As the Centre for Voluntary Service across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage, we believe positive change begins with collaboration and a shared commitment to building a thriving, inclusive society.

Every day, volunteers throughout North Herts and Stevenage play a vital role in that vision, often providing services and support that may not be otherwise available.

Many local organisations, charities and community groups rely on volunteers to deliver their services.

St Nich’s Litter Pickers in Stevenage is a prime example of how volunteering fosters empathy, understanding and cooperation. Uniting people from different backgrounds in a common purpose, whilst encouraging a greater sense of local community and responsibility too.

Whilst the positive impact of volunteers is widely acknowledged, what remains less recognised are the health advantages that volunteering offers.

Findings shared by NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) outline the effect volunteering has on the volunteers themselves - including the benefits they personally receive through taking part.

The most significant benefit expressed was enjoyment; reported by 93 per cent. With those volunteering more frequently particularly feeling those benefits.

The simplicity of enjoyment has a vital impact on mental wellbeing, supported by over three-quarters of volunteers (77 per cent) stating that volunteering improved their state of mind.

Improvements to self-esteem and confidence is often expressed by volunteers, positively impacting their overall wellbeing, and building a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

NCVO also report on several social benefits experienced because of volunteering; with almost nine in 10 volunteers having met new people and developed new friendships through volunteering.

A common occurrence at The Red Shed in Stevenage, where volunteers connect over their love of horticulture.

Seventy-eight per cent of volunteers agreed that volunteering brings them into contact with people from different backgrounds. Echoing other research suggesting that volunteers have higher levels of social connectedness than others, and that volunteering not only builds on existing social connections but generates new ones too.

At Lister Hospital volunteers guide patients to appointments, doing so with big smile and a word or two of encouragement.

There are lots of different ways to volunteer; from befriending to administration, driving to charity shop work, being a trustee to being a Community library volunteer…

There are many organisations across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage that need your help. GoVolHerts is the home of volunteering in Hertfordshire, connecting potential volunteers with organisations across the area.

To help volunteers find a position aligned with their values, skills and time available, their online search tools enables users to filter by their exact requirements.

Try it out today at govolherts.org.uk to start your volunteering journey.

Learn more about how we help organisations reach their potential at https://nhcvs.org.uk/,