10 Reasons to Volunteer in Your Community
Have you ever thought about volunteering but wondered whether you have enough time to make a difference?
Volunteering doesn't have to mean committing to something every week or taking on a huge responsibility. Even giving up a small amount of your time can have a positive impact on someone else's life.
I was reminded of this when I took my 97-year-old Granny and her friend, who is in her late 80s, to the club they attend every week.
A little kindness can make a huge difference
The club is in a busy part of Edinburgh, so I was slightly concerned about being able to stop right outside and help them get safely inside.
They simply told me not to worry because there was always someone waiting outside to help.
Sure enough, when we arrived, one of the club's volunteers was standing on the pavement ready to help anyone who needed assistance getting into the building.
It was a horrible winter's day, yet this retired gentleman was wrapped up in his coat, hat and gloves, giving his time to help other people.
It was lovely to see genuine kindness in action.
I couldn't help thinking about the positive impact that volunteers like him have on people's lives. For some older people, community groups and the volunteers who support them may be an important source of company, connection and support.
Without volunteers, some people could find themselves spending much more time alone at home.
Why should you volunteer?
There are countless reasons to volunteer, and the benefits aren't only experienced by the people you're helping.
Here are 10 reasons to consider giving your time to a local organisation, charity or community group.
1. You can make a difference to someone else's life
Perhaps the biggest reason to volunteer is simply to help other people.
Whether you're supporting older people, helping children, assisting at a charity event or doing something practical in your local community, your time can make a genuine difference.
Sometimes something as simple as being there for someone can mean more than you realise.
2. You can meet new people
Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet people you might never otherwise have crossed paths with.
I've met some wonderful people through volunteering, and many of those connections have stayed with me over the years.
If you've recently moved to a new area or simply want to become more involved in your local community, volunteering can be a great way to get started.
3. You can learn new skills
Volunteering can give you the opportunity to develop skills that you might not use in everyday life.
I've gained new skills through my own voluntary work, including experience from being involved in active first aid duties.
You can learn about communication, teamwork, organisation, leadership and problem-solving, often without even realising you're developing those skills.
4. It can build confidence
Trying something new can be daunting, but volunteering gives you the chance to take on responsibilities in a supportive environment.
As you gain experience and see that you're capable of making a difference, your confidence can grow too.
5. You can become more involved in your community
It's easy to live in a community without really feeling connected to it.
Volunteering can change that.
When I spent 10 years as a Beaver Leader, I got to know lots of people in my local community and became much more aware of the organisations and people around me.
6. You can discover new interests
Volunteering can introduce you to activities, organisations and experiences that you might never have considered.
I've been fortunate enough to visit places and experience things through voluntary work that I probably wouldn't otherwise have encountered.
You never know where volunteering might lead.
7. It can be personally rewarding
There is something incredibly satisfying about knowing that you've helped somebody.
Sometimes the biggest reward is simply hearing someone say, "Thank you."
That small acknowledgement can make all the time and effort feel worthwhile.
8. It can benefit your CV
Volunteering isn't just about gaining experience for employment, but it can certainly demonstrate valuable qualities to universities and employers.
It can show commitment, responsibility, teamwork, leadership and a willingness to help others.
When I was applying to university, some of my voluntary experience was also something I was able to include on my CV.
9. You can set a positive example
Volunteering can encourage the people around you to think about what they could do to help others.
Children in particular can learn a great deal from seeing adults give their time to support their community.
In my own family, volunteering has always been part of life. My parents both gave up their time to help others and, interestingly, they actually met through voluntary work — my Mum was a Cub leader and my Dad was a Scout leader. The rest, as they say, is history!
10. You might find that you get as much as you give
One of the biggest things I've learned from volunteering is that helping others can benefit you too.
You can meet fantastic people, learn new skills, gain confidence, have new experiences and feel a genuine sense of achievement.
Volunteering isn't entirely selfless — and I don't think it needs to be.
How can you start volunteering?
You don't need to commit to volunteering every week.
Think about the things you enjoy, the skills you already have and the causes that matter to you.
You could volunteer at a local community group, charity, school, sports club or organisation. You could help at an event, support older people, work with children or simply offer practical help when it's needed.
Start small if you're unsure.
Even giving a few hours of your time can make a difference.
Why volunteering matters
I was genuinely surprised when I once spoke to someone at an event I had organised for my boys' school Parents' Association. She told me:
"I pride myself that I have never volunteered for anything!"
I remember feeling quite sad about that because, from my own experience, she was missing out on so much.
I've always been someone who finds it difficult to say no, enjoys being busy and likes helping others. But volunteering has given me far more than I expected in return.
So if you've ever thought about volunteering, why not give it a try?
You don't have to change the world. You simply have to give a little of your time.
You never know whose life you might make a little better — and you may find that volunteering makes your own life better too.