No Time To Volunteer? Think Again

Want to volunteer but unable to make a long term commitment? No problem – there are plenty of one-off volunteering opportunities in South Bedfordshire. A wide range of local groups are looking for volunteers to help with many different activities, so whatever your interests, there should be something to suit.

If you like getting stuck in and practical activities, what about joining in with Leighton Buzzard Town Cricket Club’s “Cricketforce” weekend on 5th and 6th April?

The cricket ground and clubhouse need to be prepared for the forthcoming season and tasks to be done include landscaping, painting, decorating, carpentry and plumbing. Volunteers don’t need to be an expert in DIY or cricket, they just need to be willing to work as part of a team, and can choose to help for all or part of the weekend.

The Mayday Trust is asking people to give at least one hour of their time during the week of 6th to 9th May to help make-over flats in Leighton Buzzard. The Trust, which provides specialised support, accommodation and training in life-skills for vulnerable adults, is also seeking donations of good quality decorating materials for this project.

If music is your passion, what about organising an Oxjam music event during April to raise money for Oxfam? It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of classical, dance, garage, house, grunge, folk or punk; this is a great opportunity to gain event-organisation experience while having fun and fundraising for a worthwhile cause. A team will be on hand to provide support and advice, along with first-class materials and online help.

Several local groups are looking for volunteers to help children or families on a short-term basis.

F.U.N. runs a play scheme in Houghton Regis during school half-term and summer holidays for families and siblings (aged 0-19yrs) of children with special needs. Play scheme leaders supervise activities but volunteers are needed to support and encourage the children to take part in a range of stimulating activities and workshops in music, sports, art and crafts.

Leighton Buzzard Mencap Holiday Clubs require volunteers to supervise children with learning difficulties aged 6 to 18 years while they enjoy various fun activities. Kidsout wants volunteers to assist in setting up games and overseeing play at roadshows held one day a week in the summer holidays across South Bedfordshire.

Or what about combining a holiday with volunteering for organisations such as The National Trust or CHICKS?

The National Trust needs Working Holiday Leader Volunteers to manage, supervise and motivate a group of around 12 volunteers on residential working holidays. The Trust runs around 450 working holidays every year, so whether you fancy carrying out a conservation survey, herding goats, painting a lighthouse or planting trees, there’s plenty of choice. The National Trust is also looking for Working Holiday Leader Volunteer Minibus Drivers.

CHICKS provides free, six day (Thursday-Tuesday) residential respite breaks for disadvantaged children aged 8-16 years, who would not otherwise have a holiday. Volunteers encourage and support the children while joining in, having fun and helping to give disadvantaged children a holiday to remember.

To find out about these or hundreds of other volunteering opportunities in the Dunstable area, contact Lucy, Rebecca or Janet at Volunteer Centre South Bedfordshire, tel. 01525 850559.