Did you know that getting involved in volunteer work as a young person can be one of the best decisions you make? Whether you’re in Year 7 or Year 11, there are so many reasons why volunteering can be an amazing experience. Here are some reasons you should consider volunteering and how you can get started!
1. Gain Valuable Skills
When you volunteer, you’ll learn skills that are useful in both school and life. Volunteering helps develop transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are important for future careers and university applications. You might even get the chance to learn practical skills, like how to run a social media page, lead a group, or manage an event.
For example, if you volunteer at a local charity shop, you’ll learn customer service skills, how to manage stock, and how to work with a diverse group of people. Volunteering with young people could develop leadership skills and the ability to explain things clearly. These are all things that will help you stand out when applying for jobs or further study.
2. Boost Your CV and University Applications
Having volunteering experience on your CV is a great way to show that you’re proactive, committed to helping others and involved in your community. Whether you’re applying for a part-time job, looking for work experience, or planning to apply for university, volunteering can give you an edge over other applicants.
Volunteering demonstrates that you’re passionate, responsible, and willing to put in effort, all qualities that universities love!
3. Meet New People and Make New Friends
Whether you’re working with other volunteers or interacting with the people your project is helping, volunteering is a great way to make new friends and build connections. You’ll be able to bond over shared experiences, and some of the people you meet could turn into long-lasting friendships.
If you volunteer for a specific cause, you’re likely to meet others who care about the same issues as you. This can help you feel part of something bigger than yourself and more connected to your community and the world around you.
4. Feel Good and Make a Difference
There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing that you’re helping others. Whatever area you volunteer in your actions can make a real difference in someone’s life and there’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve made a difference!
Studies suggest that people who volunteer feel happier, more fulfilled, and less stressed. Helping others boosts your self-esteem, mental wellbeing and can give you a sense of purpose, which can be especially important during stressful times, like exams.
5. Explore Career Options
If you’re unsure about what you want to do in the future, volunteering can help you explore different career paths. Volunteering with various organisations gives you a taste of different sectors, help you figure out what you enjoy, and perhaps even inspire you to pursue a career in that field.
Not only will this give you insight into different careers, but it could also lead to valuable contacts who might be able to offer advice or work opportunities in the future.
6. It’s Easy to Get Started!
There are lots of volunteering opportunities out there, here are some places where you can find volunteer opportunities:
Conclusion
Volunteering is a rewarding experience that benefits both you and the community around you. It’s a great way to make a positive impact and feel good about the work you’re doing. From developing useful skills to meeting new people and exploring career paths, there are endless reasons why it’s worth your time.
So, what are you waiting for? Get involved, find an opportunity that excites you, and start making a difference today!
Blog content written by Aimee Green