Volunteers Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate our volunteers. It is a week to discover what is happening locally in the borough, lend a hand, and find out ways we can bring more value to the community we live in.

Do Something Good is a one stop shop website, where people can find out more about what volunteering opportunities are available in the community, meet new people, and learn new skills in a fun and sociable environment.

Cabinet member for thriving communities, Councillor Polly Knewstub said: “Volunteering is a fantastic way to learn new skills, meet people and add value to your local community. Volunteers Week is the perfect week to think what we can do to support local organisations, and those around us. It is the perfect time to value and appreciate all our volunteers, who are making the greatest difference, and remember this is not just for one week, but throughout the year.

“If you have time to spare, whether it is 30 minutes, to one hour a week, please do see where you can get involved and lend a helping hand to our community.”

Here are a few of our top picks for creating positive change, and getting involved in your local area:

BEfriend – is an ongoing social project helping reach out to people who are housebound or socially isolated. This can often occur due to disability or long term illness . The project provides an avenue for service users to meet diverse people and learn about their lives and stories, while at the same time contributing to a person’s sense of self-worth, well being and bringing a smile to their face. You can visit someone in person or contact them by telephone, from between 30 minutes to one hour per week. To get involved email hello@befriend.london, or call them on 020 3093 1130

Good Gym – is the perfect way to get in your workout, while keeping you fit, having fun, and doing something good at the same time. Activities include running, walking or jogging to get the shopping or pay a social visit to older people. This also includes various charitable activities around Ealing, where as a group the Good Gym participants, workout to help out. What better way to make your exercise count. Email getinvolved@goodgym.org

Mindfood – based in Perivale and Cleveley Crescent in Ealing. The gardening project was originally set-up to help improve people’s mental health, and as well as learning gardening tips and food-growing techniques, you will also learn ways to improve your wellbeing. You can also share your harvests of fruit and vegetables with friends, family and local charities. Mindfood is a good way to improve your own wellbeing, while also helping others. https://www.mindfood.org.uk, contact info@mindfood.co.uk to get involved.

Community Champions – are volunteers who work or live in Ealing and want to make a positive difference, by sharing information and knowledge on local initiatives, forming an important link between the council with their local networks. If you want to make a difference, learn new skills, and ways to help your local community, then get in contact communitychampions@ealing.gov.uk.

Ealing foodbank – welcomes food and financial donations, as well as on the ground assistance in helping to set-up, tidy-up, distribute food, drive food to locations, and process vouchers. The food bank is especially looking for people who can speak to people and provide support in selecting food. They are always looking for volunteers, especially people who speak different languages from Konkani, Polish, Arabic and Punjabi. Contact info@ealing.foodbank.org.uk

Local Libraries – offer a range of volunteering roles throughout the borough, you can join the volunteer pool for ad hoc events, or help out with the summer reading challenge for children, and help sell second hand-books. Roles vary throughout the year, to find out more visit Leisure and culture volunteering | Leisure and culture volunteering | Ealing Council or contact libraryvolunteer@ealing.gov.uk

Community Service Design – Ealing Council are offering volunteers free training to participate and take part in designing new services in Northolt, the council want to collaborate with local people in the community, who can add additional insight into what is needed in their area. To find out more visit www.ealing.gov.uk/futurenortholt, email communityservicedesigncentre@ealing.gov.uk

Dementia Concern – are looking for volunteers in a wide range of areas, from working directly with and helping people who have dementia, to working in admin roles. You can learn new skills and gain experience with their training and development opportunities. Volunteers are also invited to staff socials, and able to access company benefits. Email volunteer@dementiaconcern.co.uk

Ealing Mencap – an opportunity to support people with learning disabilities, you can gain skills and work experience, or even move onto a paid position within the organisation. You can provide telephone and email advice, there are opportunities for marketing, in copywriting, design and photography and video blogging. You can also help with admin tasks, or assist with an activity session, working directly with people who use Mencap’s services. Find out more Volunteer for registered charity Ealing Mencap and help change lives.

Ealing Age UK – if you have excellent listening skills and enjoy a good telephone chat this might be of interest. Age UK are looking for people who can show their telephone friend respect, patience, empathy and understanding. You will need to be able to offer 30 minutes per week. Contact volunteer.co-ordinator@ageukealing.org.uk, find out about other volunteering opportunities here Volunteer With Us | Age UK Ealing

To find out more about local volunteering opportunities that will contribute to the local community, as well as benefit your mental health and wellbeing, find out more Volunteer – Do Something Good.