Volunteering For Community Connection & Social Inclusion

To Celebrate National Volunteer week run by Volunteering Australia who aim to thank all the volunteers who give their time and efforts unselfishly to others.  Many events will be held around Australia for the general public and community participation.

There are huge benefits to being part of a wider community.  Human beings are capable of creating complex social structures composed of many co-operating.  We need human interaction to grow and flourish in many areas of life that also goes a long way to improving our social skills by keeping us connected. The most unselfish thing we can do is share our time and resources with those who need a helping hand.

Oxford Dictionary defines a community as:  A group of people living in the same place, or having a characteristic in common.

The word ‘Community’ is comprised of two words The first half of the word is – ‘comm’ (common as in the same) The second half of the word is  – ‘unity’ (united as one) Common Unity becomes one word –  ‘Community’. 

Social Inclusion                                                                                        

Social inclusion promotes friendships and relationships with others.  Community & social inclusion despite our differences is central to maintaining good mental health while encouraging people to participate in all aspects of society to include those with a disability, the elderly and people with mental health issues.

There’s a positive impact on society as a whole when people connect for a worthy cause creating a hope filled community as we turn our focus outward onto things other than ourselves or our own circumstances.

Where can I Volunteer?

It doesn’t always take money to give back to the community.  Lending others our time can be beneficial to everyone including ourselves. Find creative ways to volunteer and assist others.

We may want to; help out our neighbours, your local environment, organise a clean-up of your street to include everyone living in it, or host a neighbourhood BBQ.

Before you start take a moment to consider what causes are important to you and then take steps make it a much more beautiful and friendlier place to live in.

Most churches thrive on the help of volunteers and your local church would benefit greatly from any time you can spare to assist them.  If you’re not part of a local church community and would like to join one, Church Find helps you locate one nearest you.

Fire Fighting – Contact your local fire brigade for information on how you can become a volunteer.

Clean up Australia Day for example is a yearly community event that people can join to connect with others to keep our local environment remain clean and tidy.

Do Something Near You  is looking for volunteers to become involved in their local community.  Their slogan is, “Don’t just sit there, do something!”

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering, working to advance volunteering in the community.

If you suffer from physical or mental health issues it is advised that you discuss your options with your Doctor before becoming a volunteer.   Contact your local Centrelink – Department of Human Services  office for information if you are on any type of health benefit or on social welfare payments.

Find out how you can become a volunteer from the official Volunteering Australia website.

Download your “Im a volunteer Meme” here or create one online.

Source:

National Volunteer Week 2017

“National Volunteer Week (NVW) is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers.

Where to Find Help

Talk to your doctor who can point you in the right direction.

Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.

Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.

Free 24/7 Counselling Services

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

Headspace on 1800 650 890

Studying at aifc

Have you thought about counselling?   It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God’s love and grace to the hurting out in the community.

For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:

At The beginning of each year in February.

Mid-Year courses commence in July.

Enrolments open approximately 3 months prior the courses commencing. Enquire now by filling out the form with your details to receive course information by email.

Note: A Masters course in Christian counselling will be introduced in 2018.

Contact aifc Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm with your enquiries on 6242 5111 or toll free on 1300 721 397