Happy Volunteers’ Week! It’s the 40th Anniversary of this week to highlight and recognise the contribution of people who choose to share their time, passion, skills and enthusiasm to do something positive for others all year round, often behind the scenes.
Volunteering has a positive impact on volunteers' wellbeing too. It’s human nature to feel good after helping someone out. Volunteering can help you gain valuable skills and experiences, boost your confidence and help connect you with people you may otherwise have never met.
Volunteers' Week is also a time to inspire others to get involved and to promote the many volunteer roles there are with our Connecting Ripon Network members and other local charities and groups.
Dementia Forward's hub in Burton Leonard, just outside Ripon, is a welcoming place in the heart of the village. The charity runs day services, known as Hub Clubs, for people living with dementia. They would love to hear from anyone interested in supporting the Clubs, chatting to people, helping with activities and ensuring everyone feels safe and supported. The team would also welcome help with admin and fundraising too! If you would like to know more, call 01765 601224 or email info@dementiaforward.org.uk.
There is an amazing range of roles in the HADCA Volunteering Directory. If you love photography you could play a vital role in helping Ripon Museums document and share its collections. This is a fantastic opportunity to use or develop photography skills and gain an insight in the operations of a museum.
A few hours ‘off’ a week can be a lifeline and can help a carer continue in their caring role. As a Carers’ Time Off volunteer, you provide respite, new conversations and experiences, visiting a cared for person at home or going out together for a walk or to a café.
If you love being outdoors and enjoy riding a bike, are patient and have a sense of humour, there’s an opportunity to have fun and get fit as an Open Country Ripon Tandem Club Volunteer. You don’t need Tandem experience, as training is given!
There are roles to match many interests from helping at Ohana play club for children with special needs, to monitoring wildlife and livestock with the National Trust!
We know communities benefit from young volunteers’ energy and fresh perspectives and young people improve their confidence, wellbeing and employability by choosing to help out. Our Power of 10 awards and rewards scheme works with partners in the Ripon area to inspire young people to get involved. Please email Powerof10@hadca.org.uk if you’re interested in developing and promoting meaningful roles for young volunteers.
Volunteers’ Week is a good time to start volunteering and begin the journey to finding new friends, different experiences and perhaps new things about yourself too! Contact your favourite charity or browse our Volunteering Directory to find your ideal role.
