21 Aug All hail the Volunteer!

Volunteer marshals at the vaccination centres in Torquay and Brixham were a crucial component in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations in Torbay

VOLUNTEERS are at the heart of so many things that occur daily across the Bay; without them, the world would be a poorer, less fulfilling place.

Organisations would struggle, amateur sports clubs would grind to a halt and events of every kind, from the Riviera Airshow to a community cake bake, would not be able to take place.

All hail the volunteer.

Thankfully, they are everywhere – marshalling crowds, staffing stalls, raising funds, supporting or running events, giving advice, guidance or information, acting as trustees or working behind the scenes.

Volunteers contribute their time, skills, and energy to support local organisations, charities, and community initiatives. They help address social issues, provide essential services, and improve the quality of life for others.

Volunteering creates a positive social impact by promoting empathy, compassion, and understanding. It brings people together, fosters connections, and builds a sense of belonging.

Volunteering allows individuals to develop new skills or enhance existing ones. Whether it’s organising events, teaching, or fundraising, volunteers gain valuable experience that can benefit their personal and professional growth.

Research shows that volunteering has health benefits. It reduces stress, improves mental well-being, and even lowers the risk of certain health conditions. Volunteering keeps people active and engaged.

Yet volunteers are often overlooked; no matter how hard we try, we can never thank them enough. We want to change this by launching the Torbay Community Champion Awards.

We want to hear about volunteers who have made a difference in their community. We are confident that there are thousands of them, but we need your help to identify and celebrate them for all that they do.

A few months ago we got our community connectors together for a cream tea at People’s Parkfield in Paignton to say thank you and celebrate all they have done not so much for Torbay Communities but for the communities in which they live.

Our community connectors, the backbone of Torbay Communities, play a crucial role in identifying vulnerable individuals at risk of loneliness and isolation. Their work is invaluable and integral to our success.

They work tirelessly in their communities, acting as the eyes and ears of neighbourhoods and signposting to our team of community builders who are always on hand to provide help and support.

They are the ones who know everybody and are aware when people are struggling and need help – that is when they put them in touch with our team of Community Builders who work alongside them to ensure they do not become lonely and isolated.

They are one group amongst many groups that do not always get the recognition that they deserve. They work tirelessly on a voluntary basis without financial reward, but we are on a mission to make sure they get rewarded in other ways, such as by thanking them when possible and celebrating them often.

It was the same when we got some volunteers together for another cream tea at the Redcliffe Hotel in Paignton. A room full of people who give up their time to help others. Occasions like that are truly humbling.

Everyone I spoke to on that day was happy to help others on a regular basis and thought nothing of joining rotated marshalling shifts at the Riviera Centre to ensure that the COVID vaccination programme went as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

There were also those who have been instrumental in making the Torbay Community Helpline the success that it has become. Volunteers sit alongside (albeit virtually) members of staff to provide advice, information and signposting to a wide range of services. The Helpine on 01803 446022  proudly boasts: One Call, That’s All

There were plenty of others for whom volunteering is a way of life-keeping organisations and charities delivering what they do best – some you can spot, particularly those who don high viz jackets for events, but for every one of those there are many more beavering away behind the scenes.

Volunteering really does represent a world of opportunities and you can get involved in so many different ways. The first step is to sign up at VolunteerTorbay.com or visit Torbay Together and look at the volunteering opportunities. On average, there are more than 100 volunteering opportunities listed there. Alternatively, if you want to discuss volunteering with someone, please call the Helpline.