WHAT CAN VOLUNTEERING DO FOR YOU?

OK...so volunteering is great for your community and makes the world a better place to live in, but what can it do for you????

But how could a volunteering opportunity actually change your life for the better????

BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE

You may meet a variety of new challenges when you start volunteering. By sharing new experiences with new people you can learn new skills which can give you the confidence to face other challenges in other areas of your life.

'My volunteering has made me more confident in public speaking.'  Richard (Young Scout Leader)

INTRODUCE YOU TO NEW FRIENDS

There is no better place to meet people who are like-minded than through volunteering for a cause you believe in. Working together to bring about a change is a great way to bond with others and feel part of a community that can stay in touch long after your work is done. Also, you could meet people from a diverse range of backgrounds – people who you may never come across in your daily life.

'I've met loads of new people in the blind community who I would not have met otherwise and other volunteers there too!!'  Fiona (Craft group volunteer)

HAVE MORE FUN

You may be surprised at how much fun you can have helping others. If we find you an opportunity that matches your interests, you have a good chance of having fun whilst giving your time!!

’Being on the team has helped me broaden my skills and it is just such good fun.’ Lizzie (Hospital Radio Presenter)

IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH

'Volunteering has given me more fulfilment and a greater sense of well-being.  The strength and resilience of the people I work with is so inspiring'. Karen  (Young Carers Group)

There is medical documentation that supports the benefits of volunteering and gives you:

• a heightened sense of well-being
  
• an improvement in insomnia
  
• a stronger immune system
  
• speedier recovery from surgery 

from – 'The Healing Power of Doing Good' by Allan Luks

BOOST YOUR FUTURE CAREER OPTIONS

A survey fromTime Bank reveals that-

• 73% of employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience over one without. 
• 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills.
• 58% say that voluntary work experience can actually be more valuable than experience gained in paid employment.
• 94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary or being promoted.
   
  ‘They have helped me to learn how to cope with difficult situations which will be useful in my future career.’ Kim (Volunteer for South Lakes Society for the Blind)