About Volunteering

Do you have time and looking for something to do? Do you have the passion, talent and interest you wish to share with others? Do you enjoy connecting with people, chatting over a cup of tea? If so, the Swan Volunteer Resource Centre is the place to visit.

About the Swan Volunteer Resource Centre

The City of Swan runs the Swan Volunteer Resource Centre through a partnership with the Department of Local Government and Communities.

The Centre primary objective is to promote volunteering as well as connect volunteers with the volunteer organisations that needs help. The Centre managed around 200 organisations within and around the Swan area and had placed over 1000 volunteers in their dream volunteering role.

The Centre runs a free one-hour workshop called “Steps into Volunteering”, an information session for people interested in volunteer work.

The next available workshop is on Wednesday, 10 May 2017, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Ellenbrook Community Library. To register call 9278 9690 or email swan.volunteers@swan.wa.gov.au.

So what is volunteering? And what is it involve?

Researchers Wilson and Musick defined volunteering as giving of time to helping others without financial or material compensation. Volunteering can include activities such as gardening, driving, assisting the frail aged do their shopping; visiting older people in residential care and so on. There are many volunteering roles to choose from, depending on your passions, interest and skills. Volunteering can be short or long term commitment.  You can nominate the time and days you want to volunteer; it is an agreement between you and the volunteer organisation.

What are the health benefits of volunteering?

Volunteer work is known to have a good influence on health and mental well-being as shown by many studies on volunteering. Researchers found that people who volunteer regularly are happier and contented. They have strong feelings of self-worth, fewer bouts of depression and anxiety compared to non-volunteers (Thoits and Hewitt). Volunteering also enhances social skills by making regular contact with friends, which in turn help build a good support network that provides a sense of belonging. Volunteering, not only enhance your social skills but also improve the prospect of employment through skills gained from volunteer work (Wilson and Musick). Research studies show that many employers are keen on applicants with soft skills. Soft skills are personal attributes and skills obtained through paid or volunteer work. For example, volunteering as a Sales & Marketing Assistants, help develop your skills in planning, communication, teamwork and time management. These skills are called “soft skills”, and these are the skills that employers are looking for in an applicant.

Where to now?

If you are ready to volunteer, I suggest contacting the Swan Volunteer Resource Centre to register your interest. You can book a consultation with the Referral Officer by calling 9278 9690 or by emailing swan.volunteers@swan.wa.gov.au.

You can also visit their office at the Old Midland Court House, 49 Helena Terrace next to the Midland Public Library.

Saturday, 22 April, 2017. Written by: admin.