Giving Back and Getting Back: Make Volunteering Your New Year’s Resolution!

Are you looking for some inspiration and a fresh focus for the New Year? How about giving volunteering a go? It’s about giving back, rather than giving up. And you can gain so much in return!

There are dozens of local organisations on the lookout for volunteers. You just need to browse Your Steyning to see what a wealth of community groups we have in the town. It’s one of the things that make Steyning so special. And it’s amazing what we achieve as a community – from the Steyning Festival to the many thriving sports and social clubs, and from Good Neighbours to Steyning in Bloom.

There’s huge diversity on offer. But one thing these groups have in common is that they are all on the lookout for new recruits: people to take a turn in keeping things going, to bring in fresh ideas, and add their enthusiasm and commitment to make good things happen in our community.

There’s loads of ways that volunteering gives back:
• First off, it is a fantastic way to make a positive impact on your community. Rather than getting despondent about the state of the world, it feels so much better to be doing something about it, even in a small way.
• It’s a brilliant opportunity to develop new skills. You can gain valuable experience in areas like communication, teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving.
• You get to meet some wonderful people. You'll make new friends from all walks of life, each with their own experiences and perspectives.
• It can boost your mental and physical well-being. The act of helping others is said to reduce stress levels, improve self-esteem, and increase happiness. And many roles will help you keep active and fit – clearing brambles for Steyning Downland Scheme comes to mind!
• Last but not least, volunteering can be a gateway to discovering new passions and interests, and maybe even discover a hidden talent!

Greening Steyning is hosting a Volunteer Night on Wednesday 31st January where you can meet the gang and hear about all volunteer projects we’ve got going.

These quotes from two enthusiastic volunteers explain what they get out of it:
'Personally, I have found volunteering very beneficial. You meet and get to know many more people in the area. You feel a bit more connected and I enjoy the camaraderie of the other volunteers in the group. What I didn’t expect was the frequent sightings of urban foxes when doing the evening collections. Brilliant!' (Andrew Williams, Community Fridge and Hedgerow Survey volunteer)

'I never imagined the degree of satisfaction which results from getting a cherished old watch or clock running sweetly again for its owner. It is much more than just saving a good timepiece from the scrapheap, as so often there is an emotional backstory about it as well. I do find it quite therapeutic to fix something so small, but which can mean so much.' (Ian Swindells, Repair Café volunteer)

Volunteer Night: Wednesday 31st January
Volunteer Night will be a chance for each of Greening Steyning’s volunteer teams to talk about the highlights and challenges of the past year, and look forward to what’s in store for 2024. So it’s a great moment to hear about what’s on offer, meet the people involved, and sign up if you’re interested.

We’ll also be holding a short AGM to review our accounts and re-appoint our Treasurer and Co-Chairs.

It’s at Steyning Athletics Club and starts at 20:00. The bar will be open!

Entrance if free, but we are asking you to book a place so we have an idea on numbers. Just go to:
https://bit.ly/volunteernight2024

To check out current volunteering opportunities with Greening Steyning, head to: https://greeningsteyning.org/volunteer/