Peterlee Town Council aims to continue to improve the use and enjoyment of Woodhouse Park for the entire community and works closely with local residents and other community groups.
Volunteering opportunities such as, litter-picking, gardening and helping out in the Community Garden are available.
Benefits of Volunteering
Gaining new skills
Whether you’re in school, college, university or beginning your career, looking for work or trying to improve your future opportunities, volunteering can be a brilliant way to learn and develop the skills you need, both practically and personally.
Making new friends
Sometimes changes in our lives can leave us a little isolated. Maybe you’ve recently moved to a new area. Perhaps you’ve lost a partner. Or you might just have lost touch with people as their circumstances change. Volunteering reconnects you with your community and helps create new friendships that keep loneliness at bay.
Mental and physical health and wellbeing
Keeping active has a powerful influence over our health and wellbeing, mentally as well as physically. It helps to reduce tension, stress, mental fatigue and it gives you a natural energy boost.
Helping in your community will also give you a sense of achievement, more focus and motivation, help you feel less angry or frustrated and give you a healthy appetite. But, just as importantly… you’ll have fun!
Giving something back
Maybe you’ve benefited from volunteering services at some time in your life, or you’ve recently had first-hand experience of the support our NHS can offer. Perhaps you just feel like you’ve been fortunate, and you’d like to share that with others. Volunteering gives you that opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ or to give something back.
Improving your confidence
Sometimes life can knock your confidence. Maybe you’ve lost a job, or you’ve needed some extended time off work. Perhaps you’re just a little shy and want to improve your personal skills.
Volunteering can help with all this and offers you a chance to find your feet again in your own time and at your own pace, allowing you to develop your confidence in a way that works for you.
Everybody has their own reasons for volunteering. There’s no right or wrong purpose, it’s all about discovering the opportunities on offer and finding the one you know is right for you.
The most important thing about volunteering is that you should enjoy it on your own terms and that it’s a rewarding experience for you, as well as for the people you help.
If you would like to get involved in the park by volunteering then please contact Sharon on (0191) 586 5597 or email sharon.pounder@peterlee.gov.uk and someone will get in touch with more information.