Get Ready for Some New Year’s Resolutions

6 December 2022

Put Volunteering on your list of new things to do in 2023!

On Saturday 14th January over 40 organisations will be coming together at Riverside, to promote volunteer opportunities across the Island. So come and find out which ones may offer you the chance to do something new.

This free event is open to all from 11am-3pm.

Volunteering can be a great way to support positive mental and physical health and wellbeing:

  • Research shows that volunteers tend to have better physical health than do non-volunteers and performing volunteer work could increase physical activity among people who aren’t otherwise very active.
  • Research also has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older. It provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills. Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine.
  • Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests. Dedicating time as a volunteer helps expand social network and practice social skills with others.
  • Mentally stimulating activities, like tutoring, mentoring or reading, might be helpful for maintaining memory and thinking skills.
  • Doing something positive on a regular basis and being surrounded by others can be a great way to build self-esteem and confidence.

There is a wide variety of volunteer opportunities on the Isle of Wight, whether you are interested in youth, environmental, health, cultural or community causes. There are things you can do on a one off basis or as a regular commitment.

For those who are not able to attend the Volunteer Fair or would like more support to find the appropriate opportunity for them, the Volunteer Centre offers one to one interviews in person or over the phone, as well as our website where you can search for opportunities and read news articles about volunteers.

We are also happy to attend groups or other meetings to promote volunteering.

Contact: volunteer@actioniw.org.uk