Volunteers' Week

 

  

💙💚 Why be a VOLUNTEER? 💚💙

It’s not for the money, it’s not for fame,
and it’s not for any personal gain.
It's for love of fellow man,
It’s just to lend a helping hand.
It’s just to give the tithe of self.
That’s something you can’t buy with wealth.
It’s not the medals worn with pride.
It's just for that feeling deep inside.
It’s that reward down in your heart.
It’s the feeling that you’ve been a part
of helping others far and near,
That's what makes you VOLUNTEER.

(source of poem unknown)

Next week is the 40th anniversary of Volunteers' Week (June 3 to 9). It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole. The week culminates in 'The Big Help Out'. Click here to find out more.

In his Radio 4 series 'Just One thing' Dr Michel Mosley explores how helping others could help you too. By giving volunteering a go, you could boost your mental health, lower your cholesterol, and help you live longer and healthier. Studies show that by boosting your mood and empathy, volunteering can lower chronic inflammation, cholesterol and even help you lose weight. It’s also a great way to meet new people. Click here to listen to this interesting episode. 

Click here to search for a local volunteering opportunity.

Writing prompts:

• Have you volunteered in some way? Write about what you did and how it made you feel.
• Have volunteers helped you in any way? Write about what they did and the effect it had on you.
• Imagine that you could volunteer, doing anything, anywhere in the world; what would you do, where and why?