5 reasons to volunteer
1. Boost your CV
Employers are looking for more than just qualifications these days and if you haven’t got much work experience it can be difficult to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Volunteering is a great way to show employers you’ve got abilities such as team work and communication skills. Giving up your spare time to do some unpaid work also demonstrates that you’ve got the drive and commitment to succeed in the work place.
2. Make new friends
Working on a volunteer project is a great way to meet new people. You get to spend time with people with similar interests and of course you’ll have your volunteer work in common, which means you’ll definitely have lots to talk about! Who knows, you could make a friend for life.
3. Try something new
Volunteering can be a great way to try something completely new – whether it’s learning a new skill or spending some time in a different country. Voluntary work covers a whole range of activities - from working with older people at your local care home, to rebuilding dry stone walls in the Peak District, to teaching deprived children in Uganda.
4. Do something positive for your community
It’s easy to sit around and moan, but if you’re serious about wanting to change things for the better, why not give up some of your time to a volunteer project?
Local projects can include working with older people, cleaning up a park or helping out at a local hospital. Whatever you choose, you can be certain that you’re making a real difference to the lives of people in your area.
5. Feel good
And yes, there’s the warm, fuzzy glow you get from doing something positive and helping other people. Studies show that people who volunteer are happier and more content. Not only that, but by challenging yourself to try something new you’ll also get a great sense of personal achievement.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a volunteer project today!
Useful links
Finding a volunteering opportunity
About volunteering
