Helping people is a great way to give something back to your community, and what better way to help others than by volunteering.
This week is Volunteers' Week and we're showing our support and giving thanks to everyone who helps others, as well as encouraging everyone to get out and volunteer.
Volunteers' Week
Volunteers' Week takes place from the 1st to 7th June each year to show thanks and support to volunteers across the UK and to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in volunteering.
Did you know?
- 22% of people in the UK formally volunteer at least once a month
- 37% of people in the UK formally volunteer at least once a year
- 65-74 year olds are the most likely to volunteer, with 32% volunteering at least once a month and 42% at least once a year
- Sports clubs are the most popular organisations for people up to the age of 74 to support
- People aged 75 and over are most likely to volunteer for religious organisations (53%) or arts or social clubs (45%)
- People in the South East volunteer more often than the national average, with 25% volunteering formally at least once a month and 42% volunteering formally at least once a year
What All About Home Care do
The All About Home Care team are always willing to do their bit to help the community. Our Co-Director Kieron volunteers as chairman of the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks branch of Diabetes UK,coordinating events and activities designed to support people living with diabetes and helping them to manage the condition effectively.
Another voluntary activity that the All About Home Care team actively support is Forget-Me-Notes, an event which runs on the third Thursday of every month at the Sevenoaks Church Hall of Christ Church URC on Littlecourt Road. We encourage anybody who enjoys a sing a long – particularly anyone living with dementia and their carers – to come and join us.
As a follow on to a busy dementia action week in May, our co-director David, who is a volunteer dementia friend champion, is helping local businesses make a positive difference to people living with dementia.
What you can do
Many people love the idea of volunteering but don't know where to get started. The reality is that most charities and organisations would appreciate any help they can get, all you need to do is reach out and inquire with them. But if you need some ideas on where to get started, here are some local organisations who would love your input:
- Hospice in the Weald: Hospice – one of our partner organisations – is dependent on volunteers for the running of all of their departments. If you want to help them by volunteering, you can find out how to get involved here.
- Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge: Age UK's local authority has a variety of opportunities for volunteers, ranging from golf buddies to lunch club helpers. You can find a list of volunteering jobs available here.
- Diabetes UK: No matter where you are in the country, Diabetes UK have a Volunteering Interest Form which you can fill out to show that you want to volunteer. If you live in the Tonbridge and Sevenoaks area, get in touch with Kieron Brennan, All About Home Care Co-Director and Chair of the Diabetes UK local group, to find out how you can help.
- Volunteers' Week: The Volunteers' Week website has an events page showcasing all events going on throughout the week with which you can get involved.
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do and it's a great way to give back to the community and help people who need it. This Volunteers' Week, we want to encourage you to get out and volunteer for a charity to assist them in helping as many people as possible.
Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks areas
call 01732 447 055 or 01892 575 499