Why volunteer with Guideposts?

Give Something Back

One of the more obvious reasons why people volunteer is because they find something they are passionate about and want to do something good for others. People who volunteer in their community have a personal attachment to the area and want to make it a better place for themselves and for others. People who have themselves struggled with social issues usually have a certain empathy for those in a similar situation and will often wish to help out. Many people who volunteer think that they are very fortunate to live the way they do and want to give something back to society, as a way of balancing the scales.

Volunteering gives you an opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives in your community. You can use your skills and experience to help and enrich the local community.

Improve job prospects & employability

Volunteering can enhance your future employment prospects and enable employers to see that you have developed the necessary skills you may need in their organisation. It is especially useful when completing application forms and during job interviews to illustrate the skills you have developed through these voluntary experiences. It also shows you are the kind of person who sticks with a task and who likes a challenge and can give something back to an organisation.

Experience

Volunteering gives you a chance to get experience in a field you would like to work in.

Training

Many volunteer projects will include training, which will be useful both on the project and in later life.

Experience diversity

Volunteering gives you the chance to meet people in your community who you might not normally meet.

Influence career choice

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to test out potential career choices.

Opportunity for training and development and skill sharing

Volunteering provides you with development opportunities that are not always possible with paid employment, for example; communication and people skills, organisational and time management skills, planning and budgeting skills. It can help open up fresh opportunities and is a way to explore new career paths.  You might already have an interest or skill that you would like to share with other people, and volunteering can give you an opportunity to do that.

Builds links with organisations

Volunteering can help you build links with particular organisations like Schools, FE Colleges, County Council departments and specific community organisations.

Recognition and Feedback

Recognition of your efforts is another thing that keeps volunteers coming back again and again. Not recognising what a good job a person is doing causes frustration and a feeling of abandonment. It can cause you to doubt your abilities, to think that maybe you aren’t doing a good job and that your presence is just a waste of time.

Of course, to tell someone that they are doing a good job is always a good thing to hear but it is especially important in a volunteer position where the volunteer isn’t receiving monetary recognition of their good work.

Telling someone that they are doing a good job inspires confidence and pride. It reminds you that the work you are doing is important and that you are making a difference. Plus, it just feels good to be appreciated.

Guideposts is aware of this and are genuinely grateful for the time and effort that volunteer contribute. Though we are unable to offer monetary rewards, we are determined to show you their gratitude through our words and actions.

Have fun!

Volunteering is fun and fulfilling, allowing you to experience many diverse opportunities not always available to you elsewhere.

Whatever your reason is, we would love to hear from you! You will work with other volunteers and we will make sure that you are trained for the particular services you support.

Lydia’s Story
 
“I volunteer for Guideposts in my free time in a variety of activities, which I really enjoy doing, it gives me a broader outlook on life, I get to meet some wonderful people from all walks of life and have made some new friends, and most of all recognition is always given for my help”.

Thank you so much for your support.

To find out more about how you can support us phone 01993 772886 or email gpt@guidepoststrust.org.uk