Become a Volunteer in 2017
We may be less than two weeks into 2017, but how many of us have already fallen at the first hurdle when it comes to sticking to our New Year’s Resolutions? It may be cliché to suggest that the diet has gone out the window, and that the jogging machine is now collecting dust in the spare room, but all too often this is usually the case. We make New Year’s Resolutions, with the best of intentions. We want to make a positive change within our lives, and for many of us, the start of a new year is the best time to achieve this.
The changes we hope to make vary from person to person, and some are easier to stick to and continue long term than others. This is usually the case if we enjoy whatever it is we are doing, and have the support of friends and family to keep us motivated. Do you want to discover a New Year’s Resolution that you enjoy and want to stick to? Do you want to meet new people, gain new skills and make a difference to a cause you care about? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then volunteering might be for you!
Volunteer opportunities take many shapes and forms are in no way limited to working in charity shops, unless of course that’s what you want to do! Becoming a volunteer can help you gain relevant ‘work’ experience in a field which you want to pursue as a career and obtain up-to-date references from professionals within that field. From the perspective of universities and potential employers, having experience as a volunteer in a field relating to the one that you are applying for, demonstrates your drive and level of commitment. It is also an excellent way of gaining insight into your chosen career path and learning whether or not it is for you. Not only this but volunteering is proven to reduce stress, combat depression and keep you mentally and physically active.
You don’t need to have any previous experience and it’s never too late to start, there are always people and organisations who can benefit from the time and skills that you can offer. No two volunteers are ever the same, many have families and have full or part time jobs, some volunteer alongside their studies whilst others are retired or have chosen to become volunteers as they search for employment. No one person is more ‘qualified’ to become a volunteer than another, and the contributions of our volunteers will always be valued.
VANEL’s Volunteer Centre have a variety of volunteer opportunities available within Grimsby and Cleethorpes. And don’t be put off if you don’t have a lot of spare time, some of our opportunities only require a couple of hours each week. Call Liz, our Volunteer Centre Adviser, to discuss volunteer opportunities that you are interested in and that fit around your busy lifestyle. Call (01472) 359 326. Email: Liz@vanel.org.uk.
We are also offering subsidised places on our rolling Lincolnshire Volunteer Card training programme which takes place every Thursday at the VANEL office for people interested in becoming volunteers. Click here to find out more and book your place.