Volunteering is a great way to try something new, gain experience, develop skills, improve career prospects, build confidence and meet new people.
There are so many benefits that volunteering can bring to you and of course to the people that receive your help – we’ve listed just a few here. There are literally hundreds of things you could get involved in, from helping at a day centre or art club, to fostering a pet or gardening. With so many opportunities available, you can give as little as an hour a month or as much time as you like. In most cases, you don’t even need qualifications and many organisations will happily provide training.
James
Having recently started volunteering in the VCEL Pantry after using this service previously himself, this wonderful volunteer commented that he felt it was a very worthy service and liked the idea that volunteers were involved with it. He’d always been keen to ‘give volunteering a try’ but didn’t know how to. He telephoned VCEL to ask about any kind of volunteering opportunity, and our team member Tracey filled out the volunteer form with him over the phone.
We then helped him look at potential volunteering options, which was when he suggested The Pantry, as he’d actually used it himself. We found a vacancy in The Pantry for Monday’s which he’s fully embraced and is enjoying. He’s actively engaging with the users of The Pantry, as well as getting involved in essential tasks such as stock maintenance and quality control, and is happy to report that “Not only does it get me out of the house, but I feel like I’m doing something worthwhile with my spare time.” We all look forward to seeing his successful volunteering journey continue!
