Let’s be honest, Christmas time is a mixed bag. Some people love it, some hate it. For some, it’s a time full of family, friends, food, and celebration. For others, it can be stressful or lonely. 

  • volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software uk, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas
  • volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software uk, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas

Activities and events hosted by volunteers can be essential for many over the holidays. Being surrounded by happiness when your own situation is the opposite can be awful. But these activities give people a much-needed boost.

Now of course, volunteering isn’t just for Christmas. The work of volunteers is essential throughout the whole year. However, we live in a time where it’s been revealed that: 
– There are around 800 more foodbanks in the UK than McDonald’s branches.
– Around four million children are currently living in poverty in the UK.
– Almost a million older people feel lonelier at Christmas.
– At least 135,000 children will be homeless and living in temporary accommodation across Britain on Christmas day.
It’s fair to say that we all need to spread a bit of love and compassion this time of year and beyond.

So… what can you do to help?

If you’re yet to set plans this Christmas, why not check out volunteering opportunities near you? There may be a place offering food to the less fortunate, or a service preventing people from spending the festive period alone.

For students staying in their university’s city over the holidays, volunteering can be a great way to spend free time. It gives you something to do while helping locals and generally improving the community. Check out your university’s volunteering page (they should have one!) for things you can get involved with. Or you can try and find opportunities here.

You could also check out local organisations and clubs, both online and at their offices/HQs. For example, me and Milo went to volunteer at the Liverpool FC Foundation over summer and had a great time. Usually, community-based organisations will have a lot of activities on over the festive period that you can help out with.

In additon, you can help out local charities by acting as a fundraiser for them. People may be strapped for cash around Christmas but will often spare a few pennies for a good cause!

Still stuck for ideas? You could see if Crisis or Shelter have any opportunities near you. They both provide help for homeless people at this critical time of year. By volunteering with organisations like these, you can make a real difference to people experiencing homelessness. 

  • volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software uk, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas
  • volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software uk, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas

Does it really make a difference?

Short answer: yes. Multiple stories can be seen reported in local media outlets of how volunteers have helped to improve the Christmas period for individuals and groups. One example describes a man who was helped by volunteers and was then inspired to give back to his community. 

While volunteering helps others, it can also help you. It has been found to lower stress and increase happiness. A perfect combination just in time for Christmas! 

community volunteering, volunteer management, volunteer management system, volunteer management software, volunteer management software UK, volunteer software, volunteer system, TeamKinetic, Christmas, volunteering at Christmas

If you need help organising your volunteers over this busy festive period, don’t hesitate to reach out to see how TeamKinetic can help! Give us a call on 0161 914 5757 or visit our website.