WORDS: ALI KIRKER
International Volunteer Day is on December 5, a chance to celebrate the fabulous acts of community, kindness and selflessness of volunteers the world over.
It’s also a great opportunity to dig a little deeper and find out why people give up their free time for the benefit of others. Volunteering is unpaid, can be a big commitment and sometimes it’s hard work – so what is it that keeps people going back, time and time again?
Hypnotherapist and volunteer Vicky Haig says giving back doesn’t only benefit the community, it helps the volunteer, too.
“Volunteering releases chemicals in our brains like serotonin and oxytocin, and endorphins which leave us feeling great and can boost mental health,” she says.
“We are programmed to support those around us. When we stick together, we are more likely to survive and thrive, so we are encouraged to do more of that. I have had decades of volunteering experience and currently volunteer as a school governor, president of our local WI, support at a local baby group, and ambassador for Little Beam Foundation It is so worthwhile.”
Find out more about Vicky at vickyhaig.co.uk
A Confidence Boost
Heather Hunter volunteers at a PDSA shop in Edinburgh. “When I started almost a decade ago, I sorted stock and got it ready to display, but I quickly moved on to the shop floor, doing jobs which are more customer focussed,” she explains. “I really enjoy helping customers.
“I’m now a lead volunteer, which means I have taken on some management responsibilities. You can mainly find me on the till or tidying the shop if it’s quiet. Sometimes I’m in charge of running the shop. There’s always something new to learn.
“I chose the PDSA because around 10 years ago my dog, Benji, became ill. PDSA were so wonderful with him. I didn’t have much money at the time so could never make the kind of contributions towards his care that I wanted to, so I decided once he passed I would volunteer to try to give back.
“I really enjoyed it and that’s why I’m still here. The funds raised in our charity shops go towards helping other people and their pets when they need it most.
“Volunteering has boosted my confidence. When I first started I was quiet and now I’m definitely not! I was also very proud when I became a lead volunteer, as it showed the team
