Volunteering: a little to give, a lot to gain

Whether a school leaver, job seeker, full-time worker in need of adventure or retired, NCVO Volunteers’ Week aims to show people that by giving a little, they can gain a lot.

One of the thrusts of this year’s event, which runs until Sunday (June 12), is to challenge perceptions around volunteering, who can volunteer and what they can do.
It is also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate volunteers and take a moment to appreciate all they do.

Ruth Copleston, senior community development and volunteering officer for Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS), says there is something for everyone.
“Volunteering is an opportunity to build skills, spend time doing something you love, gain new experience, find new friends, to be valuable and valued and do something worthwhile both for yourself and someone else.”

Find out more at www.lincolnshirecvs.org.uk

Could you fill a role?

SPALDING

• Spalding Town Retailers’ Association wants a co-ordinator who is as passionate about the town as the members are. The volunteer will help to promote and co-ordinate the activities and publicity of the association. No specific skills are required but must be friendly, outgoing and local.
• The Chill Zone in Westlode Street needs volunteers to help create, organise and supervise activities for children aged 9-14. People are required on Friday between 4pm and 6.45pm to help to prepare the rooms before the young people arrive and to help tidy up at the end.
• Spalding Primary School PTA has its summer fair on Saturday, July 2 (noon-4pm). It requires volunteers to help set up the gazebos and marquee on the field on Thursday evening, prepare the stalls on Friday and Saturday morning, and run them at the event.

HOLBEACH

• Holbeach Youth Club runs every Friday (7pm-9.30pm). Regular or occasional volunteers are welcome. People should be enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate about engaging young people in positive activities to develop their wellbeing.
• Age UK Boston and South Holland want befrienders to visit older people both at home and in residential homes.
• Macmillan Cancer Support want a lead volunteer for a befriending group.