TWIST: The benefits of volunteering
Every day across Chesterfield and across Britain an army of people volunteer, in shops, in communities, by riverbanks and sat patiently supporting people suffering ill health or loneliness, amongst many others. These volunteers raise money, improve our communities and do their small bit to make a big difference, and our town and country would be the poorer without them.
To promote Volunteer Week this year, I joined volunteers at Ashgate Hospice’s charity shop in Staveley, to help sort donations, check and label up stock and before I left, was even trusted to man the till!
Every donated item, every purchase and every hour put in by volunteers helps with raising funds and ensuring Ashgate Hospice continue providing outstanding care and support to patients and their families.
Volunteering benefits everyone involved. For charities, volunteers provide vital support that enables organisations to deliver services, raise funds and reach more people in need. Most charities simply could not operate without the dedication and commitment of their volunteers.
The wider community also benefits. Volunteers help create stronger, more connected neighbourhoods. They support vulnerable residents, organise community activities, preserve local green spaces and help ensure that people do not feel isolated. Their work strengthens the social fabric that binds communities together.
Just as importantly, volunteering offers significant benefits for the volunteers themselves. It provides opportunities to learn new skills, gain experience, meet new people and build confidence. Many people find volunteering rewarding because it gives them a sense of purpose and the chance to give something back. Working as a volunteer can also provide an introduction to the workplace for people who haven’t had any experience or are returning to work after a period of ill health. Learning the discipline of turning up regularly or the flexibility of being able to attend when your health allows, can prove vital to assist new labour market entrants and work returnees and sometimes provides a pathway to paid work.
I would highly recommend people consider getting involved and becoming a volunteer. If you are interested, you should get in touch with the Derbyshire Volunteer Centre, who can help you look for opportunities and find something that suits you. You can find out more at https://chesterfieldvc.online/
Finally, I want to say a massive thank you to all the volunteers that support communities across Chesterfield. Your contribution really matters and makes our town a stronger, better place.