Volunteering
We know that with busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer but the benefits of volunteering can have an enormously positive effect on your physical and mental health. It can reduce stress, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. Volunteering doesn’t have to take over your life, be a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day.
One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community, it allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. It can also benefit you and your family, you can make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It helps to strengthen your ties to the community and can broaden your social network.
Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity and make you feel better about yourself.
While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, meeting with people with common interests.
Why not volunteer as a family? You’ll show your children firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to give something back. It’s also a great way to find out what’s going on in your community and find activities for you and your family to do.
Volunteering in West Swindon
There are volunteering groups in West Swindon who share information via their Facebook pages, these include Shaw Residents Association, West Swindon Community, West Swindon and Westlea.
The Parish Council works closely with West Swindon FAB (Flowers and Butterflies) on conservation projects and wildflower projects. The FAB group hold regular sessions for volunteers at the copse on Shaw Ridge Linear Park (behind Ten Pin).
We also support local volunteering in West Swindon Parish, so if you have an idea or would like to do something as a street, neighbourhood, small group or club, please contact us and we will do our best to help!