Living in a rural community certainly has its advantages. With fresh air, less pollution and generally less stress than urban city workers, people who live in the countryside tend to thoroughly enjoy their rural lifestyle. After a while however, countryside living can become monotonous and it can be difficult to know what to do in the countryside to mix things up a little. This is where volunteering comes in – it can add excitement to your routine as well as helping others along the way. Learn more about countryside volunteering and how it can improve your life.
How does volunteering improve the lives of those living in a rural community?
Living in a rural area has many benefits. However, some people may experience some downsides of country living. Fewer people and lots of private space may seem like a huge advantage at first but it can start to take its toll if you get stuck in a routine somewhere that’s so familiar.
Volunteering can help, and people are absolutely mistaken when they believe that there are fewer volunteering opportunities in the countryside. There are countless conservation projects occurring throughout the UK, and farms and rescue homes always welcome volunteers. If you’re keen to get into outdoor volunteering, enjoy keeping fit and would like to help young people the Army Cadet Force could be for you.
Do something different and meet new people
Life in the countryside certainly has a lovely community feel. Everyone knows everyone and you will always have someone you can borrow some milk off in an emergency! However, after a while, you may get a little bored and want to expand your social circle. Volunteering allows you to meet others with similar interests and provides a space where you can build friendships and relationships. Our adult volunteers say that one of the main benefits of joining the Army Cadets is meeting people from all walks of life and building friendships with them.
Volunteering offers a break in routine - giving you plans when you may not usually do anything. It also lets you step out of your comfort zone – giving the opportunity to interact with people of all ages, help others and do something different. Find out about some of the benefits of volunteering.
Learn new skills
Finding a job in rural areas can sometimes be competitive as, depending on the industry, roles can be scarce. Surprisingly, volunteering can help you build your CV and make you more desirable for prospective employers. These skills may also aid in getting a well-deserved promotion!
The Army Cadets provides a friendly but informative environment for you to add to your skillset. Our current adult volunteers take part in a huge range of activities to gain qualifications and learn new skills. Management and leadership are big ones – and the ACF offers additional training for free or heavily subsidised.
Improve physical and mental health
Living in an isolated area can be lonely, and some people may need a pick-me-up from time to time. Volunteering can absolutely provide this from a physical and mental point of view. Countless studies have shown that helping others invites feelings of happiness, satisfaction and fulfilment. Stepping back and thinking about how you’ve helped others because you’ve wanted to, has been described as irreplaceable by volunteers.
Volunteering opportunities in the countryside
Life in the countryside certainly has its pros when it comes to volunteering – and it helps if you like the great outdoors! From working in a charity shop to farm work and tree planting, there’s something for everyone in the Great British countryside.
If you fancy getting stuck into action and adventure whilst making friends for life along the way, the Army Cadets could be a great place to start. With over 1600 detachments all over the UK, our adult volunteers help transform the lives of young people (whilst having fun themselves!). We welcome adults of all ages, physical fitness and occupation, as we need volunteers for a wide range of roles.
If you’re interested in becoming an adult volunteer and aiding the development of young people, get in contact with your nearest detachment now.
