The Big Help Out 4+

It’s the same situation with anything I try to use DoIt for… While it’s a lovely concept to get more people involved in volunteering nationwide, unfortunately the apps and websites rarely work correctly, plus the people adding opportunities do so very hap-hazardly so it doesn’t match a particular format (no or wrong shaped images/headers, timings or locations are too varied for search engine to pick up on, etc) As always seems to be the case with the types of sites or apps where others can submit and monitor their own opportunities, everyone does things a little bit differently and the whole site ends up a mess… And because these sites are often buggy as well, the good causes give up using it to advertise & then there’s not enough opportunities and you are shown opps that are miles away… Also, you should really be able to book shifts on here for things like charity collections, but it just gives you the whole day. Marie Curie’s website is an example of a volunteering slot booking system which works perfectly! So, it’s such a nice idea, but too much of a mess at the moment to work efficiently, shame… Maybe I will try again in a few months to see if it has been updated or upgraded…

Firstly, I don’t think it’s ideal that it’s essential to download an app to get involved. But secondly, the app isn’t ideal either. Didn’t do the ‘quiz’ at first because it didn’t say that’s how results are tailored (just call it what it is!). Then, was still shown opportunities hundreds of miles away. Found the section with local opportunities but the screen layout makes it difficult to see the essential information at a glance. I feel for the developers as they’ve probably not had the time they needed, and I guess developing both a website and app wasn’t feasible. For me, a website would be better. I will try to find time to come back to the app and look for something to get involved in.

Much improved from last year, can see huge potential. I like the new search filters and like finding actions I can do at home. Would like to see reviews and profiles and maybe a social feed of people doing volunteering👌