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VOLUNTEERS are the lifeblood of Coffs Harbour and more are required as restrictions and demand on the services they work for have changed and increased in the last eighteen months.

“Our community’s most valuable asset are our volunteers,” Di Woods, Manager, Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre told News Of The Area.

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“These are the people who give their time generously to support another, without expecting anything in return.

“The most amazing part of giving though is in the joy of new connections, skill and true sense of purpose that this brings to the giver.”

Volunteers donated at least 1.5 billion volunteer hours to the community in 2020, with 87.6% of NSW residents aged 18-24 volunteering in 2020.

“Many of the community support groups in Coffs, over the past 18 months, have been placed in a position of modifying the support they could provide.

“With lifting of these restrictions, and with the impacts of COVID that will undoubtedly leave a longer term impact than we hope, many support services are actively seeking volunteers to meet huge gaps.”

Coffs Coast Volunteering provides a key role across the Coffs Harbour area, matching volunteers to services that are seeking volunteers.

“We support over 30 not-for-profit services that have a range of positions for volunteers, some which have various positions available,” said Di.

The benefit for community members seeking to volunteer is that this structure provides a one-stop shop.

Whatever your skill, passion or interest there is such a diverse array of roles to choose from, that the challenge can be choosing which to narrow it down to what suits you.

There are several services which are urgently seeking volunteers.

In particular there are organisations needing support with food preparation for soup kitchens, mentoring and supporting men who may be experiencing challenges, isolated seniors who would benefit from a chat with a community visitor.

“If you think you have a few extra hours to share, please call 02 6648 3660 for an appointment and we will connect you with a volunteering opportunity that suits you,” urged Di.

By Andrea FERRARI