Royal Voluntary Service in Rotherham is encouraging more people in the area to discover the joys of volunteering whilst keeping their local community healthy and happy.
The leading national volunteering charity provides invaluable social and practical support to people in need across the UK, including Rotherham.
One of the ways local volunteers are improving the lives of people in Rotherham is by offering Community Transport to help them stay active, independent, and social, perhaps by driving them to a community club or outing.
The fantastic Community Transport team in Rotherham needs more friendly volunteers to continue providing life-enhancing support to vulnerable and isolated people in the area. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to provide a pleasant journey, companionship and support to people going to and from their homes and destinations. Volunteer expenses are paid.
The service supports local people who would otherwise struggle to get out and about and remain active in their communities, often due to due to limited mobility or health conditions – but it’s not just the people on the receiving end of the support that benefit from volunteering.
As a result of donating their time, Royal Voluntary Service volunteers report better physical health, mental health, and wellbeing, with 81% of pandemic volunteers reporting an improvement. Volunteers also benefit from new skills and work experience and a sense of connection to others in their community. In a recent report, more than a third of Royal Voluntary Service volunteers said that volunteering had also improved their confidence.
Royal Voluntary Service encourages anyone who wants to make a positive difference in their community and experience the countless benefits of volunteering to step forward and learn more about roles in their area at www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering.
Nicola Bennett, Service Manager for Royal Voluntary Service Rotherham Community Transport, said: “The support our wonderful Community Transport volunteers provide is a lifeline for so many people who would otherwise struggle to get out and about in the community.
“It’s brilliant to see the positive impact our volunteers have on the lives of those they support, as well as the boost volunteers receive to their own health and wellbeing.
“Any time you can offer as a volunteer will be hugely appreciated and will help transform people’s lives. Volunteering is a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and to become a vital link within the community. We look forward to welcoming you to our friendly team.”
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities, with volunteers supporting the NHS and thousands of vulnerable people in the community. The charity has delivered the NHS Volunteer Responders programme for NHS England enabled by the GoodSAM app, with volunteers responding to over 2.2 million requests for help and supported with over 300,000 shifts at vaccination sites.
The charity has also worked in local communities before, during and since the Covid crisis running home libraries, companionship support, home from hospital services and patient transport. Its Virtual Village Hall provides live classes and tutorials on Facebook to promote wellbeing and keep people active and occupied.