How volunteering transforms lives and communities across the High Peak

Volunteering rests at the heart of all healthy communities.

It not only improves – and frequently transforms – all our lives in countless different ways, it also provides many different benefits for volunteers, too.

What’s more, opportunities to get involved abound.

From taking part in litter picks to helping in community gardens and ensuring people of all ages can get to medical appointments on time to running sports clubs or walking groups – and so much more besides.

And then there are those fabulous volunteer trustees who ensure that the smooth running of these groups never falters.

At High Peak Community and Voluntary Support (CVS), we understand just how essential volunteers are to our borough and we’re on a mission ensure that more people than ever before realise this for themselves.

We exist specifically to provide voluntary groups and organisations with the support and advice they need to function and flourish while, in turn, addressing the needs of our community.

Volunteers clearly rest at the heart of so much of what we do…

And if you’ve not thought about volunteering before, the start of the new year could be the perfect opportunity to do so.

I know from my own experience that it can offer a wide range of profound personal – as well as professional - benefits.

As a young person, I volunteered for Buxton Summer Club supporting young people with additional needs to access positive activities.

This experience was crucial to building my CV and getting me my first job with Connexions, a youth service offering free careers advice, guidance and support for education, jobs and training, especially for 16 to 18-year-olds.

In short, I’ve always loved the opportunity to make a difference in the community where I lived at that time… and it directly influenced my subsequent career choices.

Here are just a four additional key benefits volunteers routinely enjoy…

• Social connections - Volunteering helps you meet new people from a range of different backgrounds while helping to overcome social isolation and feelings of loneliness.
• Improved perspective – Volunteering can expose you to different lifestyles and societal issues, which can help equip you with a broader and more compassionate outlook.
• Greater confidence – It’s invaluable to have the opportunity to meet new people, which can significantly improve your own self-esteem and confidence.
• Personal fulfilment - Volunteering provides an opportunity to contribute to causes you care about which can, in turn, lead to a greater sense of satisfaction with life.

In conclusion, it’s my residing hope that at the start of 2026 you’ll feel inspired to volunteer and discover the many diverse benefits for yourself.

Depending on your specific interests, skills and abilities, High Peak CVS’s team might be able to signpost you to one of our wonderful members who routinely rely on volunteers.

We also work with other fabulous organisations operating across our region, like Connex Community Support, to help ensure the best outcomes.

The important thing is to reach out and start your own personal volunteering journey at the earliest opportunity.

And there’s never been a better time for this than at the start of 2026.

For more information about volunteering opportunities log onto https://highpeakcvs.org.uk/ .