Society recognises the need for a group of unique people who donate their time, energy, skills and experience for the greater good. Volunteers support organisations and charities that benefit less fortunate individuals and communities raising social consciousness as well as much needed funds. In recognition of the value of volunteers in 1985 UN General Assembly declared 5th Dec (A/RES/40/212) the International Volunteer day for Economic and Social Development commonly recognised as -International Volunteer Day. Annual themes (2023- The Power of Collective action; If everyone did) Quote “Volunteerism is one of the most vital delivery mechanisms for social, environmental and economic transformation, ensuring a lasting impact with its ability to change people’s mindsets, attitudes and behaviours”. In the UK we have annual Volunteers week (3rd -9th June) established in 1984 by Volunteering England. Volunteers Week is now coordinated by NCVO (the National Council for Voluntary Organisations). Quote “Volunteering has been shown to have a positive impact on the lives of those who volunteer, assisting volunteers in gaining new skills and boosting self-esteem”. In Dorset the Volunteer Centre Dorchester is where a variety of opportunities are offered including Community Response Volunteers. To what extent you get involved may depend on the amount of free time you wish to donate, whether you feel more useful serving on a committee or in a charity shop, shaking a tin in the high street or distributing tins of food at a food bank, obtaining sponsorship to run a marathon, knitting prem baby bonnets or helping at meal times on the wards in the local hospital. The choices are many as the need for voluntary help is great. My personal recollection of volunteering illustrates how a willingness to help can turn into journey of learning. In the background as a volunteer public elected hospital governor, I observed on NHS hospital committees and presented feedback reports at Council of Governors meetings. Labelled by colleagues as a free-thinking, problem solving strategist “a do-er” I was invited to join the board of the International Council of Reflexologists. As a voluntary director of a small team with responsibility of developing committees, organising international conferences, and assigning project portfolios I gained confidence to take on my biggest challenge. Introducing and operating a charity funded project within NHS hospital Cancer Service. The hours donated over 8yrs to provide governance policy and procedure documents, standards of practice, annual reports, patient questionnaires, data collections, audits etc…. etc was necessary for the service to function effectively and become embedded within the existing service were gladly given freely. As an external provider of a clinical service to the NHS I quickly learnt how to progress the project, navigate committee etiquette, and produce quality Draft Project Proposal Documents ( a collection of ideas, theories or suggestions supported by evidence in response to a question or identified need to encourage debate and a creative approach to strategy development, discussed at committee or peer review. The amended/edited completed Project Proposal was presented/published to inform decision makers. Following approval, a strategic Action Plan to raise the profile of the project, explore funding opportunities, recruit ( train) and task volunteers all within a stated time-line was produced. Feedback was gathered to assess quality and satisfaction). Draft Feedback Reports (produced post project they contain data feedback/findings assessment of overall performance and measures of satisfaction. Identify gaps in service provision and where improvements may be required discussed at committee prior to review/edit. Following review amendments/edit completed the final Project Report including conclusion and recommendations was passed to project funder or published. As volunteer fundraiser for Dorset Womens Refuge and two local Cancer Charities and member of the Weldmar Volunteer Complementary Therapy Team working on site at the Hospice and in the community for 7yrs I recognised the value of individual skills within a team. At present I am a Healthwatch volunteer and vice-chair of a local GP Patient Participation Group (PPG). My daughters often ask WHY! I continue to get involved when they witness my frustration when project development is hindered. My answer is that I find it difficult to sit back and ignore a situation or cause where I feel I have something to offer that will ultimately create change for the better. I have learnt that with a diverse and enthusiastic committee willing to do rather than talk anything is achievable. It is more productive to embrace not fear new and creative ways of thinking and addressing issues. The aim of the project needs to be kept in the public domain and firmly at the top of decision makers agenda. Finally, to ensure that the people the project aims to help receive the help they need. I hope reading this raises interest and inspires readers to think about getting involved in a project… but watch out! Helping can be addictive. In the future you like me may have a history of volunteering and feel grateful for the opportunities and projects you have been involved with… to try to make a difference
