As volunteer week draws to a close, we wanted to highlight just some of the reasons volunteering is good for you. Not only could it make all the difference to your physical and mental health, did you know it can improve your knowledge and skills which will look great on your CV if your a student or looking to change careers. And let's not forget to mention just how much fun you'll have meeting new people whilst also helping a great cause.
Some of us are working harder than ever in this unfamiliar new world, some are on the frontline, juggling responsibilities as key workers. We are all in the same storm, but not in the same boat.
Some of us have relocated our work to our homes, which brings its own challenges too, but ultimately we have ended up with more time to reflect and consider what our life and success should look like. Some of us are furloughed and some working as usual but from home and we are considering how worthwhile our work is and seeing the reality of their career and whether it is leaving a legacy and fits in with personal values.
Firstly, lets explain volunteering, volunteers offer vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes and the community. At Lydney Hub we are building a hub of innovation, creativity and positivity that supports the growth of young people and extends this encouragement to the wider community, improving the lives of many. so we are a really worthwhile charity.
Perhaps now is a time to consider volunteering. Volunteering can protect your mental and physical health, reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated and provide a sense of purpose. Volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day.
Here are just some of the benefits of volunteering...
1. CONNECTION
Volunteering allows you to connect with community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the little tasks can make a real difference to people. Volunteering helps you make new friends, improve and practice your social skills and expand your network. It strengthens your ties to the community and exposes you to people with common interests and passions. It’s a great way of seeing who and what is on the doorstep.
2. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
Volunteering lowers stress, anger and anxiety. Research has shown that volunteering decreases the risk of depression, it increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests. Volunteering gives a sense of purpose at Lydney Hub you can suggest initiatives that make a real difference to both younger and older generation. If you spend time helping others, you will feel a sense of meaning and appreciation which helps relieve stress. Volunteering increases self-confidence, if you are doing good for the community then you automatically get a feeling of accomplishment. Your role can give you a sense of pride and identity. Volunteering makes you happy, giving to others is hard-wired in us, the ore you give the happier you feel. You can feel a purpose which gives you a raison’etre. Volunteering helps keeps you physically healthy.
3. CAREER SKILLS
Volunteering gives you an opportunity to work in your area of interest and meet new people. It also means you can practice important skills used in the workplace such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management and being organised.
If you are between jobs or assignments currently, it is a really good way of keeping your hand in, or perhaps you have just retired, volunteering means you can have a form of phased retirement. Volunteering can also help you build on skills you already have for the benefit of the community so for example you could improve your public speaking, communication, and marketing skills.
Being a trustee for a voluntary organisation, could help you secure a non-executive director role for another orgnaisation, it is great experience.
While bringing new skills are important, remember the most important ingredient to volunteering is a willingness to help, a great attitude and compassion.
4. FUN & FULFILMENT
Volunteering can be an energising escape from your day-to-day routine or work, school or family commitments. It can provide you with renewed creativity, motivation and vision that can carry over to your personal and professional life.
You can check out this video for workplace volunteering too.
Would you like to work as part of an awesome team?
Would you like to work with children and young people as a youth leader?
What sort of role would you like – behind the scenes or a visible role?
How much time can you commit?
What skills can you bring to a volunteer role?
What causes are important to you?
At Lydney Hub we are looking for:
Trustees
· Accountant or Financial Background
· Legal Background with GDPR
· Small Charity / Youth Compliance background
Skills we need
· Youth Workers
You don’t need to give a huge amount of time, 2-3 hours / week should do it or about 100 hours / year. The most important thing is that you volunteer the amount of time that feels most comfortable to you. Make sure you are playing to your strengths, and then volunteering will feel like a fun and rewarding hobby and another chore on your to-do list.
Here’s where you can find out more …
https://fvaf.org.uk