13 Nov 2019
Pledge your act of kindness through volunteering
On Wednesday 13 November, the UK celebrates World Kindness Day – a timely reminder and opportunity for individuals to pledge an act of kindness.
Through the University, staff members can commit their form of kindness through volunteering. Did you know all staff are eligible to apply for up to one working day (one day paid absence) each year to undertake approved volunteer work?
This could be done through Loughborough Students’ Union’s Action strand – as a team effort or on an individual basis – or externally through an approved scheme.
Volunteering and other acts of kindness not only helps others but can improve your wellbeing too. You can learn new skills, make new friends and increase your self-confidence.
Speaking about her experience last year, Human Resources Officer Victoria Linthwaite said: “Beyond the typical benefits of voluntary work such as improved CV’s, the opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and discover skills you never knew you had (in my case bingo calling!), individuals should volunteer in order to receive little ‘moments’ of good feeling that are better than pay any day, because you feel you are making a real difference. “
Previous University teams such as the Enterprise team have held volunteer days that have involved maintaining woodlands, by undertaking initiatives to protect trees and make paths more accessible.
Talking about her involvement in these team volunteer days, Enterprise Marketing Manager Anna Leather commented: “The days have always been really enjoyable to be a part of - it’s always nice to take time out of the office with colleagues and get absorbed in teamwork tasks outside in the fresh air.”