Making a difference through volunteering

St John Ambulance

This week sees the launch of National Volunteers’ Week, the annual celebration of the contribution made by volunteers across the UK. Organisations like the first aid charity St John Ambulance are taking time to celebrate their volunteers and to drum up new recruits.

With volunteers right across the NW region, St John Ambulance is looking for people who are over 18 and want to make a difference in their community.

Volunteers will join a trained team that delivers care to people in need at local events in communities across the region, working either as first aiders, advanced first aiders or cycle responders.

They’re also on the lookout for enthusiastic adult volunteers to work as leaders and helpers in the charity’s youth programme, encouraging and inspiring young people from all walks of life to develop their potential.

Young people aged 10–17 can also join a local Cadet unit to take part in volunteer work and learn valuable life skills, including learn first aid and leadership, as well as providing cover at football matches and music festivals.

Around 21 million of us volunteer in the UK at least once a year. From improving the environment we live in, through to helping those in need or providing a much needed service, volunteers can make a big difference.

And it’s a two-way street with volunteers getting as much out of it as they put in. Whether it’s learning new skills or gaining valuable experience for career progression, volunteers are just as likely to be building their confidence and self-esteem.