Volunteering benefits more than just projects

Volunteering not only benefits a host of worthwhile projects – it can also be a hugely rewarding experience for those people that give up their time.

Last week, the Council launched its Employee Volunteer Scheme, which offers staff the chance to commit one day a year to a cause of their choice, providing it enhances the local area.

Volunteering is a way to help boost the wellbeing of people in a specific location and society as a whole.

It can offer an opportunity to learn new skills or develop existing ones and provide an insight into the challenges faced by some members of the community.

Lianne Young from the Housing Management Team has worked with volunteers on the Digital Buddies scheme, an initiative launched by the Council’s Vale Homes Service, to help people overcome obstacles to getting online.

One volunteer who wanted to remain anonymous worked on that scheme and took a great deal of satisfaction from the difference they made.

“Before I began volunteering, life was very busy with many different commitments, but as the children started growing up, I found life started to get boring and lonely,” they said.

“I had completed much retraining within IT as it was called then, and then as an adult tutor to try and get work.

“Volunteering has reminded me that my brain does work, it has allowed me to stay busy. I absorb information easily and like to pass on what I have learnt to others, hopefully to show that anyone can give it a go and earn something new no matter your circumstances.

“It has allowed me to keep my digital skills sharp.

“Volunteering could play a vital part in someone’s back to work journey and help them become less socially isolated. It’s great for establishing a routine and helps you feel valued.”

Lianne also works with volunteers within the Council’s sheltered housing schemes.

They have helped with a variety of initiatives as part of Value in the Vale, a project funded by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Welsh Government, also  delivered by Vale Homes.

That offers people the chance to earn rewards for giving up their time. These can be used by the individual or gifted on to others and exchanged for a range of different products and services at businesses throughout the County.

So far, representatives from this group have worked on a series of projects, including a garden at Fairoaks in Dinas Powys, Crawshay Court in Llantwit Major and The Food Pod located within the St Lukes Estate, Penarth.

Any member of staff wishing to take part in the Employee Volunteer Scheme should discuss the matter with their manager.

They can then request a volunteer day through Oracle, much in the same way annual leave is booked.

There are a number of ways in which days can be spent.

Staff can make their own arrangements if already aware of a cause or charity that would benefit from their time.

Alternatively, opportunities that best match particular interests can be found be emailing Value in the Vale or Lianne Young.

Colleagues can also take part in one of four large-scale events per year that align with objectives in the Council’s Annual Delivery Plan, including Project Zero and the cost-of-living crisis.