So many ways to show you care
This February, we thought we would take a look at the many different ways to show you care.
We know that making a difference matters to most volunteers –
“Helping people or improving things is the key reason people started volunteering, and those who felt they had a positive impact on others were much more likely both to be satisfied with their volunteering and to continue with it. “
From Time Well Spent Report from NCVO, January 2019
So, if you want to help other people, engaging in one of the following opportunities will really show you care:
Care for our neighbours
One of the heart-warming responses to the pandemic was the informal networks of neighbourly support that emerged almost overnight out of concern for those who found themselves vulnerable, trapped indoors, or unwell. Perhaps our lives have returned to a more normal pattern, and the need for these groups isn’t quite so apparent, but for many who are isolated, and unable to get out and about, the long-established Good Neighbour Schemes run by BedsRCC continue to provide fantastic support as Mark Smith, Chairman of Ampthill & Flitwick Good Neighbours explains:
‘Our volunteers really care for the most vulnerable in our community, as they most notably stepped up during the pandemic to assist those most in need by doing their shopping and prescription collection. They play a vital role in our community ensuring that the old and vulnerable have a safety net they can rely on’
If you are interested in helping out your neighbours, take a look at the opportunities we currently have listed on our Simply Connect Volunteering Platform:
Show you care for your neighbours
Care for older people
If you have been unable to see a grandparent or older parent over the last two years, due to their vulnerability and isolation you will know how much of a struggle it has been for them to be on their own. Perhaps it has opened your eyes to the impact of loneliness in older age and you would like to do something to help as services open up again. There are charitable organisations that support those who are older in age. Whether it is the full range of services as provided by Age UK, or services geared to those who have moved into retirement homes and nursing homes, there are volunteer positions available.
If you are interested in helping out those in your own community, who need support due to their older age and isolation, take a look at the opportunities we currently have listed on our Simply Connect Volunteering Platform.
Show you care for older adults
Care for the family
Many families are facing multiple pressures with the rapid cost of living rises, and a rise in mental health difficulties. Add these to individual circumstances such as already existing poverty, poor physical health, domestic abuse, exploitation and behavioural issues and you will realise how critical extra help and support is. A non-judgemental listening ear, and some practical help will make a world of difference to families that often find difficulty in accessing mainstream services.
If you would like to give support to struggling families, take a look at the opportunities we currently have listed on our Simply Connect Volunteering Platform.
Care for people with disabilities
People with disabilities have been amongst the most vulnerable and isolated over the last couple of years. So, it is lovely to see some of the face to face meetings and clubs being available to those that are confident enough to start venturing out and mixing with others. There is a need for new volunteers to help in all sorts of ways – a time for fresh input and enthusiasm delivered with sensitivity -
If you would like to give support to a group of people with a disability, take a look at the opportunities we currently have listed on our Simply Connect Volunteering Platform.
Show you care for people with disabilities
Care for the Carers
Another group of people that have had a hard time over the pandemic are our unpaid carers. Supporting family and friends that rely on their help because of a disability or illness they work tirelessly and find can find it difficult to get a break, or access the support they need. If you would like to give support to carers, take a look at the opportunities we currently have listed on our Simply Connect Volunteering Platform.
Show you care for people who care
Care for Refugees
Several charities are operating in Bedfordshire to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and get the support they need to settle in our community or progress their assylum application. If you would like to give support to refugees, take a look at the opportunities we currently have listed on our Simply Connect Volunteering Platform.
Show you care for refugees
Care for your Community
Finally, If you would like to give a different kind of support to others in your community, such as helping people at foodbanks, take a look at these other opportunities we currently have listed on our Simply Connect Volunteering Platform.
Show you care for people in your community
We do hope that you will find a cause that you can really identify with and that you will be inspired to investigate further how you can put your time, talents and enthusiasm to work with one of the organisations we have featured.
If you would like to talk further about volunteering, or would like some help using our Simply Connect Platform to register your interest in any of the above opportunities, then please do get in touch.
tel: 01234 354366
