”
Source: Volunteering Matters Youth Social Action Evaluation, 2022

A UK-wide study by TimeBank also found:

  • 73% of employers would hire someone with volunteer experience over someone without

  • 94% of volunteers gained confidence, skills or a job outcome
    Source: TimeBank UK Employer Survey

Programmes That Do It Right

Volunteering can be more than a warm body doing tasks. Some organisations offer qualifications, job taster sessions or references to move you forward:

These are examples of how volunteering can provide more than just “busy work” — they build towards something.

The Volunteer-to-Work Toolkit

Volunteering should serve you — not just the organisation. Here’s how to take control and design your own pathway.

1. Choose Opportunities That Fit Your Goals

Most Welsh counties have a Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) — a local hub that helps match volunteers to projects:

🔎 Tip: Not all CVS websites are easy to navigate, and one-to-one support varies. If you’re stuck, ask a support worker or email them directly.

If you’re interested in history, volunteering at a local museum might make sense. Love making things? Try a Repair Café or upcycling project. Artistic? Knit-and-natter groups or mural teams are always grateful for support.

2. Making First Contact — Even If You Never Have Before

Who can help you reach out:

  • ALN support staff or youth workers

  • Local People First group

  • Your PA, sibling, or parent

  • Careers Wales adviser

  • Jobcentre Disability Employment Adviser

📧 Email Template (low-pressure and adaptable):

Subject: Volunteering Enquiry

Dear [Organisation Name],

I’m a young disabled person looking to get involved in something meaningful. I’m especially interested in [brief interest, e.g. history, animals, public events].

I’ve never volunteered before but I’m eager to learn and contribute. Could you let me know if any opportunities are available?

Many thanks,
[Your First Name]

⚠️ Not every organisation replies — don’t take it personally. Try again or ask someone to follow up with you.

3. Setting Boundaries + Tracking Progress

To avoid getting stuck in a loop, build SMART targets (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). These help you track whether you’re getting what you need.

Examples:

  • “Volunteer once a week for 3 months, then ask for a reference.”

  • “Learn to work the till and handle customers independently.”

  • “Gain a certificate or record of tasks for my CV.”

Services using public money (e.g. JobCentre programmes or college transition schemes) should also have SMART targets to justify their support. You can use the same language you knew from school to ask for meaningful progress reviews.

Examples of SMART provider asks:

  • “By week 6, introduce me to one paid employer or shadowing opportunity.”

  • “Confirm in writing if this placement offers a route into paid work.”

  • “Provide travel support or Access to Work referral by X date.”

Write down these agreements so you can refer back to them if plans go off-track.

4. Scripts to Take Back Control

Feeling stuck? Try these phrases:

“I’ve been doing the same tasks for months, please could we talk about a next step or different responsibility?”

“I’d like to understand how this role could help me move toward paid work. Could we plan that together?”

“Would you be willing to write me a reference, or help me reflect on what I’ve learned so far?”

Real-Life Examples from Wales

Sara, 22 (Rhondda): “I started volunteering at the animal shelter after leaving college. I wasn’t ready for a job, I just needed to feel useful again. A year later, I’m looking at part-time paid work because I actually feel I can now.”

Efan, 19 (Powys): “I’m autistic and love electronics. Repair Cafés are perfect. I get to help people without pressure. It reminded me I’m not broken — I’m skilled.”

Nia, 25 (Swansea): “I live with chronic fatigue. I volunteer online for a helpline. It’s flexible. It means I can still contribute, even when my body says no.”

Volunteering Isn’t Just About Goals — And That’s OK

All of this advice is about helping you get unstuck,  but it’s equally okay if you don’t want to turn every opportunity into a job.

  • Some people volunteer for stability

  • Others value social time or structure

  • You might be in recovery and just want to re-engage gently

Those are all valid reasons to keep volunteering. Just make sure the experience supports you,  emotionally, practically, and on your terms.

Final Thoughts

Volunteering can empower, inspire, and connect, or it can exploit and delay progress.

This guide helps you spot the difference, set boundaries, and turn your contribution into your next step.

Your time, energy, and skills have value. Make sure the organisations you give them to recognise that — and if they don’t, keep going until you find one that does.

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