2020 has been a strange and challenging year for us all. Through the darkness, though, there has been light and in South West Surrey (and the world beyond the boroughs) we have witnessed amazing acts of kindness and communities pulling together.
In May, the Guardian reported that nearly 10 million adults had been volunteering in their communities in the UK during the crisis. This is phenomenal. At Voluntary Action South West Surrey alone, we registered a huge volume of people within only a few weeks and we are continuing to register keen volunteers today who want to help organisations in Guildford and Waverley.
As we continue to live with the virus and go back to some form of normality, we hope this spirit and willingness to help others continues to be a prominent theme of the year.
If you have left lockdown with more free-time, a desire to help the community or you feel inspired to try something new, give us a ring on 01483 56546 and we will help you start your volunteering journey today.
Volunteering in a Covid World
It can feel scary venturing back out into the world or starting something new such as volunteering after the enforced lockdown and isolation, knowing we are still living with the virus, however, you will be fully supported in your volunteering roles and strict guidelines will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you have any questions about this, just get in touch with us and we will put your mind at ease.
There are of course roles that can be done from home such as telephone befriending keeping those experiencing isolation and loneliness company through a friendly telephone chat. Don’t worry if you can’t physically go to a location to volunteer – your help will still be needed.
How to Find Volunteering Roles?
At the volunteer centre we are open two days a week for now, for two hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 10.30am-12.30pm. If you would like advice about volunteering, help in searching for a suitable role or support applying for something, we can organise for a short meeting to take place between these opening times for you and one of our volunteer advisors. The meeting will be informal lasting for up to 15 minutes, all you are required to bring is yourself and ideas! Masks are mandatory in the centre too.
For details about volunteering and the roles available in Guildford and Waverley, you can look at our website, here. If you happen to apply for something online and do not hear a response within two weeks, please let us know and we will chase this up for you.
There are many benefits to be gained by lending a hand in your community, for both the volunteer and those being supported. Read more about that, here. If you can volunteer, please do – it’s this spirit and support that will help us all get through what has been a gruelling and tough experience.