Spread a Little Happiness: Volunteering at Home And Abroad

Once a year the company that I work for allows us to volunteer our services at a local charity project. Such days are a great initiative where we get out of the office and lend a helping hand in the local community. This year we volunteered at a garden development which covers an acre of land on an old allotment site overlooking the sea and the Sussex Downs. The aim of the group is to grow seasonal produce, teach gardening and promote the nutritional values of organically grown food.

This was a really special experience and our team really benefitted from getting their hands dirty and helping other people. As with most volunteer schemes the people that worked at the garden were really friendly and pretty inspirational.

In the past, the closest I’d got to volunteer workers was whilst hunting for second-hand books in charity shops. I pretty much thought that soup kitchens and collecting money were the only forms of service available. However, my eyes have been opened to the sort of work that goes on in numerous action projects up and down the country.

If you’re considering getting involved in a local scheme or even thinking about voluntary work abroad then below are a few different projects that may give you the inspiration that you need to get started.

Job coach

This is a wonderful idea that enables volunteers to assist people who are looking to find a job. There are numerous reasons why someone may find searching for work difficult such as: learning difficulties, physical impairments or a lack of confidence. As a volunteer you’d be able to help with applying for jobs, preparing for interviews and supporting the person within the workplace if needed. No skills are necessary for this sort of role. All you need to be is calm, patient and supportive. Sometimes all people need is a helping hand to start them off and once they find a job that suits them, confidence in their own ability will soon begin to flourish.

WWOOF

If you’re interested in getting some healthy, nutritious soil under your fingernails and learning how to grow organic produce at the same time then the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms group need you! This is an excellent idea that links volunteers to farms and small holdings. In return for you working for an allotted amount of time you’ll receive bed and board as well as a hands-on experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Volunteer abroad

From Asia to the Amazon, building to teaching, opportunities to see the world and make a difference to those less fortunate are literally everywhere. If you’ve always wanted to travel and find out more about local culture then what better way than volunteering on a project that takes you right to the heart of a community?

There are so many chances to volunteer abroad and so many people and animals that are crying out for your help. This sort of experience is bound to change your life and no matter where you want to go or what you want to do, there’s always an organisation that can’t wait to hear from you.

Dog walking/RSPCA

It’s unbelievable the amount of unwanted pets that are literally thrown out with the rubbish. Thankfully, organisations such as the RSPCA are on hand to help with animal welfare in all its guises. From mistreated pets to releasing animals back into the wild, there’s never a day goes by that staff aren’t working tirelessly to ensure animals are given the right to a healthy and happy life.

Volunteers are essential to the day to day running of catteries, kennels and animals welfare centres. Tasks vary from dog walking to mucking out but everyone that contributes their time will certainly be touched by a. the amount of work that goes into caring for animals and b. the loving response that animals give to a friendly and gentle hand.

Youth centres

Young people have been in the media a lot lately and from youth unemployment to a summer of riots, physical and mental divides can often add to a perceived problem. Getting involved at a local youth centre is a great way to break down some of these barriers and find out more about what it means to be a young person living in today’s society.

Volunteers are invaluable to helping supervise, mentor and support youth groups. Activities often involve: cookery, sports, dance and just having fun although, sometimes it’s just great for a young person to have someone to talk to who isn’t going to judge them and cares about what they have to say.

Whatever projects, organisations or action you’re thinking of taking one thing is for sure: if you can offer your services through volunteering it won’t just be other people you’ll be helping but yourself too.

 

Filed under: Volunteering

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!