Volunteering is vital says Gloucestershire volunteer service
Go Volunteer Glos is calling for more people to volunteer
A volunteering service in Gloucestershire says volunteering is vital in keeping many aspects of our community running.
It's as the UK celebrates volunteers week and all the contributions volunteers give to society.
Volunteering added £4.6 billion in productivity gains to the UK economy in 2024 according to the Royal Voluntary Service.
Emma Snell is the manager at Go Volunteer Glos which has been running for 3 years.
The organisation was set up to make volunteering easier for both volunteers and organisations seeking them by advertising volunteer opportunities across the county all in one place.
Emma told Greatest Hits Radio the benefits of volunteering: “Volunteering is absolutely vital to both you as an individual, but as an organisation.
“Volunteering is really well known for supporting your overwell being.
“You get to meet new people, build new skills, it can help if you’re feeling a bit lonely if you’re not quite sure what to do.
“For many organisation volunteers are the lifeblood that make that organisation run.
“There are so many services that just wouldn’t exist if people weren’t volunteering.
Things from your local schools PTA, finding resources for children, to hospice groups.”
There are also calls for employers to give their staff volunteer days throughout the year.
Emma said: “Companies being able to give their staff volunteering days is absolutely vital.
“It’s a really good way of supporting your employee wellbeing and making them feel more comfortable in your organisation.
“And kind of more dedicated employees.”