Finding new opportunities with volunteering

Volunteering provides the perfect opportunity to make a positive difference in your community while developing your personal and professional skills. One great aspect of volunteering is its inclusiveness, allowing anyone to give back to a cause that’s close to their heart. When you volunteer, you are giving your time, skills, and energy to support a cause or business without expecting financial compensation. Volunteering provides new opportunities for developing self-confidence, work skills, and social connections. It can also improve your overall well-being.

Develop self-confidence

There are so many ways you can develop your self-confidence. Instead of taking a one-size-fits-most approach, start by connecting with your support system about your unique goals. Your friends, family, and support network will support you along your volunteer journey. It’s important to share your feelings with those who understand and encourage you.

Think about what you want to achieve through volunteering. If you want to develop your self-confidence, break down what you want to achieve into small, manageable steps and write them down.

Volunteering exposes you to various people and situations, where you can connect with the community. This social interaction can help build confidence for people who may feel anxious in social settings. Working alongside other volunteers with a shared goal creates a supportive and inclusive environment, laying the foundation for enhanced self-confidence.

Developing work skills

Volunteering provides a great opportunity to develop essential skills that are transferable to various work environments. You can develop an understanding of teamwork, problem-solving and time management while improving your communication skills. It’s great to build these skills before you step into paid work.

In a volunteer setting, you will meet and work alongside people you may not know. This provides an opportunity to see and participate in teamwork while learning from others.

• Teamwork: Teamwork is about working towards a common goal and acknowledging every person's contribution.
• Communication: You will observe how people communicate with each other and practise your communication skills.
• Problem-solving: You will see first-hand how people work together to resolve challenges. You may even think of a solution and contribute.
• Time management: When you volunteer, you’re providing your time to a cause, so it is important to arrive on time. Volunteering will teach you when to leave your home, arrive at the required location, and become part of your routine. For example, Diane (who lives in one of our Supported Independent Living Homes) fits volunteering at her local cafe as part of her routine.

All of these skills are transferable to a paid job and are highly valued by employers. Volunteering provides the perfect opportunity to trial your skills in an inclusive, supportive environment and build your confidence before you start paid work.

Conclusion

Volunteering is more than just the act of giving. It's an opportunity to kickstart your journey towards achieving your goals. It’s a two-way street - organisations (like Endeavour Foundation) benefit from your help, and you feel a sense of purpose and satisfaction from knowing you are helping others. As you dive into volunteering, you’re on a win-win journey boosting your confidence and skills while opening up a world of new experiences and opportunities.