Wessex Community Action (WCA) is the council for voluntary services in Wiltshire and provides practical support for community organisations on funding, governance, planning, policy development, recruiting and leadership. This monthly volunteering column looks at all aspects of volunteering and how people can give up their time for the benefit of their communities.
Volunteering has a secret power that is only revealed once you take the plunge and give up some time for a good cause.
It’s the power that comes from discovering you are brilliant at something you never thought you’d be good at – or ever imagined yourself doing.
One of the great things about volunteering is that you do not always know what you are going to get out of it.
That may sound slightly odd because volunteering is principally about giving something back but it gives back to you in many ways and one of them is learning a new skill or uncovering a previously hidden talent.
It might be finding out you are good at befriending people, passing on advice or organising a group but it could be a little more unexpected.
WCA’s Wiltshire Together online platform (www.wiltshiretogether.org.uk) lists hundreds of opportunities from charities and community organisations across the county and, despite some people’s perceptions, they are not all about standing behind a shop counter.
Far from it.
Take Avebury Manor, where volunteers are needed to bring the stories of the historic house to life for visitors, making their experience memorable.
It could be the perfect opportunity to discover an unexpected flair for storytelling, performance or having a room full of strangers hanging on your every word.
Emma Talbot from the National Trust said: “This role will suit someone who enjoys working with people, is interested in history and heritage and is keen to discover more about Avebury and its history.”
Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car regularly thinks they know about driving but what about giving lifts to people who are lonely or vulnerable to an appointment?
Dorothy House needs drivers to collect people from their homes and take them to Dorothy House sites in Melksham, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Devizes, Westbury and Warminster areas.
They’ll not only need good driving skills, they’ll need to be organised, friendly, patient and caring.
That could be a real test of character during rush hour in Chippenham.
The Youth Adventure Trust is looking for mentors to young people in Salisbury, spending a couple of hours a fortnight listening and guiding them to make the most of their potential.
No experience of working with young people is needed and full training is given, so this could be a golden opportunity to unearth a gift for inspiring someone.
Becky Brotherton-Brown from YAT said: “Our mentors are role models to the vulnerable young people we work with, and therefore should be responsible, resilient, good at communicating and have a desire to help young people.”
There are plenty of other possibilities on Wiltshire Together, including helping marshal Beyond Dementia’s Walk to Remember, becoming a social group facilitator, supporting fitness and friendship sessions or even helping to manage the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust’s 200 Club.
Each offers the chance to learn something new about yourself.
This is an underrated bonus of volunteering – you don’t have to turn up with all the required skills and sometimes it’s even better if you don’t.
It’s all about considering what you can offer and what you might learn on the way.
The answer may surprise you.
WCA works with charities and groups to help them support volunteer training and development, and helps them develop links with the community.
To find out more, contact Stacey Sims at community@wessexcommunityaction.org.uk.
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