Why volunteering is important for the community
By Shia Mitchell - 3 June 2024
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Ever wondered how you could make more of an impact in the world? Here’s a rundown of what volunteering can do for you and your community as well as the firsthand experiences of Community Fibre’s Jenny Gois.
Some benefits of volunteering
- Helps non-profit organisations
- Giving back has a positive effect on your mindset
- Volunteering can offer a much-needed change from your everyday routine
- It could help you gain experience and network in different industries
- Doing good positively impacts society
How we're helping out London
One of the millions of people choosing to give up their spare time is our very own Jenny Gois who has been volunteering at her local school for six years.
“I am a busy Mum of three, working full time, but I still make time to volunteer, I feel it’s important and gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that I am making a difference.”
Jenny initially began organising dance events and is now a Chairperson of PTFA (Malcolm Sargent PTFA). She was recently in charge of the Summer Fayre where they managed to raise £4,500 for the school. “It was a fantastic event, very well supported by the school and the community and our first really big event since COVID hit in 2020”.
Jenny loves being part of the PTFA mostly because she can help enhance the school curriculum to enrich the children’s time while they are at school doing activities and events they love. They do many events, including Summer Fairs, Discos, Christmas Fairs, Sweet Treats at Christmas, Christmas Cards, Bingo, Lolly Friday (in the hot weather), and second-hand uniform sales (becoming even more popular in the current climate).
“My own children have been lucky enough to benefit from the PTFA fundraising during their time at the school, seeing a new art area, trim trail, new library, overhaul of the IT suite, plus lots more over the years including trips, visits from the Life Bus (teaching them how to live healthy lives and the risks from drugs, alcohol and obesity), bike ability and funding the Year 6 Leavers event on an annual basis, just to name a few.”
Community Fibre's internal volunteering scheme
Jenny’s experiences only emphasise how invaluable volunteering is for London’s communities. It brings people together in different ways, helping to build stronger and more positive relationships. That’s why we’ve introduced our internal Volunteer Programme, offering all employees two paid days off to volunteer at any of the charities we support. We look forward to sharing many more stories like Jenny’s with you soon.
Causes that Community Fibre supports*
- Westminster Connects has been running a gardening service to help vulnerable residents in Westminster who need help with their garden upkeep. As volunteers, we help with basic gardening tasks like weeding, clearing and tidying up, pruning, replanting, and watering.
- Soup Kitchen London was established in 1986. It's been a pillar of support for the homeless, elderly, lonely, and vulnerable individuals in London. Their mission is to offer more than just free meals, clothing, and toiletries; they strive to create a sense of belonging for nearly 200 of our friends each day.
- Bow Foodbank is a local Tower Hamlets charity that operates two food banks, one in Bow and the other in Bethnal Green. They provide emergency food supplies to those who are in crisis due to financial difficulties.
- The Passage provides resources to encourage, inspire and challenge people who have or are experiencing homelessness, to transform their lives. Working in Victoria, Westminster (London) where the concentration of people sleeping rough is at its highest in the UK, the work they do is vital.
- Age UK-London campaign for specific change to improve the lives of older Londoners. We also work to ensure that their experiences, needs and contributions are heard and taken into account by decision makers. Age UK London is also one of our corporate charity partners — you can check out how we're helping raise awareness on the connectivity issues affecting older Londoners here.
How we can help you support London communities
If you're looking for new ways to support your local communities. Our Digital Ambassadors Programme give you the chance to help London residents out with digital skills training and digital inclusion sessions. No prior experience is needed as we'll provide a wealth of training, giving you a Digital Ambassador qualification at the end of your training. You can learn more about the Digital Ambassadors programme and Community Investment initiatives, read up on what it's like to be a Digital Ambassador, or jump straight in and register for one of our interactive webinar sessions. Just visit Eventbrite and search for ‘Introducing Community Fibre Digital Ambassadors.’
Volunteers Week FAQs
What is Volunteers Week?
Volunteers' Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK.
When is Volunteers Week this year?
Volunteers Week 2024 runs from 3-9 June.
How long has Volunteers Week been running?
Volunteers Week was first established in 1984. At the time, it was known as Volunteering England. The event provided a chance to recognise, celebrate, and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
Good to know
* List correct as of 31 May 2024.
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