THIS week is National Volunteers Week and the Lifeline Shop at Kempsey is finding new ways to celebrate its 40 volunteers and volunteering.
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"During these times, we feel that it is more important than ever to recognise and acknowledge Australia's volunteers. This year we have moved our celebration to an online format," Kempsey shop manager Jill Drayton said.
"We are acknowledging volunteers in different ways through social media and other digital formats."
Volunteering at Lifeline's op-shops is a great way to give back to the community, meet new friends and connect with local people.
This year's theme is 'Changing Communities, Changing Times'.
Hear from Kempsey Lifeline shop volunteer Elizabeth:
"What we are looking for is people with enthusiasm, have a passion for what Lifeline is, and have good people skills and reliability," Ms Drayton said.
She is passionate about her community and the volunteers who operate the shop.
"I value and appreciate them so much. They are the lifeblood of our service and without the shop volunteers, we could not carry on the lifesaving services of Lifeline," Ms Drayton said.
"Sometimes they are the forgotten heroes of this story. Our services are made possible by the wonderful efforts of our volunteers and through the generous donations and support of locals."
Hear from Kempsey Lifeline shop manager Jill Drayton:
If you are interested in volunteering in the Kempsey shop, call Ms Drayton on 6563-1043, or email kempsey@lifelinemidcoast.org.au
Did you know?
- Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don't volunteer
- 96 per cent of volunteers say that it "makes people happier"
- 95 per cent of volunteers say that volunteering is related to feelings of well-being
- Volunteering results in a "helper's high", a powerful physical and emotional feeling experienced when directly helping others
- Just a few hours of volunteer work makes a difference in happiness and mood
- Sustained volunteering is associated with better mental health
- Altruistic emotions and behaviours are associated with greater well-being, health, and longevity
- A strong correlation exists between the well-being, happiness, health, and longevity of people who are emotionally kind and compassionate in their charitable helping activities
- The experience of helping others provides meaning, a sense of self-worth, a social role and health enhancement
- Volunteering is highly associated with greater health and happiness.
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"Lifeline Shop volunteers are a significant contributor to our ability to provide vital suicide prevention and crisis support services to our community, and the revenue raised by this Lifeline Shop enables us to do this," marketing coordinator Lisa Willows said.
Lifeline will answer one million calls this year and the demand for Lifeline services continues to grow with more people than ever before using the service.
For suicide prevention and crisis support services call Lifeline on 131-114 or connect online at www.lifeline.org.au.
