Community Volunteers Reap the Rewards
26 November 2020
Volunteering opportunities in Ashfield and Mansfield
Local charities, Ashfield Voluntary Action (AVA) and Mansfield CVS are recruiting volunteers to support residents affected by the pandemic and for long term projects.
Volunteers come forward for various reasons. For some, it provides the chance to make a difference to the people in their town and give back to the community. For others, it is an opportunity to update their CV, develop skills, or meet new people.
Regardless of the why they choose to volunteer, what unites them all is the reward of helping others and the opportunity to try something new.
Finding the right volunteering role can also connect you with the community and even help to secure employment.
This was the case for one volunteer, Anna Kerr, from Sutton-in-Ashfield who helped elderly and vulnerable people by delivering shopping and prescriptions during lockdown.
Anna said, "I began volunteering after I was made redundant in April. I wanted to keep active and try and do something positive during a worrying time. I particularly wanted to help people who couldn’t get out during lockdown.
“I volunteered for a few hours a week and it gave me a real sense of purpose during the pandemic - and I developed some unexpected friendships. I think it even helped with my mental health and wellbeing through such an uncertain time. I became more involved and supported Ashfield Voluntary Action which led to a new job in October! I really recommend volunteering to anyone, it’s very rewarding.”
The impact of COVID-19 on local charities and community groups has led to an increasing demand on services but sadly resources are decreasing. They now need volunteers more than ever to help deliver essential services and support vulnerable residents in Mansfield and Ashfield.
Steve Morris, CEO Mansfield CVS said, “Volunteering offers invaluable support to those in need, worthy causes, and the community, and never has this been more important than now, during these unprecedented times.
“We have had many people come forward to offer their support for those who need it the most which shows the sheer strength and community spirit within the local area.”
Volunteers are needed for befriending, teaching digital skills, shopping, ‘walking buddies’ and more.
Contact 01623 555 551 (Ashfield) or 01623 392 444 (Mansfield). Email: info@ashfieldvoluntaryaction.org.uk (Ashfield) info@mansfieldcvs.org (Mansfield).
-ENDS-
[Photo: Sutton volunteer, Anna, delivers shopping during lockdown].
Further information
Ashfield Voluntary Action is a Registered Charity [No. 1089635 in England and Wales] and a Company Limited by Guarantee [No. 4244661].
Mansfield Community Voluntary Service (CVS) is a Registered Charity [No. 1099194 in England and Wales] and a Company Limited by Guarantee [No. 4715323].
AVA and Mansfield CVS are local infrastructure charities, supporting and developing local voluntary organisations and community groups to benefit the community. Further information about our services can be found here:
www.ashfieldvoluntaryaction.org.uk
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