Give a little, Get a lot: Volunteer!
A new campaign, which aims to highlight the benefits of volunteering to everyone in Midlothian, launches this week with one simple message – “Give a Little, Get a Lot”. The campaign encourages people in Midlothian to give a little of their time, their skills or their commitment and in turns promises an experience which will bring many benefits to the individual. It is well documented that people who regularly volunteer report an improvement in their health and wellbeing, increased employability and a sense of personal achievement.
Through its work in supporting people into volunteering, Volunteer Centre Midlothian sees evidence of this every day and the campaign will give everyone in Midlothian the chance to experience the benefits too. Speaking prior to the launch Anne Moodie, Manager of the Volunteer Centre explained “As we launch our new campaign we want to challenge the people of Midlothian, young and old, to ‘give a little’ of their time to volunteer. There are hundreds of volunteering opportunities to choose from. Some take place during the day, others in the evening. There is something for everyone! Volunteering can make a huge difference to you and your local community. So why not give it a go?”
Volunteering transforms communities: it brings people together, helps people into work, improves local services and makes an area a better place to live.
On a very basic level it brings people from a variety of backgrounds together, encouraging greater understanding and tolerance and fostering a sense of community. By its very nature this can help to build stronger, safer communities.
The new campaign, which will launch at the prestigous Volunteers’ Week Awards Ceremony on 3rd June, aims to spread the word of volunteering across Midlothian through a leaflet and poster campaign, regular adverts and articles in the press and drop-ins at Penicuik Job Centre (2nd June) and Dalkeith Careers Office (24th June). For more information on the campaign and the drop-ins, please contact Volunteer Centre Midlothian on 01875 820900.
