Being a good neighbour and the smaller moments of volunteering

Coping with a global pandemic over the last few months has been a real challenge for everyone but for some, it has been life-changing.

Now, as we start to gently ease out of lockdown, I wanted to reflect on those small moments of empathy that really matter.

Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Salford community and that generosity and care is demonstrated in the 702 volunteers who registered on our portal since March. But volunteering isn’t just about big actions and committing loads of time, it’s also about the little things we do that encourage others in their moment of need. Those random acts of kindness could make a real difference to someone who is struggling.

Ask yourself, whether you ever been surprised by the kindness of a stranger? Have you ever been momentarily uplifted by cheery ‘good morning’ of a passer-by?  It does make a difference. It might not solve a problem or change anyone’s circumstances but it might lift someone’s spirits and change their perspective for the day.

There is something inside of us makes us want to step up during a crisis to serve our community and help a neighbour but even if you haven’t signed up to volunteer, you might have:

• Sent a motivational text to a friend who is struggling
• Listened to a colleague who is having a bad day
• Used your social media to support or promote a charity
• Called a neighbour who is lonely
• Let someone go before you in the queue
• Provided information to a person who needs some extra support

Although it might only take a few moments of your time, it is precious to the person you helped.

Let’s remember…in a way, we can all be volunteers.