BBO is having a significant impact on individual lives, supporting people to increase their confidence, independence and achieve their employment aspirations.
See what our participants have to say in these case studies …
Posted 29.05.2020
Across D2N2 Stakeholder Managers work closely with the voluntary and community sector and actively promote volunteering as a pathway to good. Celebrating Volunteers Week and Small Charities Week will be done differently in 2020, but celebrate we will!
We might remember 2020 as the year when volunteers stepped in. Truth is, they were always “in”. 2020 was actually the year when volunteers were most noticed and most appreciated. Throughout the Covid-19 crisis volunteers have demonstrated courage, assertiveness, teamwork, organisational ability and a whole host of skills which have been recognised and appreciated. Marvellously, all of these skills and qualities (communication, responsibility, teamwork and innovation) are directly transferable to the workplace.
Volunteering can provide career experience
Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly at an organisation that does the kind of work you’re interested in. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home. Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organisations or internships that could be of benefit to your career.
Volunteering can teach you valuable job skills
Just because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. For example, you could become an experienced crisis counsellor while volunteering for a women’s shelter
Becoming a volunteer is an empowering process, which builds confidence to help to bring about positive change. Volunteers also have an enormous impact on the health and well-being of communities worldwide, which allows society to thrive. Volunteering is good for the soul, and it’s a good addition to a CV, providing unique experiences to write about and talk about. Importantly, the process of volunteering enables people to gain a sense of personal satisfaction.
Volunteering is good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older adults. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering factors like the health of the participants. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.
Bear in mind that the most valuable skills you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude.
Small Charity Week 2020 will kick off with I ♥ Small Charities Day on 15th June. This is a day to raise awareness of the work of all small charities across the UK. This year NAVCA are supporting the day.
To be kept up to date with all Small Charity Week news make sure you are signed up to the Small Charity Week mailing list by emailing: info@smallcharityweek.com and follow @SCWeek2020 on Twitter. VISIT the SMALL CHARITY WEEK website
READ MORE HERE about Nottingham Community & Voluntary Service’s campaign to celebrate their local volunteers response to the coronavirus pandemic
FIND OUT MORE about Derbyshire County Council’s Volunteer Passport – free training for Derbyshire residents who volunteer or are thinking of volunteering
TAKE PART in Derbyshire County Council’s survey on the future of voluntary and community provision
WATCH this short video highlighting the work of volunteers at the Derby Food Bank Forum
Find your local volunteer opportunities in Derby and Derbyshire
Derbyshire by area
Amber Valley Community & Voluntary Service
Bolsover Together (temporary service provided by Bassetlaw CVS)
Community Action Derby
Derbyshire Dales Council for Voluntary Services
High Peak Community & Voluntary Support
The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire
Find your local volunteer opportunities in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire Community Support Hub~
Ashfield Voluntary Action
Bassetlaw Community & Voluntary Service
Giving for Gedling
Mansfield Community & Voluntary Service
Newark & Sherwood Community & Voluntary Service
Nottingham Community & Voluntary Service
Rushcliffe Community & Voluntary Service
Voluntary Action Broxtowe
BBO is having a significant impact on individual lives, supporting people to increase their confidence, independence and achieve their employment aspirations.
See what our participants have to say in these case studies …