Volunteer urging others to share their services
A WEAR Valley volunteer is urging others to offer their services during National Volunteering Week.Des Ward registered with the Volunteer Centre at 2D after an accident at work caused him to look at the bigger picture.
The former engineer said: “I took time to re-evaluate things, and decided that you should go for what you really want to do in life rather than what other people think you should do.
“The good thing about volunteering is that you can get what you want from the experience, helping others and help yourself too.” Des started volunteering with Sure Start, quickly gaining his qualifications to Level Two before filling a full-time position as an Early Years Worker based between the St. Helen Auckland, Woodhouse Close and Taylor Road (Outreach) Children’s Centres in Bishop Auckland.
Michele Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of 2D, is urging people to get in touch and find out more. Michele said: “Volunteering is not just about giving; people get a lot out of it too. “People benefit from the experience because they enjoy it, it offers them a new social life and they gain self-confidence.
“Many people also undertake training and qualifications and then move on to paid work. “Many organisations could benefit from you sharing your skills and know-how. “Whether you simply want a rewarding experience or to further your own personal goals opportunities range from working in animal care, DIY, and land management, to youth work, mentoring and museum assistant.
“Even if you only have a little time available, you can still volunteer and the benefits are extremely rewarding. “There are a whole host of opportunities whether you want to work outdoors or in and positions can be matched to your skills and interests.”
The Volunteer Centre at 2D covers Teesdale and Wear Valley and will celebrate the 24th National Volunteers Week by continuing to promote, support and develop both volunteers and volunteering opportunities.
For more information on 2D, telephone 01388 762220, log on to www.2d.org.uk or pop into the office at the Crook Business Centre on New Road.
