Volunteering

There are so many benefits to volunteering. It can be a chance to make a positive difference to other people's lives as well as yours. It can also:

• Improve your self esteem, confidence and wellbeing, as volunteering is linked to better physical and mental health. 

• Allow you to gain invaluable work experience, which can enhance your CV.

• Provide the opportunity for high quality training and developing new skills.

• Allow you to use your existing skills and knowledge to benefit the local community.

• Facilitate the opportunity to meet new people from a range of backgrounds.

• Invoke the feeling of being valued and part of a team.

Volunteering isn't just working in the local charity shop, you can get involved with volunteering on a wide range of projects. Many people are already volunteering without even realising! There are opportunities at college to volunteer, either by becoming involved with the Student Council or being a Student Ambassador. You can even get involved casually by helping out at open evenings or fun days. Have a quick read about why you should get involved in volunteering in this article from Prospects. They also suggest some great websites where you can look for volunteering opportunities. 

If you would like some inspiration for other volunteering opportunities, take a look at Warrington Voluntary Action's website.

If you are involved with any clubs or societies, ask them about volunteering opportunities. Sports clubs, Guides, Scouts, youth clubs, Duke of Edinburgh, drama or dance clubs and local conservation societies will likely all have opportunities for you to volunteer.