AS many of you know, I have been volunteering within our local community for several years and when people ask me why I do it, the simple answer I give is, “it makes me happy, and I love seeing other people smile.”

To quote Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” and this is completely true. Working with Harlow’s community has helped me become the person I am, and not only me, but it has helped several other people I know too. I cannot stress how fulfilling service to others is, it can really help you see that “you” are someone who has talent, compassion, can forge relations, and work for unity, and this is what makes us kind and positive humans.

Those involved in community service may also find that after serving the community for an extended period, they have an advantage in real-world experience. Eventually, the skills and knowledge obtained while working within the community can be applied in future areas of work. (I have certainly been able to do this myself, and many of my employers will vouch for this.) Community service may also increase your social connectivity, this is because most community service opportunities allow you to interact and collaborate with other individuals. This may even help you increase your volunteering network and connect you with others working towards a common goal. You never know, you could find your dream job through it too.

Regardless of all the benefits you personally could get from volunteering, it is vital to look at the bigger picture. Every single day you take a step out to volunteer, you could be improving someone’s quality of life. Your actions could help those who are struggling the most to build better lives and to give them hope for a brighter future; it shows that people care when they do not have to, and this is what helps our society to flourish.

People often think you need to have special qualities to volunteer, and this is simply not the case. You just need to be willing to give up your free time for a cause, and you are set to go. Your willingness to make a difference can drive you to become the best you can be; it can also help you to develop your skills and qualities you never knew you had.

So, whether you are looking to make a difference or get the most out of your spare time, volunteering within our local community can help you achieve this. However, with this being said, like a job, it is important to find an opportunity that suits you, your needs and what you want to achieve. And, once you find your ideal volunteering opportunity, I am assured you will love it.