What’s guaranteed to bring us proven long term health benefits?
During discussions on asking volunteers to do some litter picking, I was surprised when a member of the group adamantly said, "We can’t do that. It’s the council’s job! Leave it to them. They should do it.”
It was more of a surprise because the speaker was one of the most dedicated, long-standing volunteers I have ever met.
Y (fictional name) had long volunteered his time willingly and generously. He also delighted in working with others to share his knowledge and experience.
I felt that his energy and youth, despite his years, was due partly to his long-time selfless service.
Yet he thought that volunteering for a more simple, basic task was not worth doing, whereas indeed, it is of wide general benefit to his neighbours and the wider community.
Volunteering, as in working for a cause without pay, is a unique commodity.
Camden spends about £4m a year on supporting charities to provide services. It could be argued that instead of supporting charities, the cash could be used to directly pay for services. But there is not enough to meet every need.
Every £1 contributed to a charity or voluntary group produces at least five-fold value, socially and economically.
We should expect a service (whether litter picking, reading to a child, or helping to feed a frail patient), but even if there is possible monetary reward, many don’t see the point.
No amount of money can reward the love, care or attention that someone provides because they care and want to share.
Volunteering satisfies a human need to simply help. The Samaritan could have walked on but didn’t.
Back to remembrance of Y’s declaration. Surely it’s the council’s job to do everything? We’ve paid our taxes.
Everything can be someone else’s responsibility. We don’t have to help. The choice is with us. We can ignore the person or situation.
Everyday, we are all volunteers in some way, even giving your seat on the bus to someone infirm involves voluntary effort.
Regard it as regular exercise - a medicine in itself.
The more we do, the better we feel.
- Cllr Linda Chung is a Liberal Democrat councillor for Hampstead Town ward, Camden Council.
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