Next week is National Volunteering Week and we are asking everyone to take some time to consider how they might contribute to their community and make a difference. According to a new survey by Volunteer Ireland, 67% of people who volunteer feel an increased sense of belonging to their community and 70% felt it gives them an increased sense of being included and not being alone.
Leah Kinsella, Manager of County Wicklow Volunteer Centre, singled out this link between volunteering and connected communities as the focus of this year’s campaign. “Volunteering builds better communities – it really is as simple as that. From local Tidy Towns groups to Community First Responders and the parents coaching their children’s sports teams – coming together to give back makes a community stronger. When people volunteer they feel closer to their community and the people in it, and they take pride in their community.
Ireland has a strong culture of volunteering and its impact on communities was exemplified during the recession. Volunteers in communities that were hit hard came together to do what they could to keep their town centre alive, planting flowers to brighten up the area or working together to create local events and festivals. This culture has only gotten stronger since then as Irish communities continue to feel the impact of locals who make a difference.”
County Wicklow Volunteer Centre are encouraging everyone to think about how they can get involved in their local community this National Volunteering Week (14th – 20th May). According to Leah there is a volunteer opportunity to suit everyone. “There is a wide variety of roles suitable for people of all ages and skill level. And giving back doesn’t always mean a huge time commitment either – small actions can make a big difference to a community. So if you’ve been thinking about volunteering but you’re not sure where to start, why not take the first step during National Volunteering Week, call us on 01 2040884 or 086 325 8803, email info@volunteerwicklow.ie or visit our web-site www.volunteerwicklow.ie and register to volunteer.
