Go on, Get Involved!
Okay, so anyone reading this is probably already involved but just in case there's some fence sitters lurking about, still considering whether or not to volunteer, let me give a friendly nudge.
Just go for it! Seriously, the feel good factor that comes with it is great and the experience can be very rewarding.
Having had it in my head to volunteer for ages, I finally made a move around six months ago and started sussing out local opportunities. Unfortunately, it took me a bit longer to get settled than I thought it would. The first charity I approached didn't quite feel right. Everyone was very nice but the atmosphere was a bit stuffy. The second - well I was daunted by the length of time the CRB and referencing was going to take. I had time to give and just wanted to get on with it!
In the end, I went into a charity shop at the end of my road (really should have tried this easiest/closest option first!), not even a five minute walk away and luckily, finally, it clicked! I've been volunteering there almost two months now and am finding it a bit addictive! One to two mornings per week has quickly doubled as I find myself offering more and more of my time between temp placements and job hunting.
The best bit has been meeting the people who come into the shop. It's really opened my eyes to how generous people can be. What we receive in donated goods in one morning exceeds what I would have expected in a week! It's also been interesting to see the whole process behind the varied donations actually getting to the shelves and the level of commitment it takes to keep the shop running.
My advice to anyone considering volunteering; be sure to hunt around for the opportunity that feels right and be prepared to try something different. And, as in my case, don't forget to look for the opportunity that's right under your nose!
Great to see charity shop volunteering get a mention, often times these fabulous volunteers get missed out when celebrating volunteer achievements. A colleague of mine recently commented that she thought it was easier for them because 'everything was all prepared for them & all they had to do was turn up'. Sadly people don't often realise all the hard work that happens behind the scenes. Glad you are having fun too! C :)
That's really good, not only are you giving something to your community but also as I found out, it's so important to feel needed & 'useful' when you are either in-between work or unemployed for any period of time. Not only that, but future employers look very favourably on people who volunteer. All the best Kath
Always good to be reminded of the simple fact of how great volunteering is :)
I started a new volunteering role this year with a theatre / mentoring organisation, Scene & Heard. It's been brilliant.