Volunteers

Across the country and across the world there are people giving up their time to help others.
Most of them do this without shouting from the roof tops or expecting out pouring's of gratitude, in fact most of them avoid the lime light and don't feel they do anything out of the ordinary.

I am sure all of us within the blue light services have witnessed the dedication of these volunteers, day in day out, in both  direct actions and supportive functions. I could try and list some of the voluntary groups but this list is endless and I am sure I would miss someone off.

The Local Resilience Forum conference  I attended in November concentrated on the way in which we need to involve communities in preparedness and resilience. Our county council have a resilience officer dedicated to coordinating and engaging with voluntary groups. looking at this more closely who is best placed to help a community? The community itself; as it has local knowledge, local contacts, is probably already doing some of the things needed and above all is in the right place.

Today on social media SWAST community responders, Llanberris Mountain Rescue Team, SERV Wessex Blood Bikes have all been out doing what they do 24/7 365 days a year. These are the ones that use social media to let people know what they do, but what about the unsung heroes  giving the elderly a Christmas meal or supporting the homeless. The Samaritans and MIND charity providing support to those who need it. These are just a few examples from hundreds.

Could you help a local charity? Do you have a skill that they may be able to use? Charities need backroom support as much as they need those who actually deliver the support.

Do you think you could be one of those volunteers at the end of the phone, waiting for the pager to go off or helping with fundraising? The ways in which you can help are as endless as are the organisations that need your help and support.

Try a different New Year resolution why not see if you can volunteer some time to a local community project or cause.