Volunteer

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With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer.

Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need.

Volunteering is also a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

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Voluteering provides an opportunity to:

• give something back to an organisation that has impacted on a person's life, either directly or indirectly

• make a difference to the lives of others

• help the environment

• help others less fortunate or without a voice

• feel valued and part of a team

• spend quality time away from work or a busy lifestyle

• gain confidence and self-esteem.

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For some, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. From this perspective, volunteering can be a way of:

• gaining new skills, knowledge and experience

• developing existing skills and knowledge

• enhancing a CV

• improving one's employment prospects

• gaining an accreditation

• using one's professional skills and knowledge to benefit others (usually described as pro bono).

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For others, volunteering appeals because of its social benefits. These include:

• meeting new people and making new friends

• a chance to socialise

• getting to know the local community.