Yesterday, Denbighshire County Council’s Mental Health Volunteer Service celebrated ‘World Mental Health Day’, and the work that volunteers do to support the well-being of others in their community. The aim of this day is to raise awareness about the positive actions that individuals can take to improve feelings of wellness in themselves and others.
Volunteering can help to make friends, learn new skills, advance careers, and even make people feel happier and healthier. The dedicated team of volunteers are finding that volunteering is not only beneficial for others but for themselves too.
A volunteer at the service said:
“Meeting with a citizen is a rewarding and positive experience and I always look forward to the next visit. I feel very supported in my volunteering role and I don’t consider it as me volunteering, it feels more like meeting up with a friend, checking in.
“I can’t believe the difference I saw in the citizens I was supporting, just by giving an hour of my time.”
Two Denbighshire citizens, who have been helped through the service said:
“I enjoy the regularity of the volunteer calls and the positivity and support.”
“Just having someone to speak to made me feel better, thank you.”
The team match volunteers with people who share similar interests, and volunteering can be done on days and times that are convenient. Training and support is also provided.
Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care said:
“This truly is an outstanding service, and it is important that we acknowledge its invaluable contribution to our community on World Mental Health Day. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers, individuals across our community are experiencing improved health and wellbeing.
Small acts of kindness can make profound differences in people’s lives, and this service enriches everyone involved. If you are interested in learning more about this service, then please get in touch and begin an incredibly fulfilling journey.”
For more information and if you would like to register an interest in volunteering, please go to: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/edge-of-care
