by Lorraine Gibson.

It’s generally agreed that volunteering is good for you.
Helping people or causes, having a sense of purpose and generally just being around others can make us happier, healthier and feel more fulfilled.
And the beauty of volunteering is that how, where and when you help is up to you, as there are endless organisations crying out for willing supporters.
You can get involved in stuff that interests you – like fundraising, caring for people or animals, helping the planet, historic preservation, skills or crafts teaching, counselling, sport, cooking – the list is endless.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at something completely new – who knows, you might just surprise yourself.
Finding information is easy online, but community gathering spots like local libraries, town halls, clubs, museums and shops are often good places to find out what’s needed nearby.
Organisations really value their volunteers. At the Dorset History Centre they say: “They help us to raise awareness of our work and improve access to our collections so we offer a range of roles across the Centre that need different levels of skills and experience.”

They might be for you if you’ve a passion for history or want to improve your personal knowledge and skills while doing something worthwhile.
“Volunteers are recruited to specific projects and positions are advertised on their website as they become available but opportunities include: Packaging documents for storage, indexing and transcribing, research, collecting oral histories and supporting people with additional needs.
Contact: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/dorset-history-centre/get-involved/volunteer

At the Water Lily Project, founded in 2011 by a group of local Christians who recognised a need to help women affected by either domestic violence and abuse, addiction, sex trade, financial difficulty or homelessness, they have several volunteering roles available.
These include café volunteer, fundraiser or befriender (for this, you must be a practising Christian).
They say: “We are always grateful to those wishing to do something as a means of raising much-needed funds.
“In the past people have run a marathon, held quiz nights, organised a frock swap and an auction. If you would like to help us by holding a fundraising event, we would love to hear from you.”
If you are interested in a befriending role, email Bev McKay on: deputy@waterlilyproject.org.uk.

At the Dorset Children’s Foundation, set up to improve and enrich the lives of children with disabilities and their families, they need people to help out at their shops and events or to lend a hand with administration.
“Every little bit you do will help us to change lives,” they say.
“You can be part of the Dorset Children’s Foundation family. We embrace diversity.” They also champion younger volunteers. “We support both the work experience initiative and the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.”
Contact: Rhian@thedcf.org or pop into one of their shops for an application form and friendly chat.
thedcf.org/volunteer.