Efforts of Moray volunteers to be recognised

Date Added - 30/05/12

Time is precious to everyone, which is why it is remarkable that so many people give up some of theirs to volunteer.

The fantastic contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK is to be recognised during national Volunteers’ Week which runs from June 1 to 7.

The event is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the unsung heroes who do so much to support others in society and will hopefully be a way of encouraging others to get involved.

A rising number of dedicated people provide invaluable support to others in their local communities by volunteering with Moray Council, giving their time and skills to support service users in settings such as day centres and day services.

A little of your time can make a big difference to someone else and is really rewarding, said Margaret Cowie, who took up post as volunteer development officer with the Moray Community Health and Social Care Partnership earlier this year.

“I am working to raise the profile of volunteers within health and social care services and promote the benefits of volunteering, encouraging more volunteers to come forward,” Mrs Cowie explained.

Volunteering has been shown to improve self-confidence and self esteem which in turns brings improved wellbeing. People become involved for many reasons – to help make a difference, to gain new skills and work experience, and to meet new people.

Opportunities linked to health and social care could involve befriending someone and visiting them in their own home, being a lunch buddy, supporting people at appointments, visiting patients in hospital or leading exercise and craft sessions in day centres.

Volunteers – who are of all ages and backgrounds – are provided with support, supervision and training to ensure they find the experience as enriching and rewarding as possible.

To acknowledge how much they are valued, volunteers involved with Moray Council services are to receive Volunteers’ Week certificates to mark their important contribution as a key community resource.

To find out more about the opportunities available for volunteering in health and social care, get in touch with Mrs Cowie by emailing margaret.cowie@moray.gov.uk or calling 01343 567102.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, the Volunteer Centre Moray will also be holding a celebratory tea party at the Lhanbryde Community Centre on Thursday, June 7 from 11am to 2.30pm. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the centre on 01343 843705.