The New Face of Volunteering

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a hassle. It doesn’t have to be a tie. It doesn’t have to cost you anything.

There’s no doubt that Telford is home to a wide variety of worthwhile and incredible charities, organisations and causes, and that they’re (understandably) always on the lookout for support and assistance from individuals – whether that be time, finance, or expertise-based.

But, with the current cost of living crisis there are concerns that people are going to be discouraged from getting involved as they have before. It’s certainly a concerning time for many, and donating is a luxury that many of us may no longer be able to afford.

Which is why we’re shining the light on some alternative approaches. Take the High Sheriff of Shropshire for 2022/23, Selina Graham, who’s spending her Shrieval year raising awareness of volunteering in our local community (with a particular focus on introducing young people into this sector).

“Not only is volunteering a key element to many charities – without it, they simply cannot continue to provide the essential and important support that they do, but it can provide individuals with an abundance of skills and experience”, she explained. “It’s also a great stepping stone into the world of work, as there are many that struggle to take that big leap immediately.

“Volunteering can provide you with a great sense of purpose and responsibility, allow you to make connections, but also gifts you a true feeling of achievement and pride,” she added.

“I’ve launched a social media series, The High Sheriff Asks, whereby I spotlight a local charity and the support they’re seeking in the hope that it will reach a new audience who may never have considered volunteering before. Follow #highsheriffask on Facebook and Instagram to get involved.”

But, there are other ways too…

Local charity, Shropshire Youth Support Trust (SYST), works with disadvantaged young people to understand their career passions and motivations, aiming to help them into the world of work and support their transition into adult life. They work in collaboration with many local businesses, entrepreneurs and mentors all of whom share their expertise with the students.

Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive at SYST and TBB Board Member, said: “SYST offers a diverse scope of assistance, ranging from expert business advice to soft-touch wellbeing support.

“We’re always on the lookout for contributions from people from numerous backgrounds - whether you have experience of starting your own business, or if you can relate with these young people on a more personal level, for example have faced unemployment, experienced mental health conditions or other difficult social circumstances.

“Your knowledge, experiences and advice is incredibly valuable. Many of these people have never even been listened to before. And so, you truly could make the biggest impact on their lives.”

And finally, the donation of goods is an alternative way to get involved. A Good Thing is a nationwide not-for-profit company that has created a simple way for businesses to donate unwanted items to local charities who are in desperate need.

Anna Bowler, Marketing and Communications Lead at A Good Thing, explains: “A Good Thing is an app that businesses can download and easily list items they no longer need. It could be old office furniture, stationery, electronics, furnishings - we’ve seen it all!”

“And, it’s true - one man’s trash truly is another’s treasure. Once listed, charities can make contact to request that they’d like the goods, and the businesses then get back in touch to confirm collection details. Just like that, the match is made.”

“It really is a simple concept. But, it’s effective. And it works. Not only does it have huge benefits for charities, but it’s also much kinder to our planet, reducing waste in landfill. It’s the ultimate win:win.”

Volunteering is a broad subject. It’s clear that it’s much more than the traditional connotations of committing vast amounts of time and money. It doesn’t have to be a hassle. It doesn’t have to be a tie. It doesn’t have to cost you anything.

Whilst time and money are still fundamental aspects of volunteering that charities rely upon, there is also so much more. And, many ways we can continue to help out in these times that are a little bit harder for us all.