Where to Find Volunteer Opportunities You Really Care About

ACTIVISM

/ 28 AUGUST 2024

The main reason people are less-inclined (polite phrasing), to want to volunteer is because they simply don’t have the time.

Generalising here, most people spend the working week, well, working. Their 9-5’s are spent working for someone else and they wait for the weekend to relax and enjoy themselves. However, this is usually spoiled again by doing something for someone else- a birthday party, park run with the kids etc. Then, those ‘free’ hours you get become precious and the idea of squeezing in volunteering doesn’t seem fair, you’ve literally spent all week doing things for others. 

But, what if volunteering- in a strange 180 way- was actually for you? It gave back what you put in? 

Top 5 Reasons You Should Volunteer

2. Mental and Physical Health: Engaging in volunteer work has been linked to numerous health benefits. It can reduce stress, combat depression, and increase overall happiness by fostering a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

3. Community Impact: Volunteers play a crucial role in addressing local needs and supporting community initiatives. Your efforts can help improve the lives of others, contribute to community development, and promote social cohesion.

4. Building Connections: Volunteering allows you to meet new people, make new friends, and strengthen existing relationships. It can also help you build a network of contacts that might be beneficial for both personal and professional growth.

Ultimately, it comes down to this; we’re stronger together*.

*like a cup of tea with a hobnob.

Mental Health Support

“You can’t pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself first”

If you take the time, it probably won’t take long to find someone in your network who could benefit from a listening ear. Make a conscious effort to reach out to friends with the sole purpose of finding out how they are—without any intention other than to listen. It’s important to take care of yourself first before starting this.

Check in with your emotions by journaling, exercising regularly and nourishing your body with the right foods. While you’re not a mental health professional and cannot provide full service to someone, offering support can go a long way.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Elderly

“”To care for those who once cared for us is one of life’s greatest honors”

Many elderly, especially in assisted living or care homes can find themselves isolated and lonely. It’s best to start by reaching out to the elderly people you know – relatives, neighbours, friends. It’s not always easy to spot where to help, so start by making conversation and lending an ear to listen. Practical ideas could be helping with household tasks, sharing a meal or listening to their life stories.

Emotional loneliness can stem from a lack of meaningful relationships; getting to know an elderly person can be just as helpful as any physical task.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Children

It can be extremely rewarding to volunteer and help children, particularly as there is such a huge amount we can do.

Firstly, look at your close circle and see what time you can give there. Often, parents are under-resourced, they may be a close friend and someone you’ve offered help to before but from time to time it’s always good to reach out again. Consider gifts with simple and engaging activities like crafts, games, or outdoor toys that give parents a little respite.

When volunteering with children, ensure the organisation conducts background checks and has strong policies to protect and ensure the privacy of children.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Career and Technology

“In the UK, around 25% of over 65’s do not have ‘good enough’ IT skills”

If you’re tech-savvy or just generally alright on the computer, consider offering your support to local businesses or people. Extending professional support to those around you can be rewarding two-fold- especially then they offer the help back! It can be as simple as setting up the Fire Stick for your neighbour or editing a cover letter for a Uni student.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Animals

“Today’s good mood is sponsored by coffee and animals”

If you’re an animal lover and looking to give back there are a plethora of opportunities out there. You could provide a loving home for a guide dog puppy, trim the hedge of an animal hospital or send emails out to promote animal welfare.

There are plenty of ways we inadvertently help animals; growing wildflower meadows in our gardens, beach clean ups to reduce plastic in the ocean and picking up litter when we go on walks.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

OUR EDITOR VOLUNTEERING AT A SRI LANKAN COFFEE FARM

Environment

When it comes to the environment, there are so many things we can get involved with:

1. Planting Trees: Planting trees helps combat climate change, provides habitats for wildlife, and improves air quality.

2. Support Community Gardens: Get involved in local community gardens to help grow organic produce, promote sustainable agriculture, and create green spaces in urban areas.

3. Conservation Projects: Assist in wildlife conservation projects that protect endangered species and their habitats. 

4. Educational Outreach: Volunteer to educate others about environmental issues and sustainability practices. 

5. Advocate for Policy Change: Join environmental advocacy groups to campaign for policies that protect the environment. 

6. Support Renewable Energy Initiatives: Volunteer with organisations promoting renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. 

7. Wildlife Rehabilitation: Assist in wildlife rehabilitation centres that care for injured or orphaned animals, helping them recover and return to their natural habitats.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Human Rights

“No matter where you look, there is a cause to fight for.”

Volunteering for human rights often lends itself to supporting vulnerable groups from discrimination and abuse, ensuring everyone is treated fairly and equally. It raises awareness and educates the public about human rights issues, fostering a more inclusive and just society.

Additionally, it supports the work of organisations advocating for policy changes and legal protections that uphold human dignity and freedom.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Art

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”

The good news; around 80% of people consider themselves quite creative, the not so good news is that we often spend our ‘day job’ ignoring this side of our brains.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We would Love to Hear From You

If you’re a charity, an organisation or simply a group of great people with a project that requires volunteers; please get in touch so that we can feature you on our page.

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