Choice is yours

But have you thought about doing something different with your spare time? Volunteering can be a great way to improve your skills, confidence, make new friends, get healthy and make great use of your time. There are loads of benefits to volunteering for you as well as your community, the list is endless so whatever your motivations for the year ahead you should definitely consider volunteering. Everyone knows about volunteering for charity shops or as a fundraiser, but did you know there are approximately 400 different volunteering opportunities across South Central Bedfordshire so now’s the time to think about doing something a little different to help others.

Sight Concern are always looking for volunteer visitors to visit the homes of people with sight difficulties to provide company and for reading. Here’s what one of their longest running volunteers had to say about volunteering for Sight Concern;“It suits me to have a certain day and time to fit in with my routine. I am fairly sociable and have no trouble opening conversations with strangers anywhere. I did not have any expectations, but was hoping to meet another “chatterbox”. I met the person that I visit, who also talks a lot, and we have talks on numerous subjects.”

Street Pastors look for people to help out on a busy Friday and Saturday night, helping keep people safe on their nights out, they provide flip flops to people who have hurt feet due to standing for long periods as well as water to revellers and much more.

“Street pastoring isn’t hard; it’s about doing the little things that make a difference, and helping people to be safe when they are out enjoying themselves. It’s very rewarding.”

Committee members – lots of organisations need help from people who have experience in business to manage their charity. You could sit on the board of Trustee’s, act as a guest speaker, or a treasurer. You could also be an Ambassador for a charity and help spread the word about the work they are doing.

>If you are interested in volunteering, then give Volunteer Centre Central Bedfordshire a call to find out more. Tel: 01525 850559, week days 9.30am – 3.30pm or email [email protected].