Why Volunteer?

People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or built on existing experience and knowledge. Regardless of the motivation, what unites them all is that they find it both challenging and rewarding.

Check out NCVO’s ‘Where Volunteering Begins’ campaign video, telling five inspirational stories from ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

For some, volunteering 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.

For others, 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).

But for many, volunteering appeals because of the social benefits. These include:

• meeting new people and making new friends
• a chance to socialise
• getting to know the local community

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Research carried out by the New Economics Foundation found that there are five ways to wellbeing, and there are many ways in which volunteering can help you tick each box!

Connect with others through our befriending project

Be active by getting out of the house and joining in with one of our social activities

Take notice by trying out a new activity and seeing how that makes you feel

Keep learning by doing a crossword with one of our clients

Give your time, knowledge and companionship to others

Next steps…

Check out volunteering at The Bureau for more information about projects and services you can support.

You can also volunteer with other organisations and there are a number of ways we can support you to do this.

Get in touch with us by calling Fi on 01457 865722 or emailing fi@the-bureau.org.uk.