Volunteer day in Upper Nithsdale
Written by author on August 20, 2015
Charitable organisations in Nithsdale have an opportunity to swell their ranks of volunteers at a special event in Sanquhar in October.
Organised by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, a volunteer opportunities day will be held at A’ the Airts, Upper Nithsdale’s community arts centre, on 1 October 2015, from 11am to 4pm.
Any individual who might be interested in volunteering is invited to come along and meet the voluntary organisations working in their area and to learn about the opportunities currently available.
This is a chance for individuals of any age and ability who are willing to give up some time to put their skills forward and aid a valuable community cause.
Volunteering empowers individuals by improving skills, confidence and self-esteem. It increases social capital and delivers innovative and much needed services to Scotland’s rural communities.
For the individual, it allows them to become a valued member of a team. For charities, volunteers are an integral asset to the everyday running of the organisation.
For young people in particular volunteering can provide a route into a positive, as opposed to a negative, future.
This can be achieved by the acquisition of new skills which will help towards future employment, education or training.
For older people, volunteering has been proven to improve physical health and mental well-being, provide a means to keep active, contribute to community life, meet other like-minded people and make new friends.
Volunteering can also help those experiencing difficulties in their lives, such as addiction, homelessness and mental health problems, to get back on their feet and become fully integrated into their communities.
Third Sector takes an inclusive approach to its volunteering policy and will consider any skill, any level and any social background. There are no barriers to anyone wishing to put their talents to the test.
The day will also provide a chance for organisations that are seeking volunteers, or are thinking of doing so, to match their requirements with the right skills and recruit the right person for them; promote their opportunities and demonstrate how diverse and rewarding volunteering in the third sector can be.
There will be a chance for groups to network and share their experiences of:
- working with volunteers,
- being a volunteer,
- and coming up with solutions by working together.
- Groups and volunteers will be able to find out about the support offered:
o around best practice,
o managing volunteers,
o helping to create new volunteering roles
o and how to promote your opportunities.
The event is open to all and organisations wishing to take part are asked to register their interest with http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteer-opportunities-day-tickets-17934633973?aff=es2
For more information please contact Selina McMorran, Development Officer Nithsdale at selina@thirdsectordumgal.org.uk or call 0300 303 8558 option 1 for Dumfries.
