Volunteer and Make a Difference
It is fairly obvious that the work of a number of many local groups and organisations greatly benefit from the contribution of volunteers. What is more even if you give as little as one hour a week, you can have a positive impact and help make a real difference in your local community.
Volunteering can also be a great opportunity to make a difference in your own life. In an increasingly transient and computer based world it is a good way to stay connected to your local community. Volunteering can offer you opportunities to work as part of a group and help you meet like minded people to share ideas with. Volunteering roles can be tailored to your own needs allowing you to work towards personal goals in a supported environment. Finding the right volunteer placement can help you increase your confidence and discover your own potential.
If you are curfrently looking for work volunteering can be a good way to develop new skills and looks great on your CV. If you're recently retired or experiencing a break in your career volunteering can offer you an opportunity to share skills and pass on knowledge. This can be a very rewarding experience and help make the adjustment from the world of full time work easier. It can be a fun and free way to occupy your time and if you are working in a physical role can be a great way to improve your fitness.
The Balsam Centre is supported by a number of volunteers, some of whom would probably never think of classifying themselves as volunteers, but whose occasional 'helping hand' provides a valuable contribution to its overall success. The Centre has specific volunteer groups such as the Thursday group at the Growing Space or the Computer Club. These groups are ideal for people wishing to use or develop specific skills (gardening/computing) while helping with the overall maintenance and administration.
There are a number of volunteer roles that involve regularly supporting other activities at the Centre such as helping run the mums and toddlers group or leading health walks. Last but not least there are volunteers who help on an ad hoc or one oft basis helping at specific events or coming in to lead an activity such as cookery, or share a craft.
Volunteers definitely Make a Difference to the Balsam Centre and volunteering at the Balsam Centre has made a positive difference to a number of our volunteer's lives. If you would like to find out more about volunteering at the Balsam Centre or other local organisations please drop in, visit our website or contact me, Rachel Kennedy (Volunteer Coordinator) on 01963 31842
"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart" - Elizabeth Andrews
Rachel Kennedy
Comments
Login to comment!