This is a long over due blog, long time being years in fact. However it seems right that I did leave it till now to write this. After all the community simply couldn’t have got through covid without the 1000s of volunteers offering their time and commitment.
Motherwell Cheshire would simply not be he charity that it is today without the passion and commitment of the volunteers over the years.
I must admit for some of our volunteers I tend to forget that they are volunteering as they are so dedicated to the cause. We have a variety of volunteers from trustees, counsellors, youth board, womens day planning committee and many other roles.
I have said for many years now, how It has always surprised me how volunteering can have such a benefit to peoples mental health. “Giving” forms one part of the 5 ways to wellbeing, I was at first very sceptical about this “way” however after years of seeing it first hand I absolutely can see the benefit.
From my perspective volunteering has the following benefits:
- Provides people with a purpose
- Breaks loneliness and isolation
- Provides support and companionship
- Stimulates learning
- ……and many more.
It is estimated that 19.4 million people volunteered in 2018/19 (https://data.ncvo.org.uk) all these people finding benefits in the roles that they do.
What I love is that for every passion there is a volunteering role, from Wildlife to strategy, Education to music. Each local town will have a volunteer centre that can help you find the perfect role for you.
Locally to us we have Cheshire East CVS and Chester Voluntary Action, who have all been a huge personal support to both our charity and myself, providing all the infrastructure to both volunteers and organisations that recruit volunteers.
Over the next 12 months I want to focus more energies into our volunteering programmes, particularly now we have our community share hub and Youth board. Giving women the opportunities to develop skills in a safe environment to improve confidence and find a passion.
Its the first time in many years I havent had a volunteer position myself. I am currently looking for a new role, and ready to take on a new challenge. over the last 9 months my energies have been focussed on getting Motherwell Cheshire in a safe position after covid. So in the new year I will seeing what opportunities there is that compliments my passions and my role with Motherwell Cheshire.
Over the years I have had a variety of volunteers, gaining many skills along the way.
After leaving my retail / business background I volunteered for victim support for many years and gained many skills that help me start my counselling qualification.
When my children were small I volunteered at a local youth club which was my first experience of writing funding applications!
I then became governor of a local primary school but when it became an academy I thought it was the time to step down as Motherwell was clearing growing and I didn’t want to be spinning to many plates. Especially as being a leader of a charity was new to me.
Last year I resigned as Director of a local radio station, I wont say anymore, other than…..big mistake!
I strongly encourage everyone to consider a volunteering role, especially at such a difficult time for our local community. Its rewarding and you will be helping others in more ways you will ever know.
To contact Cheshire East CVS Or Chester voluntary Action the contact details are as follows: