You can make a real difference

Helping others could enrich yOur life

There really is no better feeling than the satisfaction of knowing you are helping someone else out.

And when that someone really needs your help, it’s all the more rewarding.

Our nation has an army of volunteers who help various organisations – but each and every group still needs more support.

Supporting a charity or volunteering with a support group makes a huge difference for them. And it can make you feel great too. That warm glow of wellbeing coupled with the knowledge that you’ve made a real difference, can really add value to your life, as well as to those you help.

Many people get behind a charity or an organisation and fund-raise after that group helped them.

Some choose issues, causes or health campaigns close to their heart.

Others put their energies into helping animal welfare groups, making a huge contribution to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate suffering to animals.

Whether it’s taking part in fund-raising challenges or making a monthly commitment to donate, getting involved with a charity really does make a difference.

Volunteers do everything from bungee jumping to bingo marathons, climbing mountains to coffee and cake mornings to support their cause.

Training for physical challenges can change your life – helping you improve physical health, confidence, and add meaning to their life.

The struggle and battle is part of the challenge, but when you are raising money for a person or a cause, you’re willed through the pain by the knowledge you’re doing it for someone else.

The feeling when you reach the summit, goal, or cross the finish line, is truly exhilarating.

Handing over that money or meeting those you’re supporting is another great moment. And even years after the success, you will always know you raised money for a great cause and completed what you set out to do.

Those less attracted to physical endeavour can do good in different ways. According to the World Giving Index, 76% of Brits give money to charity in a typical month. However, the survey found that only 29% volunteer their time.

By volunteering in a charity shop or collecting donations for a good cause, you can take part in equally rewarding work to help others in need.

It’s also a great way to meet new people and feel part of something bigger than yourself. Many people volunteer in a bid to help others, only to discover that it has also enriched their own lives.

Lifelong friendships have begun through a chance meeting between likeminded people trying to help others.

If you’re thinking of getting involved, now is the perfect time.

There are many causes in need of support, and an endless number of ways to help. So what’s stopping you?

Step up and change someone’s life – and it might change your life too.