1-7 June marked National Volunteers Week and the Wellbeing for Life service held events across County Durham to recognise the invaluable contribution that volunteers make. The team are keen to support any individuals who would like to give a little of their time to make a big difference so invited people along to various venues to chat about how volunteering can benefit them.
The Wellbeing for Life service works with people to address the factors which influence their health and build their capacity to be independent, resilient and maintain good health for themselves and those around them. Wellbeing for Life currently has 300 active volunteers of which 94 are trained Community Health Champions and they support the team of staff who work with groups and individuals in County Durham supporting them to take those difficult first steps to a better quality of life. Julie Form, Wellbeing for Life’s manager says “The service simply wouldn’t exist without the support of volunteers.
For some, volunteering offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. The wellbeing approach goes beyond looking at a single issue and instead aims to take a whole-person and community approach to improving health. The service hopes to create sustainable groups and activities in local communities across County Durham and volunteers are essential in making this happen.”
To find out more about volunteering for Wellbeing for Life contact the service by freephone 0800 8766887 or visit www. wellbeingforlife.net, Facebook @CountyDurham WellbeingForLifeService, Twitter @WBFL_Durham
