Join our amazing army of volunteers in Renfrewshire
Engage boss looking for new recruits to team
The strength of community borne from lockdown is continuing in Renfrewshire as more people look to volunteer.
That’s the findings of Engage Renfrewshire, which supports charities and organisations across the district.
Alice McBride, the volunteer development officer at the charity, said there had been a huge increase towards volunteering this year and there are several opportunities for folk with all sorts of interests on their website.
She said: “It was especially high at the beginning of the lockdown in April, but continues even now.
“Part of that is availability. Anyone who was furloughed or at home suddenly found themselves with time they didn’t have before, but a bigger part is the sense of community.
“The level of informal, very localised volunteering will probably never be fully known, but a recent Volunteer Scotland survey showed that informal volunteering saw an increase of 35 per cent during lockdown – by far the biggest increase during that time.
“That chance to have a taste of volunteering really sparked an interest for a lot of people. Something that may have seemed daunting at one time was suddenly an opportunity and a fulfilling one.
“There’s an idea in volunteering of the ‘helper’s high’, which is the emotional response to the altruistic feelings you get from helping others that can be incredibly powerful, especially at a time when we feel disconnected and isolated.”
Engage Renfrewshire has a number of volunteer roles advertised on its website and also manages the Renfrewshire Covid-19 Reserve, which is contacted in the first instance if covid response roles become available.
Alice said: “Some examples are – shopping friends with Food Train Connects, which would pair you with an older person looking for support with their shopping.
“Eadha Enterprises, which works to reintroduce native trees to areas across central Scotland, is looking for native tree seed collectors – a great opportunity for anyone looking to get out in to nature.
“Another role is for volunteer tellers with Gleniffer Credit Union, which directly supports Paisley communities while introducing people to finance and banking skills.”
Other groups looking for volunteers include Home Start Renfrewshire, Active Schools and Renfrewshire Carers Centre.
Lockdown changed what volunteer roles were needed as organisations altered their way of working and people’s needs changed.
She added: “The third sector is incredibly dynamic and we’ve definitely seen an increase in more diverse roles, especially ones that can be done from home.
“Over the last month or so we’re also begun to see a return of more traditional volunteering, with safety precautions in place.
“I’d say roles are still currently favouring at-home or at-distance, but these organisations are really adaptable.”
People have many reasons for volunteering, including meeting new people, trying new things or
learning new skills.
For people looking for a change in their work or career, it’s a great way to show commitment to personal development or get experience in a new field.
Another way to do that is to volunteer as a trustee, something Engage Renfrewshire will be focussing on during Trustees Week at the start of November.
Alice said: “Some of the most interesting roles available, and ones that can be done from home, are trustee roles.
“This year has allowed organisations to reflect and many are now looking to develop. To do that most effectively they need enthusiastic people who can help guide, bring personal insights and knowledge, and just support the growth of an organisation.”
Anyone interested in volunteering now or in the future can register on the Engage Renfrewshire website.
Everyone registered receives an email when new roles are listed and can apply directly with just a few clicks.
Go to volunteer. engage renfrewshire.com.
Alternatively, phone Engage Renfrewshire on 0141 887 7707 for more guidance or help with finding a role.
The third sector is incredibly dynamic and we’ve definitely seen an increase in more diverse roles
Alice McBride