Volunteering with North Yorkshire Moors Railway is just the ticket

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Our development officer, Vicki, spend a lovely autumnal day volunteering at North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the only Arts Council funded museum that is also an operational railway.

She worked with the lineside crew of volunteers who help to maintain the 13 miles of grassland and vegetation which runs alongside the track. The day was spent clearing and then burning willow at a lovely spot on the line between Levisham and Goathland.

Vicki said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the day and time spent with the volunteers – without who the railway and associated museum wouldn’t be able to operate. I was guided and supported throughout the day, making me feel safe and welcomed into the gang.”

All Community First Yorkshire staff are able to take a day of employee supported volunteering each year in addition to the organisation’s annual team volunteering day. We are passionate about volunteering and the significant benefits it brings to the charities and initiatives we work with, and this is a great way to help us make a difference.

Our volunteering directory supports volunteering opportunities to boost happiness and wellbeing 

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This International Day of Happiness (Wednesday 20 March), we’re spreading the word about our Volunteering in North Yorkshire directory (VINY) and the proven benefits of volunteering to boost happiness and wellbeing.

VINY is a free, online website supporting organisations who are searching for volunteers. North Yorkshire based charities, social enterprises and social impact organisations can advertise their voluntary roles on the directory and respond to people who show interest in their volunteering opportunity.

This International Day of Happiness, we want potential volunteers to reap the benefits of volunteering their time and skills to charitable organisations they would like to support.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisation’s (NCVO) report states that over three-quarters of volunteers (77%) reported that volunteering improved their mental health and wellbeing. While Action for Happiness shares, ‘Giving to others through volunteering and in other ways has been associated with reduced depression and anxiety and increased personal wellbeing and happiness… Volunteering is one way to actively participate in social and community life, and strongly associated with happiness and life satisfaction.’

Potential volunteers can use VINY to search for opportunities by location, flexibility and cause. The messaging function allows potential volunteers to contact organisations directly and easily.

Jane Colthup, Chief Executive of Community First Yorkshire, says: “When you volunteer, you’re not only giving the gift of your time to make someone else happy, you’re also helping yourself to feel happy. This International Day of Happiness is a great focus for people to ask themselves ‘What could I do to be happier?’ – if you’re looking for an answer, then volunteering could be it.

“Helping others and feeling more connected to your local community is a brilliant way to boost your spirits.”

We interviewed Marie Curie volunteers to hear about their experiences of combatting loneliness and boosting their happiness through volunteering.

Explore the Volunteering in North Yorkshire directory (VINY) this International Day of Happiness .