This week (1-7 June) is Volunteers’ Week, where we celebrate the hard work done by volunteers around the country, and encourage others to get involved.
There are plenty of volunteering opportunities in Scotland, and groups that can help you find the best role for you.
VOLUNTEER GLASGOW
Volunteer Glasgow is an organisation that pulls all of the volunteering opportunities across the Glasgow area into one place, making it an extremely useful resource for prospective volunteers.
Whether you have a passion for working with children, older people, in a charity shop, as a fundraiser, behind the scenes – there’s something for everyone.
Next up, Christie! One of our incredibly committed befriending volunteers – she has been volunteering with @vgbfriendmentor for over 5 years 🙀! HUGE thanks to you for all of your amazing efforts! #SayingThanks #VolunteersWeekScot #VolunteersWeek2019 pic.twitter.com/YbvuCvdNyt
— Volunteer Glasgow (@volunteerglasgo) June 5, 2019
To celebrate Volunteers’ Week, Volunteer Glasgow has put on a range of different activities, the last of which takes place today (6 June). Head to the website to find out more information.
Similar organisations can be found throughout Scotland, so make sure you find the group closest to you.
BENEFITS
The benefits of volunteering are well-documented: volunteers report increased happiness, self-confidence, good social lives, reduced levels of stress and anxiety, and greater overall life satisfaction.
Our volunteers do so much amazing work, tackling negative behaviours across Scotland. Thank you to all of them #VolunteersWeek https://t.co/S2OXhtAVnK
— See Me (@seemescotland) June 4, 2019
Volunteering is also a great opportunity to add to your CV and pick up new skills that will be valuable later in life, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and most importantly, compassion.
Apart from the personal benefits, volunteering also has a massive impact on the communities and individuals affected by your actions.
Giving back is extremely valuable, and can make a real difference: not only will this make you feel good about yourself, but it will give you a real understanding of some of the situations others find themselves in and improve your ability to empathise with others.
Our volunteers are expert listeners, full of knowledge and experience that we just love sharing to help others become better listeners. Molly from @ColchesterSams says not to feel afraid or awkward when there's silence in a conversation 💭 #WednesdayWisdom #VolunteersWeek pic.twitter.com/LImX9SCBBs
— Samaritans (@samaritans) June 5, 2019
So, what are you waiting for? Celebrate Volunteers’ Week the way it was meant to be celebrated: by signing up to give back to a good cause you care about.
How are you celebrating Volunteers’ Week? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram.
