Make It Your New Years Resolution To Volunteer In 2006

Okay - so you over-indulged over the festive season and have now probably made new year's resolutions to get fit, reduce stress or lose weight to make you feel better and gain a sense of achievement. You could spend a fortune joining a gym (although you know that you'll have stopped going by February), spend hours chopping up vegetables at the hands of the latest fad diet, or put your back out attempting a complex yoga position. Or, if you really want to feel good about yourself and make a resolution you can stick to, you could try a spot of volunteering.

Research shows that you are much more likely to stick to a resolution that has a positive effect on others or involves doing things with other people. Nearly half of all volunteers believe it has improved their health, while one in five says it has helped them lose weight. Of those who have volunteered for more than two years, half say it makes them less depressed. Sizeable numbers claim it has helped them smoke and drink less and has reduced stress.

So why not give volunteering a go? There are hundreds of opportunities to choose from and you will be surprised at the range of different types of activity available. From prop making to dog walking, from video-editing to train driving, there is something for everyone. Your local volunteer centre has a wide variety of opportunities of which the following are just a small selection.

If you’ve got plenty of time on your hands and are interested in helping people who may otherwise suffer through lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, you might consider becoming a Citizens Advice Bureau Adviser. You needn’t have formal qualifications but you should have a good general education and be willing to undertake full training. For this opportunity you will need to be able to commit to sessions of between 8-10 hours per week. Perfect for those of you who are looking for a regular commitment and are looking for an opportunity to stimulate the old grey cells. 

Girlguiding Bedfordshire is a values based organisation where trained leaders encourage girls to reach their potential, offering them new challenges and opportunities for fun. Assistants are needed to help with Rainbows (aged 5-7) and Brownies (aged 7-11). Activities include singing songs, playing games, making things, cooking, going on outings and helping Brownies work towards their badges. Training is provided and volunteers are fully supported by the leaders. If you enjoy working with children, and have patience and a sense of humour this might be the opportunity for you. 

Are you a hairdresser with a couple of free hours to spare? If so, Luton & Dunstable Hospital is keen to hear from you. Anyone who has been in hospital for any length of time will know how important it is when you are beginning to feel better to also feel clean and presentable. For many people having their hair washed and cut or set can make a big difference to their morale. The nursing staff are able to wash patients hair but rarely have the time or equipment to provide a full hairdo. Hairdressing at the hospital involves visiting ward patients to wash, cut, set and blowdry their hair.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association provides care and support for local people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and their families. Association Visitors offer help and support in many small, yet significant ways to people living with MND. Volunteers find this is a satisfying and rewarding role, as their friendship and understanding is an invaluable link. Working as part of a local team, the role involves visiting people at home or keeping in touch by telephone and proactively signposting them to other sources of help if required. The Association welcome people from all walks of life who have a caring nature and are a good listener. You don't have to have experience of this kind of role or indeed MND as all volunteers attend an accredited training course and participate in regular update training days and support meetings.

Contacts
For further information on these opportunities please contact Georgina at Voluntary and Community Action on 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-southbeds.org.uk If you would like to explore other volunteering opportunities that are available in South Bedfordshire please contact Georgina for a Volunteering Directory or to arrange an informal chat.