Why you should volunteer

Becoming a volunteer not only means you can ‘give something back’ to your community by helping organisations and individuals, it can also be hugely rewarding to you personally.

The Volunteer Centre recruits volunteers for local organisations, publicising their opportunities at promotional events and through the national volunteering database http://www.do-it.org.uk.  It helps volunteers to find the placement that suits them best, and provides support and advice to organisations and their volunteers during placement.

Volunteers find that volunteering: 

- Challenges them
- Offers the opportunity to develop their existing skills, and learn new ones
- Introduces them to new people
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
- Gives a sense of satisfaction and achievement
- Improves their health
- Increases their job and career prospects

There are dozens of ways to help as a volunteer; for example, working on local community projects, helping local charities, working outdoors to improve the environment, mentoring young people, supporting older people, even setting up a volunteer scheme where you work.

Local organisations, groups and charities are always looking for more people to help with their activities.

Anyone can be a volunteer. Age doesn’t matter, neither does background or whether you’re employed or not.  Your sex, ethnicity, faith and culture are unimportant and you decide how much time you want to give.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of voluntary and community organisations - bringing skills, enthusiasm and commitment to help make a real difference to their communities.

The Volunteer Centre can give you more information about volunteering in general and about the opportunities available so you can find one that best suits your interests and skills.  Please call the Volunteer Centre on 01789 262889.

Last updated: Sat 21st Mar 2009