Take up mantle to help others

Blackpool Better Start, the £45m National Lottery funded programme that is working to improve outcomes for children aged under four across the resort, is asking the Blackpool community to make a commitment that will not only help themselves, but also help improve the lives of others.

Gary Cumber, community connector at Blackpool Better Start, said: “Volunteering for Blackpool Better Start has been a fantastic opportunity for me to improve my own life, while also improving the lives of children living in our own neighbourhoods. I started volunteering for Blackpool Better Start as I had been out of work for two years, and I’m now employed by them as a community connector.

“I’m really excited to learn new skills, meet new people and develop my career.”

Visit www.volunteercentrebwf.org.uk to find out about volunteering opportunities available across Blackpool.

Better Start has also set out some of the benefits of helping others.

1. Building a Community

Volunteering helps to strengthen your community and your social network.

2. The End of Loneliness

Volunteering is a fantastic way to make new friends and end loneliness.

3. Helps Mental Health and Happiness

We know that helping others makes us happier, but volunteering also helps improve mental and physical health.

4. Improves Self Esteem

Feeling needed and wanted builds our feelings of self-worth.

5. Provides future job opportunities

If you have been out of the work place for a prolonged period, volunteering can act as a less intimidating first step back into the world of employment.