Community Connect

Do you want to support your community and connect with like minded people you can do this through volunteering.

Volunteer work is unpaid and for the common good. It fulfills an important role in our communities – without it, many essential services would struggle. Volunteers come from many backgrounds and with all levels of skills and abilities. Whether you have one free hour a day, week, or month, there's a volunteer opportunity for you.

There are many benefits from volunteering:

• Improve self-esteem and confidence.

• Gain a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

• Gain a sense of inclusion within the community.

• Establish new friendships with people of similar interests.

• Explore new challenges and interests.

• Use personal skills in a new setting, gain recognition for your abilities.

• Learn new skills and get experience.

• Work for a cause that affects you personally.

• Develop patience and compassion.

• Increase knowledge of current issues faced in your community.
  
  

How to get started
Think about why you would like to volunteer as this will help to guide your volunteer choices. What would you like to achieve? Who would you like to help? What will you get out of it?

Code of practice
To maximise the quality of your experience as a volunteer, you will:

• Recognise your own motives for being a volunteer and ensure the organisation is aware of these.

• Seek work opportunities appropriate to your skills, interests and aspirations.

• Be committed to giving high quality service.

• Consider opportunities for job training and personal development.

• Carry out all work you agree to do responsibly and ethically.

• Speak out about any concerns that might affect your work relationships or quality of service.

• See yourself as a valued team member with the right to contribute to decisions which affect your work.

• Value and support other team members.
  
  

Participating in community sports can be highly beneficial for both children and adults. Here are some key advantages:

Benefits for Children

1. Physical Health

   Regular physical activity improves fitness, coordination, and overall health.

2. Social Skills

   Team sports teach cooperation, communication, and how to work with others towards a common goal.

3. Self-Esteem

   Achieving personal and team goals can boost confidence and help children feel accomplished.

4. Discipline and Responsibility

   Sports require regular practice, commitment, and adherence to rules, which can instill discipline and a sense of responsibility.

5. Emotional Well-being

   Physical activity releases endorphins, reducing stress and promoting a positive mood.

6. Resilience

   Children learn to handle wins and losses, which helps them build resilience and a positive mindset.

Benefits for Adults

1. Physical Fitness

   Helps maintain or improve fitness levels, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

2. Social Connections

   Provides opportunities to meet new people and build a sense of community.

3. Mental Health

   Regular participation in sports can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

4. Work-Life Balance

   Engaging in sports can offer a break from work and personal responsibilities, contributing to a balanced lifestyle.

5. Skill Development

   Adults can learn new skills or improve existing ones, which can be satisfying and motivating.

Additional Benefits for Communities

1. Social Cohesion

   Sports can bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and community pride.

2. Youth Development

   Provides a constructive outlet for young people, reducing the likelihood of engaging in negative behaviors.

3. Economic Impact

   Local sports events and facilities can stimulate the economy through tourism, employment, and infrastructure development.

Community sports play a crucial role in building healthy, connected, and resilient communities. Whether it's through organized leagues, casual games, or volunteering, the impact of sports extends far beyond the playing field.