Volunteering with NWI BLT is for anyone with some spare time and a desire to help in the local area of Whitton, Whitehouse & Castle Hill.
Whether it is a one-off or a regular commitment, we’d love to hear from you as everyone has something to offer. Even a few hours would be incredibly generous and would be invaluable to the work of the BLT and the projects that we are supporting.
Anyone over the age of 12 who is living or working in the area can volunteer with us. We definitely don’t have a maximum age limit!
It’s all about your community of NW Ipswich: Whitton, Whitehouse & Castle Hill
NWI BLT are looking to harness local talent, ambitions, skills and energy from individuals, groups and organisations who want to make the area an even better place to live.
You may have a particular interest in improving provision for the older residents in our community because of your own experiences, or the younger ones, or perhaps you are have a particular skill that you would like to offer. You may be interested in promoting good health, or helping to reach more people in the community.
In line with our Community Plan we have volunteers that focus on:
- Young people
- Older people
- Business/Social Investment
- Publicity & Promotion
- Health & Wellbeing
Have fun, meet new people, learn new things and have new experiences
But it’s not just about what you can do for us. Being a volunteer also brings benefits to you
Live Longer
Studies have shown that those who invest some of their time in volunteering for others tend to be happier, healthier and live longer lives.
According to helpguide.org “The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person.“
Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills.
Build Relationships
One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.
While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests.
Boost Your Career
Volunteering can enhance your career and will look really good on your CV.
Even if you’re not planning on changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization.
You might feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position first.
Build Better Communities
Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.
One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.
Volunteering can have a real and valuable positive affect on people, communities and society in general. Building a community in which you are all working together towards common future goals will nurture your sense of belonging and purpose and expand your support system.
Gives A Sense Of Purpose
Volunteering has been shown to give you a sense of accomplishment and to increase feelings of happiness.
Throughout your life you’ve developed social and professional skills that promote your personal achievement. Using those skills for a wider, communal impact can be even more fulfilling. Volunteering will enrich your life and give you a broader purpose and can give you a boost of motivation.
Reducing the risk of depression is another important benefit of volunteering. A key risk factor for depression is social isolation.
Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times.
Still not sure whether joining this project is for you? There are many great projects across Ipswich and the rest of Suffolk.
Volunteer Suffolk is a new volunteering database and website to advertise volunteering roles in Suffolk, helping local organisations to recruit volunteers.