As we move from one year into the next, this is a time where many people consider the future and look to making changes in their lives.
Whether you are into making new year resolutions or not, you may be thinking about doing something different in 2025 and this is where volunteering could come in.
In Rutland there is a huge range of groups and organisations able to provide services and activities in their community thanks to volunteers. Everything from your local sports club to youth groups, environmental groups, charity shops, community transport and local support and social activities to name just a few, only exist due to the time given by individuals.
We know, through NCVO’s Time Well Spent 2023 national research on volunteering, that the main reason people volunteer is to improve things or help people and anyone who makes use of activities or services provided by community groups experiences this first hand.
There are also great benefits for volunteers. For those looking to develop their skills or CV, volunteering can be a great way to gain experience in a new role, organisation or sector. Volunteering can also be a great way to meet new people and connect with your community. The NHS in their 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing suggests that giving to others, including through volunteering, can improve your mental wellbeing.
The research also tells us that not wanting to make a regular commitment and doing other things in their spare time prevents people from becoming a volunteer, however volunteering can take place in a number of ways. You could commit to a regular activity, or offer support from home at a time that suits you. You may even help out at an event just once a year, perhaps through an employer volunteering day. There are a whole range of ways people can volunteer in a time and way that works for them. Whether people offer a small or larger amount of time it all adds up to make an important difference in the community.
Volunteering is powerful – for individuals, organisations and communities – so if you are thinking of doing something different this year there may be a volunteering opportunity out there for you.
To search current volunteering opportunities and find information on a range of community organisations in Rutland visit https://volunteerplusrutland.org.uk/
References
- Time Well Spent 2023 is NCVO’s research programme on people’s experiences of volunteering https://www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/time-well-spent-2023/
- NHS 5 steps to mental wellbeing https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/