Volunteering is an integral part of society. Volunteers are often the backbone of successful communities as they take pride in their roles and thrive within said communities. The impact on society can be immeasurable, local people can address local issues and resolve them. 

Volunteering for organisations has numerous rewards. Volunteers can provide a valuable pool of talent and provide new skill sets. The organisation feels to be in supportive of exploring alternative employment options and exhibits a positive approach to volunteering.

For individuals, volunteering can be life-changing. Giving up some unpaid time can increase self-confidence, ease depression and help you stay physically and mentally healthy. It can advance your career and teach you valuable job and life skills as well as giving you experience in the workplace thus reducing unemployment. Volunteering can help make new friends, grow your network of contacts and improve your social skills. It also brings a sense of fulfilment to an individual’s life and decreases social exclusion.

I regularly volunteer as a committee member for the Hamilton Residents’ Association so have seen first-hand the positive impact of volunteering in our community, it has definitely made our community tighter-knit. Volunteering has allowed me to connect with the society I live with and make it a better place for all. 

Since taking up volunteering I have benefited greatly from feeling part of a wider community.  My reason for volunteering was to make my community a better place to live for my children. 

I feel established in the community and my children also benefit as they have learned the value of community spirit.