News

Celebrate the festive season with volunteering

14th December 2020

The run-up to Christmas is very different this year and volunteering for Christmas is no different. While there are still some volunteer roles that will require in-person volunteers it is likely that most volunteering will be done from home.

Out and about

There will be fewer opportunities to volunteer out and about this Christmas, but there are a couple of ways to volunteer:

• Together in Barnet are looking for volunteer drivers to deliver care packages for homeless people in Barnet. Click here to apply.
• Middlesex Association for the Blind is looking for home-visiting volunteers, to visit blind or partially sighted individuals, supporting them with reading, shopping and other tasks. Apply here.
• If you are interested in supporting your foodbank, get in touch with your local one directly. Some are accepting new volunteers, and some have a waiting list. Foodbanks always appreciate donations, but please check what they are in need of before you donate.

Safety first – always following NHS and government guidance. Never volunteer when you are unwell or told to self-isolate, and do not volunteer outside of your home if you in a high-risk group.

From the comfort of your own home

If you’d prefer to do good from the sofa, here are some ways you can show goodwill to all this Christmas:

• Organise a virtual Christmas quiz to raise money for a good cause. Lots of big charities create quiz packs ready-made to be used – they are a great way of bringing together extended family over zoom.
• Order your Christmas cards from a charity’s website, for example, Cards for Good Causes or from a charity shop.
• You can signup to be a peer mentor, through Meridan Wellbeing. This role can be done whilst at home, via telephone calls to your mentee. Apply here.

Places to donate

It has been a very challenging year for everyone, and if you’re in the position to donate, there are many charities in Barnet who will be very grateful for whatever you can spare:

• As sadly big parties are likely to be out this year, if you are able, why not donate the money you would have spent to a soup kitchen or food bank?
• Young Barnet Foundation is running a Christmas campaign, in partnership with Linkey UK, to ensure disadvantaged children in Barnet received a wrapped gift.

Looking forward to the new year

Want to put 2020 behind you? You are not alone!

If you want to embrace the challenges and joys of 2021 then why not have a look for a volunteer role in the new year. You could improve your admin skills, befriend people who are isolated or get outdoors helping with gardening. Find out more on our website: volunteeringbarnet.org.uk