In a new survey carried out by Carlow Volunteer Centre, 55% of respondents said their mental health and well-being had improved following their volunteering experience while 65% reported an increase in their self-esteem.
Details of the survey of almost 1800 volunteers were released to launch National Volunteering Week 2017, which takes place from 15th to 21st May. National Volunteering Week is an annual event which showcases the fantastic work done by volunteers across the country; how people can get involved in volunteering and how your local Volunteer Centre can support you.
Neven Maguire joined volunteers from St. Mary’s Community Garden, Co. Sligo at the launch to sample the produce and see some of the great volunteering that goes on in the local area. This is an extra special year for Sligo as they hold the prestigious mantle of European Volunteering Capital 2017.
This year’s National Volunteering Week will focus on health and well-being by showcasing the positive impact volunteering can have on those that volunteer. To mark the week, Volunteer Ireland and the network of Volunteer Centres and Volunteering Information Services will launch a report on the impact that volunteering has on the health and well-being of volunteers.
Regina Duane, Manager of Carlow Volunteer Centre explained “Volunteers do tremendous work all over Ireland giving their time for charities and their local communities. We often talk about the impact volunteers have on the people and organisations they volunteer with and now we want to shine a light on the impact it has on the volunteer themselves.”
“Gaining new skills, making friends, building confidence and feeling part of the community are all part and parcel of being a volunteer. While a lot of people begin volunteering because they’d like to give something back, many volunteers find that they actually get more from the experience than they give.”
To celebrate National Volunteering Week, Volunteer Centres and Volunteering Information Services across Ireland are hosting Open Days where people can drop in and learn more about volunteering. There’s no obligation and no pressure – just come and see what it’s all about! Carlow Volunteer Centre will be in Fairgreen Shopping Centre this Thursday May 18th from 11am until 2pm, we’d love to see you there.
Reginaadded “We are part of a national network of Volunteer Centres across the country and we are here to support anyone who wants to volunteer in Carlow. I encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering to visit us this week and find out how you can get involved.”
For more information:
Regina Duane, Carlow Volunteer Centre, 0599173033
