Wake up in a bad mood this morning? Feeling gloomy whenever you look out the window?
Don’t worry it’s probably down to it being Blue Monday – apparently the most depressing day of the year.
Whether today really is the perfect storm of post-Christmas depression is up for debate, what’s more important is that if you are feeling down, are you going to do anything about it?
We’re all creatures of habit and stick in our routines, even if the truth is we are completely fed up of it all.
So, what if I could offer you a way out. Something that is scientifically proven to make you feel happier without you having to pay a penny and with the added bonus of helping others at the same time?
You’d probably think I had still been at the Christmas sherry.
But what I am actually talking about is volunteering.
Study after study has shown it decreases depression and stress, it makes you healthier and boosts quality of life and that is just for the person doing the volunteering. The benefits to those you are helping are almost immeasurable.
You can the chance to give back, you could discover hidden talents you never knew you had, you’ll find out more about the lives of others, it brings people together, gives you the chance to meet new friends and work in a team and most importantly you are making a difference.
What’s not to love right?
Here at the Beacon Centre we already have a fantastic team of almost 300 volunteers working right across the charity, but we are always on the look-out for more.
We have a vast range of opportunities from retail and hospitality to arts and crafts and tech sessions, whatever your skill or your time commitment there is something for you.
In return we can offer training, ongoing support, valuable experience in many areas of work, the chance to participate in events throughout the year and flexibility.
Our volunteers often talk about how giving some of their time to help others has been life changing so if you are facing the same old routine and fancy breaking free then why not come and join us?
We’ve got a volunteer open day on January 27th between 10am and 11.30am at our Sedgley centre on Wolverhampton Road East.
Pop in and have a chat to some of our volunteers and enjoy some free cake and hot drinks.