Hello everyone! Welcome back to the CMHC blog. York has been absolutely beautiful this week, so we hope you’ve managed some time out in the sunshine, maybe even enjoying some of the places we mentioned in our last post. This week is an exciting one, it’s the annual celebration of volunteers everywhere, Volunteers Week!
This is a celebration close to our hearts’, because CMHC really benefits from the incredible contributions of our amazing volunteers all across the centre.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations, (or NCVO for short!) organise Volunteers’ Week as an opportunity for us all to say thank you to the people who volunteer. It’s a chance to inspire others to start their volunteering journey, and to remind us all of the importance of the work that volunteers’ do nationwide. This year especially, the circumstances we’ve all faced have made volunteers in every community even more essential. NCVO believe that volunteering is essential to wellbeing, that it can allow you to develop as an individual, gain new skills and boost your confidence. Its human nature to want to help others, and to feel good for helping out, and volunteering is a great way to get that feeling!
Here are some fascinating statistics from NCVO’s website that you might find interesting to know:
In 2018/19, 19.4 million (36%) people volunteered through a group at least once a year and over 11.9 million (22%) of people did so at least once a month.
- The most common reason overall for volunteering is wanting to improve things or help people (42%).
- In 2019/20, there were around 163,000 voluntary organisations in the UK, most of which rely on volunteers.
- In 2017/18, the voluntary sector contributed £18.2bn to the UK economy. This is equivalent to about 0.9% of GDP.
- 67% of volunteers give their time to charities and community groups, but many others also volunteer in the public and private sectors.
We decided to ask our own wonderful volunteers some questions about the work that they do…
Jill, our financial administrator
Why is it that you got involved in volunteering for CMHC?
I have volunteered previously for Samaritans, Woodlands MS respite centre and initially YACRO – and as I had semi-retired I was looking for a worthwhile project. When I heard about this opportunity, I knew it was right for me!
How does volunteering make you feel?
Like I’m contributing and helping a sector that is in crisis. Volunteering gives me a sense of satisfaction and keeps me busy, switched on and interested in what’s going on. Also, keeps me in touch with a wide range of people – young and old(er)!
Would you recommend volunteering to other people?
Yes, I’d recommend volunteering for a whole range of people – young, old, waged, unwaged. Its good experience, a chance to learn new skills, gives you confidence, a purpose and could be great for your CV and, you never know where it might lead!
We also asked another of our wonderful volunteers, Pat, about her volunteering experiences. She said that volunteering makes her feel like part of a team, and as though she is filling a significant role in the centre which gives her a sense of worth.
Amazing!
So if you wanted to start your volunteering journey, there are so many resources available on the NCVO website, and plenty of other organisations in York that could do with a helping hand.
York CVS have a huge list of places that are hoping to find a volunteer!
York City Council are also looking for some volunteers in a huge variety of roles.
Age UK York relies on volunteers to help them to deliver their essential services in our community.
York Neighbours supports people over 65 living in York with all kinds of assistance, and relies on the generosity of volunteers.
York Mind have their volunteers engaged in a variety of roles.
The Trussell Trust makes a huge difference in the York community, and without their volunteers – these essential foodbanks wouldn’t be able to exist.
Let us know what you get up to, we will speak to you soon!