We’re on the second day of Volunteers’ Week 2015 now, and here we return to the theme of Health and Volunteering that we explored previously.
Here’s Vicky’s reflections on Volunteering and Health…
Social isolation and loneliness are issues that have an impact on all of us at some point in our lives; age, health and circumstances all play a part in our ability to interact with others.
Volunteering can be a remedy for some, for others it can be accessing a volunteer. For anyone in these circumstances, taking the first step can be a mammoth event, one that is intimidating and scary; just like any form of change. What you need to remember is that change can be a transformational process; you just need the courage to step forward and take the chance.
The opposite can also be true; finding yourself in an opportunity that does not suit you can be demoralising and as destructive as the isolation and loneliness that you are trying to leave behind.
This is something much easier to say than do, but is a lesson that has been learned by many and left undone by just as many; if you are unhappy then speak to the organisation, don’t let your worries and unhappiness make you ill. Walk away and try to find another opportunity that is much more suited to your needs and abilities; you are not tied to the opportunity or the organisation and you can walk away if you need to.
Asking for help, in any way, shape or form is an equally daunting form of change; in order to ask for help, you have to admit that there is a problem and that is the biggest step to take. Just remember that you are not alone, at some point in our lives we have all had to ask for help; as organisations we are people, volunteers are people and respect is the greatest gift that we can give to each other.
When it comes to making the change don’t be afraid to step forward and join others who have moved away from loneliness and isolation and become part of society.
The health of you, as a volunteer, is as important as the action of volunteering itself.
Happy and Healthy Volunteering…