There’s lots of different ways to get involved and volunteer – you might already be!
Communities
Communities are the heart and soul our society. In recent months these communities have risen to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing community-led solutions and supporting individuals and families who are finding it difficult to cope with the COVID-19 restrictions. People helping people, it’s as simple as that.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were all asked to be a good neighbour, look out for those who live near you that might need a helping hand. And to this day that message is still valid and really important, because while some restrictions may be lifted for some, others will still be shielding, self-isolating at home.
So can we please ask that you check in with your neighbours and make sure that they are managing with the current situation? We’ve put together this handy “Being A Good Neighbour” resource for everyone, with information on how to introduce yourself to your neighbours, maintaining boundaries and personal safety, and what to do if you’re concerned about any of your neighbours.
To view or download the “Being A Good Neighbour” resource, please visit the Volunteer Falkirk website.
Strathcarron Hospice has recently put together a booklet, “Connecting with Your Neighbours”, which gives examples of ways to connect with and form reciprocal relationships with people on your own street.
The booklet is part of their Compassionate Communities initiative, and is available to view or download on the Volunteer Falkirk website.
Informal Volunteering
Have you given freely of your time to help an elderly neighbour take out their bins, or dropped a newspaper through the door daily for someone in your community who was self-isolating? Or maybe your famous fairy cakes are a regular fixture in a local bake sale? You might be an informal volunteer!
The term “informal volunteering” might be new to you, and many people who informally volunteer in their communities may have never thought of themselves as volunteers, rather good neighbours or helpful citizens.
Being a good neighbour is informal volunteering, and has become particularly important during COVID-19 – find out more in the “Being A Good Neighbour” resource.
