Volunteering – much more than you thought

Volunteering is a super way to meet different people, enjoy new experiences, learn fresh skills and have fun at the same time.

Community groups and charities in Toddington and across South Bedfordshire need volunteers in all sorts of roles, so whatever your interests, skills or experience, there should be something perfect for you.

The Chiltern District Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association teaches horse riding to children with physical or mental difficulties. Activities such as horse riding can make a real and lasting difference to the life of a disabled child. The group needs volunteers to help on Wednesday mornings, term-time only, at Chalgrave Manor.

You don’t have to be able to ride, as long as you feel comfortable and confident around horses and can run for short periods/distances. Volunteers receive basic training covering health and safety, how to lead a horse and help children mount and dismount.

If you want to help improve the quality of life for the elderly and otherwise vulnerable or needy in your locality, Toddington Area Helping Hands would love to hear from you. The organisation is looking for volunteer Duty Officers and volunteer Helping Hands.

Duty Officers take calls from residents in and around Toddington who need transport to and from the doctors’ surgery, Luton & Dunstable Hospital, etc. and pass on the requests to volunteer Helping Hands. A mobile phone with voicemail is provided, so Duty Officers aren’t tied to having to be in one place.

Volunteer Helping Hands need to have a vehicle and be available during the daytime to transport those requesting help.

If you enjoy walking, what about volunteering as a Health Walk Leader for Walk 4 Health? Walk 4 Health is part of a national campaign encouraging everyone to walk their way to health.

Experience isn’t necessary, just an interest in walking. Walks are aimed at those who are inactive, for whatever reason, and last between 30 minutes and an hour. Walk 4 Health provides a useful induction, including First Aid training, for its volunteer Leaders.

To find out more about these or any one of hundreds of other volunteering opportunities in South Bedfordshire, contact Lucy, Rebecca or Janet at the Volunteer Centre, tel. 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-southbeds.org.uk