Have you ever thought about volunteering but weren’t sure if it was for you? Volunteering isn’t just about helping others (though that’s brilliant too), it offers opportunities that can benefit you. If you’re looking to build your confidence, learn new skills or grow as an individual, volunteering offers a platform that can help you achieve these goals.
From getting your hands dirty in community gardens to helping people navigate technology, volunteering opens doors to experiences you might never encounter elsewhere. But it’s not just about what you give – it’s about what you gain too.
Beyond the obvious feel-good factor, volunteering helps you develop practical skills too.
Monty, a university student who volunteers in his spare time, said “it has helped me develop skills such as better listening and explaining”.
- Teamwork: Working with people from various backgrounds and skill sets can enhance your ability to collaborate effectively in diverse settings.
- Problem-solving: Thinking on your feet to solve unexpected situations that can come up while volunteering.
- Time management: Balancing volunteer commitments with other responsibilities can strengthen your ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
These are just a few examples of the skills you can develop, and many of them are transferable to both personal and professional environments. You can also gain skills and experience specific to your volunteering role, for example, admin, IT, gardening, or a whole range of other roles. Many employers look favourably at volunteer experience, as it demonstrates initiative, community engagement, and a range of soft skills.
Boosting Self-Confidence and Social Connections
One of the benefits of volunteering is the boost to self-confidence. When you volunteer, you often step outside of your comfort zone—whether it’s speaking in front of an audience, managing a team, or solving unforeseen problems. Each new experience can build your confidence in your abilities.
Digital volunteer, Jim, who started volunteering when he moved to the local area, said: “Volunteering helps me in growing in ways I had never expected. I learned how to be more empathetic and have a lot of patience… It goes great with gaining confidence and learning things maybe you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere.”
What’s more, volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends. Whether you’re new to an area or just looking to expand your social circle, you’ll find yourself connecting with like-minded individuals who share your interests and values.
Do You Want to Find out More?
Fancy giving it a go? Whether you can spare an hour a week or a day a month, there’s a volunteering role to suit you. You might be surprised by how much you’ll grow while giving back to your community.
To find local volunteering opportunities in North Tyneside visit voda.getvolunteering.co.uk or follow the North Tyneside Volunteer Centre on Facebook. For national opportunities, you can view getvolunteering.co.uk or Do-it.org.
