I have been a volunteer since 2019. That there was an umbrella organisation (Wicklow Volunteer Centre) that could advise me and contact suitable organisations based on my preferences made the process very easy for me.
When we choose to volunteer, we challenge ourselves to meet the standards and needs of charities and the people that use their services. There are so many different charities to choose to volunteer with, each with its own goals and objectives. The skills that can be gained go beyond the obvious ones that we might think of at the beginning of our journey into volunteering.
The benefits that come from volunteering go far beyond what I initially expected. Volunteering has given me a new perspective on life and also allowed me to grow as a person.
For instance, by deciding to volunteer with an approved housing body, I have gained valuable insight into what life is like for many people in my own community while also developing organisational, marketing, and time management skills. Volunteering has also helped me to increase my compassion and empathy by working with other like-minded people, as well as increasing my friendship group.