Undercover Superheroes

It’s time to celebrate volunteers this June and think about the fantastic contribution they make to society. Sara Whatley reports

This June, from the 1st-7th, it is Volunteer’s Week 2022, and a wonderful opportunity to say thanks to the millions of people that contribute to our society on a voluntary basis.

Volunteering is vital for our society and communities. It provides opportunities for people to work, be social, build confidence, give to their community and learn new skills too.

Volunteer’s Week might also be a time to think about volunteering yourself. Is it something you have considered before but never had the time for? Or not known what to volunteer as? Find out more about it during Volunteer’s Week.

Volunteering can take up as much or as little time as you want. Most volunteering opportunities are very flexible and organisations will be grateful for whatever time you can commit to them. This might be as little as an hour a week, or many more hours than that.

What to volunteer for is a more personal question. Volunteering opportunities reach far and wide, covering interests as diverse as history, gardening, education, food and drink, animals, social care – you name it and there will be a volunteering opportunity for it.

Anyone can volunteer, online from your own living room, or out and about in the community. It is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. You could learn new skills or put your existing skills to positive effect and gain some experience in a new field. This might be especially helpful to those thinking of new careers, a sort of trybefore-you-buy approach!

I spoke to Linda Barker, my lovely neighbour, about her volunteering. “It started when I was 16,” she said. “I took

on the role of treasurer for the Bolney Youth Club, where I had to balance the books.” Linda recalled how it felt very official to have to explain her workings and be held accountable for something. And, importantly, she learned to ask for help if she needed, a life lesson that has stood her in good stead over the years, she said.

For 28 years Linda was a Cub Leader, and now she is an Assistant Beaver Leader, in Cowfold. “It’s wonderful to see the children grow and develop,” Linda told me. “I’m a great believer in life skills. Once a child has learnt how to hang their coat on a hanger, place their shoes together and toast a bit of bread over an open fire they will know how to do that for life. To see them succeed is a pleasure.”

And pleasure is what Linda gets out of her volunteering roles. “It’s great being part of a team,” she said. “You’re in it together.” Sometimes it isn’t easy, she told me, but perhaps those times are even more rewarding. Linda recalled a time when she was volunteering at a hospital café and a bereaved lady came in, lost and struggling. Linda sat her down, made her two cups of tea and got her a piece of cake, and just sat with her. “What else could I do?” said Linda, but that little act would have done so much, not just physically reviving her but mentally supporting her as well.

Many volunteering roles are about mental support and companionship. Connecting with people, even just sitting down for a chat and a cuppa. That might be the only time that person has spoken to another human all day, and that contact is priceless.

I challenged myself to think for just a moment about all my daily activities and the community around me and recognised just how many volunteers contribute to them on a daily basis. From the little village I live in I could think of school volunteers, our community café, numerous museums, gardens and houses of interest near me, activities at the library, the church, the parish council, clubs and societies, and not forgetting all the behind the scenes caring for neighbours and friends that I know happens. I am amazed at how much volunteering goes on, right on my doorstep, and I’m sure it’s the same on your doorstep too. l www.volunteersweek.org

The Association of Carers is looking for volunteer befrienders, IT whizzes, telephone support helpers, drivers, and more to help unpaid carers in East Sussex

• No personal care re-quired • All travel expenses paid • No experience needed • Free training given

Registered Charity 1159551

There are ongoing induction & training opportunities in your area Call 01424 722309 or email info@associationofcarers.org.uk to find out more or apply on our website: www.associationofcarers.org.uk