Frequently Asked Questions

What age do I need to be to Volunteer?

You need to be 18 to volunteer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. However, there is no upper limit. We have volunteers aged from 18 right up to 92!

How will the staff and other volunteers treat me?

Our staff team are very welcoming and are always here for you. We have a dedicated Volunteering Team who will be there to support you throughout your time as a volunteer with us. Our volunteers are always welcoming of new volunteers and are there to help you if you need it.

“The support I get from the charity office is brilliant; the team can’t do enough to ensure we have fun whilst we all raise money for such a fantastic cause.” Jan R – a HIOWAA Volunteer.

Do I need to provide references?

Upon applying to become a volunteer we ask you to provide two references who have known you for 3 years or longer; are not a family member and are not involved with HIOWAA. Your referees can be social references or employment references, the choice is yours.

We ask for references so that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance can undertake its due diligence to protect the charity and its volunteers. Providing references also helps HIOWAA to make the best use of your skill set so that you can get the best experience from your volunteering role.

Will it cost me to volunteer?

Absolutely not! Any reasonable expenses that you incur whilst helping Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance will be reimbursed to you upon submitting an expense claim using our simple form.

If you claim benefits, volunteering with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance will not affect your entitlement.

Do I need to go through DBS checks to volunteer for you?

It depends on the role you undertake for HIOWAA. Depending on your role, you may be required to undertake a Basic Criminal Record check. The charity will cover all costs associated with this.

I have a disability; can I still volunteer for you?

Of course you can! Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance are fully inclusive and is understanding of any disability. For example, we have volunteers who bring their support workers along to help at events. We always consider the needs of our volunteers and we are confident we can find a role to suit you.

I feel like I have nothing to offer though…

Here at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, we believe all our volunteers have something to offer. Volunteering can also help you build your CV. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance will help you gain new skills and as well as develop your existing ones too. We can also provide references upon request.

The need for commitment is too high…

We are completely flexible with the time commitment. Volunteering for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance should fit around your life and you tell us when you are available to help. There is no minimum amount of time you need to commit.

I have a lack of confidence; will I be able to volunteer?

YES! Volunteering can help you gain confidence by speaking to members of the public and making new friends who are also volunteers. Our Volunteer Coordinator is there to support you in every aspect of volunteering with us, including ensuring your role is suitable for you. Some of the training we provide for our volunteers is focused on improving self-confidence.

Do you have a long application? Are your procedures confusing?

Our application form is easy to fill in and is not very long. All our procedures and policies are available upon request, including our volunteer charter and policy. These are given out at the induction

I have a young family; how can I volunteer?

We have several volunteers who have a young family, and volunteering with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is something that fits around their lives. It is entirely up to you when you volunteer and we are completely flexible in terms of time and commitment.

“Volunteering for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has been fantastic for us as a young family. We volunteer at all sorts of events, and we’ve been able to fit it around a busy family life.” Jo and Steve A – HIOWAA Volunteers

I don’t have a car, is this an issue?

Absolutely not! Many of our volunteers don’t drive but they travel to events and presentations using public transport, whether by train, bus, taxi or a combination of all three. Our volunteers often choose to help at events and presentations that are located near to them. All reasonable travel costs that have been accrued can be claimed back from the charity.

How long will the application process take?

This is mainly dependant on your references. We ask that you notify your referees prior to applying so that they are aware that someone from HIOWAA will be in touch with them. However, we endeavour to get references returned to us within two weeks of initial contact although this does sometimes take a little longer. We aim to keep in contact with you throughout the application process.

I work full time. I don’t think I will have time to volunteer.

We are very proud to say that volunteering with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance fits around your life and all your other obligations; work, family or hobbies. We have a variety of Volunteer Roles and their time commitments vary from role to role but they are all entirely flexible. You can donate as much or as little time as you like. We will make the best use of any time you can give us.