Join in + give back = feel great
Want to get that special glow? Then join the millions of people who find real joy in giving their time as volunteers and helping others
Take part in National volunteer Week and get that special glow
Who hasn’t enjoyed a sense of pleasure when you do a favour for a friend, or go the extra mile to help a neighbour? Well, that’s because giving is good for you – it’s official. According to research by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), volunteering helps us feel better, stay happier and live longer.
An impressive 20.1 million (38%) people in the UK volunteered formally
at least once a year during 2017/8, with “wanting to do good” being the most popular reason. And with the work that volunteers do for UK charities estimated to be worth around £22.6 billion, it’s evident that donating time instead of money is a real national treasure.
From helping in your local charity shop to giving your time to a community scheme, becoming a volunteer is a fulfilling experience.
Here’s how giving back has changed these women’s lives for the better…
“Seeing the animals grow in confidence is so fulfilling”
welcoming, and I’ve learnt so much from them. Funnily enough (and I think a lot of mums will agree), sometimes in a busy home environment with teenagers coming and going, you don’t often feel valued, so at the RSPCA centre it feels great to know I’m making a difference.
Seeing the change in the animals over time as they rehabilitate and become more confident is so fulfilling. The reward of seeing an animal leaving us to start a new life with a new family is amazing.
There have been one or two animals that I got quite attached to, which can be difficult, and obviously some of the cases that come in are heartbreaking. Over time I have learnt to be pragmatic about it, especially the cruelty cases.
It’s awful to see, but at least now at the centre they are in a safe environment and receiving the medical care and treatment they deserve.
Volunteering has massively impacted my life. When I was a kid, all I really wanted to do was work with animals, and now I’m doing what I always dreamed of.
I can’t wait to get to the centre – and I think that says a lot, doesn’t it? It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
For more information about volunteering with the RSPCA, visit rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/volunteer