I do various voluntary activities with my local NDC (New Deal for Communities) and have been involved with local tenants groups, housing forums and also some activities with the local police. I do not receive payments but do get a 'token of appreciation'. It doesn't impact on my benefits as I do not receive cash payments. However, I deliver 1,600 leaflets on a quarterly basis and for this I receive a gift of shopping vouchers - a small amount - but I'm too scared to tell the benefits about it.
I am currently receiving the job seekers allowance and housing and council tax benefit. This has prevented me from being more actively involved. I would like to do more in the way of administrative tasks; there are often envelopes to fill and leaflets to deliver. I have a nervous disability that is slightly restrictive but I am very able in many ways and realise that my skills could be useful.
It has been suggested that I could be utilised for administrative tasks, maybe for 1 day a week, but this is not possible due to being on benefit. It would throw everything into chaos and it’s just not worth it. The 1 day's payment would, of course, be very beneficial.
