As we move into 2018 and the making of New Year’s resolutions there’s no better time to consider volunteering. The benefits can be great – it can help to reduce your stress levels, make new friends, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. Community First’s Volunteer Service helps people to find the right volunteer opportunity for them.
Julie Eden (pictured right), Volunteer Service Co-ordinator, advises: “We have a number of local organisations who are keen to have some new volunteers in 2018. The following are just a few of them…..
In East Hampshire: The Kings Arms Youth Centre has a variety of roles including being a mentor to a young person in order to help maximise his or her potential. Another organisation offering volunteering opportunities is the Cancer Research UK Shop. There are two in Petersfield. You could be helping with the sorting of donations, pricing goods, working on the till and preparing clothes for sale.
If you are interested in the countryside and keeping fit, why not consider becoming a walk leader with East Hampshire District Council and lead groups on walks in the surrounding area?
In Havant Borough: If you enjoy the company of older people or like gardening then Malmesbury Lawn Care Home is looking for gardening help and for befrienders who can talk to residents, help with activities or accompany them on trips. Another organisation offering volunteering opportunities is the West Street Home which supports people with learning disabilities. Their residents are at West Street for a short time before moving on and you could make a real difference by helping them enjoy all kinds of activities such as music and arts and crafts.
In Winchester District: If you enjoy visiting people then the Hampshire Library Service is looking for volunteers to take books once a month to people who can’t get out of their home. Another organisation offering volunteering opportunities is Naomi House which provides respite and terminal care to children. They are looking for Maintenance Volunteers so if you are good at DIY you could help with general repair work to the House. If you are interested in helping families why not think about becoming a volunteer with Home-Start Winchester and offer support and friendship to families with children under the age of 5.
Surgery Signposters in Bordon and in Havant: If you are interested in health and wellbeing and helping people to improve their lifestyle then why not consider becoming a Surgery Signposter with Community First? Volunteers are based in GP surgeries and offer information on support groups for health conditions, social activities and assistance with exercise or diet.
All these volunteering opportunities provide full training and offer flexibility in terms of commitment.“
So what are you waiting for? To find out more about these opportunities and many more please contact the Volunteer Service on 0300 500 8085 option 1, email julie.eden@cfirst.org.uk or look on the website www.volunteerwessex.org.