Last year, I organised a volunteer day for the whole team and I at Trinity. We all had a great time out picking litter in Glasgow's beautiful Drumpellier Park. The weather was just right, not too cold or wet, we've picked about 6 big bin bags if I remember correctly, we've took pictures, had a snack break and chat along.
Spending time outside work with the colleagues, getting to know each other a little bit more every time we do this is strengthening our work relationship and makes us work so much better together, we can anticipate when one of us needs help, step in and make the session go as smooth as possible.
I also provide mentoring to young people in school on education, career and future opportunities. Mentoring was something I used to do for 5 years in my previous job as Training Cadet Manager. I was happy when I found out about the work this charity called MCR Pathways is doing. The school-based programme supports young people to find, grow and use their talents. Most of the mentors, when they start volunteering think this is a one-way action but the very pleasant surprise is to find out that is almost always a benefit for both the mentor and the mentee. It is such a joy to learn how resilient, full of potential and ideas are the young adults and, sometimes they only need someone to remind them this to find the courage to proceed with their dreams.
And the benefits of volunteering? It is giving your time and effort to help individuals or organizations without expecting payment in return. The feeling after we get is always a pleasant one and as Mother Theresa said, “It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving”.
No matter how busy, stressed we find ourselves in our daily lives, when we do this kind of work it is like some of the weight on our shoulders is lifted. It's free therapy!
“The feeling after we get is always a pleasant one and as Mother Theresa said, ‘It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving’”