Volunteering in NSW: How to be a better person in 2018

THERE’S nothing quite like giving back to lift your spirits and help you feel like you’re doing something meaningful with your life.

• Assistance Dogs Australia always need volunteers

NOW that the fog of January has lifted and 2018 is in full swing, many of those lofty ‘new year, new you’ resolutions are looking less appealing in the harsh light of February.

But there’s one thing you can do that’s guaranteed to make your year feel a little more meaningful. Volunteer.

Volunteering has been shown to benefit mental health and wellbeing, from boosting self-esteem to helping combat stress, social isolation, and depression. It also helps people feel more connected in their community, gain new skills and extend their social network.

There are countless organisations currently trying to fill vacant volunteer positions, and a new NSW Government website aims to make it easy to find the right opportunity.

“We know people that volunteer are likely to be happier, healthier and proud members who participate on behalf their community,” Minister responsible for Volunteering, Ray Williams, said. “In NSW there are 2.1 million volunteers who contribute 240 million hours of service each year, adding $5 billion of value to local communities across the State.”

Here are a few ideas to start.

BECOME A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE

If you have a spare few hours and a dog with a good temperament, you could make a great volunteer for the Delta Therapy Dogs program. This heartwarming program brings the benefits of animal companionship to those in need at health care facilities. There’s also story dog programs, where dog owners visit primary schools to help children with their reading. It’s a brilliant way to brighten a day. If you love dogs but don’t own one, you can assist at a number of shelters walking, cleaning and giving out cuddles. Very important work!

Coogee Surf Life Saving Club lifesavers. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

KEEP SWIMMERS SAFE

Apart from the 20,000 Surf Life Saving NSW volunteer lifesavers patrolling our beaches during the season, the 129 clubs across NSW are always looking for volunteers to help behind the scenes. By contributing, you can help keep your local club functioning so many lives can be saved.

WIRES volunteer Maureen Hayes feeding a baby Eastern Grey Kangaroo in her backyard.

BECOME A WILDLIFE WARRIOR

Summers are tough on animals in the bush, especially during fires and natural disasters. You can provide a helping hand by volunteering as a carer for WIRES, which has 27 branches across NSW and relies on members of the public to help rescue, rehabilitate and release abandoned and/or injured native animals. Time commitments vary as well — anything from washing sheets to helping build animal enclosures can make a huge difference.

Meals on Wheels volunteers make a world of difference in their community.

SUPPORT ANOTHER’S HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Organisations like Meals on Wheels don’t just deliver nutritious meals, its volunteers provide vital social interaction and a friendly check of a client’s wellbeing which can help people live the lives they choose in their own homes where they’re independent and often happiest. Ask any of the 35,000 NSW volunteers and they will tell you reaching out and making a difference in somebody else’s day, makes their day.

For more details, visit the NSW Volunteering page.