The hectic pace of modern life has a significant impact on the practicalities of volunteering.

Other barriers include a lack of awareness in the opportunities available locally, and a perception of the limited impact volunteering has.

As the centre for voluntary services across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage, we understand the challenges of volunteering your time and effort.

We also understand the positive impact volunteers are making to the everyday lives of local people living in our community.

Charities and voluntary organisations play a crucial role in society. As well as filling gaps in essential services where government programs and private businesses may fall short, these organisations tend to support more vulnerable and marginalised individuals and communities too.

Bringing people together, local voluntary organisations foster community, providing opportunities for individuals to contribute, build relationships and participate in collective efforts addressing local challenges.

Whilst over half of those living in England between 2021 and 2022 claimed to have volunteered in the last 12 months, and 34 per cent volunteering at least once a month; the number of those volunteering has been declining since 2014 [source: statistics.com].

North Herts and Stevenage CVS organisation GoVolHerts is tackling this volunteering crisis.

Connecting charities to volunteers, the online platform makes the discovery of opportunities easy.

Listing hundreds of diverse ways to volunteer, would-be volunteers input their location and the type of commitment they are looking for; short term to long term, even one-time roles. They can even input the type of causes they want to help.

One such opportunity is a Volunteer Driver for North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport Service.

Solving the transport problems of those less abled, the scheme relies on a team of dedicated volunteers, using their own car to transport local residents to health appointments.

The Volunteer Driver role is super flexible, with volunteers giving the time they want to. Mileage is also covered at 45p per mile, and paid on the day.

Discover more opportunities such as this on Friday, June 7 in Hitchin’s Market Square.

GoVolHerts are joining forces with the nationwide volunteering organisation, The Big Help Out.

Around 30 local organisations such as Stevenage’s Feed Up Warm Up, Letchworth’s Garden House Hospice Care and Mind in Mid Herts will be showcasing all the ways volunteers help in the delivery of their services. The event is free to attend and takes place from 10am to 4pm.

As the centre for volunteering services for North Herts and Stevenage, we equip community groups, charities & volunteers with the knowledge to thrive.

Learn more about how we help organisations reach their potential at www.nhcvs.org.uk.