Volunteer and help make a difference this year

AS THE new year starts, many groups and residents in Melksham need extra support, so why not get involved and help make the town a thriving place to live?

Whether you have got a few hours a week spare, or once a month, or just occasionally, there are varied volunteering opportunities in the town and local community, with local groups who need your help.

According to the town council, over 170 groups provide services, activities and crucial social connections for people in Melksham and the surrounding area.

An offer of help can make all the difference to the smooth running of these groups. Perhaps you could help at the Saturday morning parkrun, help with Melksham 4Youth team or become a volunteer driver for Melksham Link, the charity which helps local people get to medical appointments when they have no other way of getting there. Or if you have accountancy skills or are a whizz on social media, you could volunteer your skills to charities and groups who need other forms of support.

Helping out for just a few hours a month can make a huge difference to other people’s lives and to local groups.

Volunteering is ‘win/win’

Melksham’s deputy mayor and volunteer at the Sunday morning junior parkrun, Sue Mortimer said,  “I would encourage anyone who is thinking about a volunteer role in the new year to just do it. It really is a win/win. You will find you will benefit just as much as the community group you are helping. Volunteering is a hugely positive experience, giving social connections, a sense of belonging, improved physical and mental health, confidence, and motivation.

“Sunday morning volunteering at the King George V Park junior parkrun is my favourite time of the week. It is great seeing the children out in the fresh air and exercising. I love marshalling, encouraging children lap by lap. Equally I love doing one of the roles at the finish such as timing or funnel manager. Just seeing the children’s smiley faces as they cross the line is so infectious and uplifting, it is what the junior parkrun is all about.

“What makes Melksham stand apart from other communities is not just our amazing Christmas lights, but all the wonderful volunteer community groups we have.”

Success story

One volunteering success story  was the Friends of Shurnhold Fields, who maintain Melksham’s mini country park. Last year, the volunteer group was under threat of closure as new volunteers were needed to help with the maintenance of the space. When new helpers stepped forward, it meant the group could continue because the new volunteers could take on the activities that some of the older members could no longer do.

Volunteering in Melksham increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, as many people came forward to support their neighbours and those who were isolated and vulnerable, during the tough time. However, as restrictions eased, many of the new volunteers returned to work, and so less volunteers were available.

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