Six reasons to volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to make new friends and strengthen existing ones. If you’re new to the area, it’s an excellent way to meet fresh faces, strengthen community connections and expand your social circle with like minded individuals, contributing to your overall experience.

Volunteering not only allows you to help others, but is also beneficial for your personal well-being. Seeing the positive impact you make on others you care about is a great way to boost your overall happiness. It provides a sense of fulfilment and self-worth while offering a break from your usual routine, whether this is taking a break from your studies or enjoying outdoor experiences.Through volunteering, you can reduce stress and engage in rewarding experiences.

Whether you’re a newcomer to York or a resident, volunteering will give you a chance to explore your surroundings, whether it’s enhancing green spaces, assisting young people in local schools, or getting to know York’s heritage by volunteering at a historic landmark, there are so many ways to contribute to the city and uncover new areas of the city.

In a competitive job market, having volunteering experience can be incredibly useful for your CV - demonstrating your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others and showcasing your passion for a specific subject or cause. As well as gaining valuable experience that employers find attractive, volunteering helps you develop transferable skills.

Volunteering provides an opportunity to develop valuable relationships with people working in your chosen field, allowing you to exchange contacts and make useful connections.

These connections can provide reliable references, so you’re not only expanding your knowledge but also building a supportive community. 

Volunteering provides hands-on experience and provides the opportunity to develop a variety of skills, including organisation, time management, effective communication, and confidence building.  It’s also an opportunity to explore a different career path without the need for a significant long-term commitment. Some roles even offer specialised training such as project management or event planning, which can be great for your future career.