Volunteering

Who are Volunteers?

There is a growing recognition of the health gains for volunteering and people volunteer for a variety of reasons:-

• want to give their time
• want to make new friends
• want a challenge

Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and volunteer for different reasons.  They may be individuals who have various life experiences or have health, social issues or close connections to challenging circumstances within their community.  They therefore offer a variety of skills and understanding to others in similar circumstances.   

Opportunities

Since 2001 Building Healthy Communities has directly benefited approximately 60,000 people.  BHC has also had over 200 Community Health Volunteers who have had opportunities to:-

• develop own personal learing plans
• learn new skills
• obtain 1 to 1 support and mentoring
• be engaged in local decision making/partnership work
• experience developing and facilitaing initiatives
• participate in the administration of BHC
• experience working in host organisations
• approach and complete training courses to improve self esteem and employability

Almost 50% of Community Health Volunteers have gone into structured learning or employment.

For further information please email info@healthycommunities.org.uk