Volunteering

For more information, visit

http://virtual-library.culturalservices.net

Luton

There are six libraries in Luton, offering a wide range of books, CDs, DVDs, large print and audio books, as well as magazines and newspapers. There are also PCs with fast internet access and you can access one-to-one support in getting started with computers, the internet and setting up emails.

If you struggle to get out to a library, there are various online services, including e-books, online learning courses, encyclopaedias and music. The Home Library service visits people who are unable to reach their local library due to ill-health, disability or mobility issues. Trained staff and volunteers bring books and other items to your home so that you can borrow anything that libraries stock.

Libraries regularly run advice sessions, reading groups and events to help people get more out of life. Volunteers are always needed for a range of different services, so if you have a few hours to spare, volunteering can be a great way of meeting new people and boosting your self-confidence.

For more information on services, including opening times, go to www.lutonlibraries.co.uk

Volunteering is a positive way to spend time and be involved in the local community. Research shows that the benefits of volunteering can include:

• a longer life – being a volunteer extends your life expectancy when compared with non-volunteers;

• ability to cope with ill-health – volunteering can help people come to terms with their own illness and help take their mind off their own problems;

• meeting new people – volunteering is a good way to meet people. This can be vital for older volunteers and people who might be isolated or not particularly integrated into society;

• improved family relationships – a study comparing older volunteers with older non-volunteers showed that the volunteers had better relationships with their family;

• improved self-esteem and sense of purpose – volunteering can bring back your self-esteem and motivate you. Improved self-esteem can have an effect on other areas of your health and life; and

• making a difference to your local community

– volunteering is a form of social action that can also benefit your wider local communities. Community Voluntary Service Bedfordshire (CVS) is the sole organisation co-ordinating opportunities to volunteer in Bedfordshire:

Community Voluntary Service Bedfordshire (CVS)

43 Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2AA Email: info@cvsbeds.org.uk Web: www.cvsbeds.org.uk

CVS can help create your volunteer profile and help you search for volunteer opportunities.

For more information, visit: Web: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council/

stronger-communities/volunteering.aspx

Web: www.voluntaryworks.org.uk Web: www.luton.gov.uk/Community_and_

living/scs/volunteering/Pages/default.aspx

The annual Cheering Volunteering Awards and Celebration event is Central Bedfordshire Council’s way of saying thank you to all volunteers in Central Bedfordshire. For more information about the awards, visit www.centralbedfordshire.

gov.uk/council/stronger-communities/awardsevent.aspx