Research suggests that acts of kindness such as volunteering are associated with positive mental well being.
Our volunteer Linda Buchanan, 34, from Spittal, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, is the epitome of this statement as she has noticed a significant improvement in her confidence since she started volunteering with GNAAS in January 2017.
Linda is part of our volunteer ground crew and takes part in several fundraising activities to support the charity including collecting tins, delivering talks, cheque presentations, bucket collections and helping out at events.
We spoke to her to find out how her experience with GNAAS has helped improve her outlook.
Linda said: “Since starting volunteering with GNAAS my confidence has grown so much. Even in just the first six months I had so many people commenting on how much happier and open I was. I work at Morrisons on the tills and you’ll always find me talking about GNAAS to people. I try to promote the charity everywhere I go.
“When you see the helicopter or read about the incidents on social media it makes you realise why you volunteer. The crew operate 365 days a year and do all the hard work, so I think they’re awesome.
“I would definitely recommend other people to sign up as a volunteer. It’s really helped my confidence, gets me out in the local community, I get to meet new people, go to different events, and just have a lot of fun. I enjoy every minute of it.”
Ben McWilliams, volunteer coordinator, said: “Linda is a very valued member of our volunteering team, and it’s great to see the positive effect volunteering has had on her. I’ve seen her grow and become a bright bubbly person with so much enthusiasm for the charity and we love that she’s part of team GNAAS.”
If you are interested in becoming part of our ground crew, visit our website at: www.gnaas.com/fundraise/volunteer
Share
