WEST Fife volunteers have spoken of their experiences as a campaign for people to help organisation across the Kingdom was launched.

Fife Voluntary Action has unveiled its Volunteering for Fife campaign which calls on more people to sign up and feel the incredible benefits of being a volunteer.

One West Fife volunteer, Suleman Khan, got involved in helping at Queen Margaret Hospital in May 2022.

He talked about his reasons for volunteering and the challenges it can bring.

"I wanted to get involved in volunteering with NHS Fife to acquire hospital work experience to support my university applications to study medicine," he explained. "I also used the experiences to determine if healthcare is the industry I want to work in.

"Offering some form of help to the NHS, especially considering the strain it is under, was also a big part of why I wanted to volunteer. I have learned quite a lot about myself and what a career in healthcare involves through my time as a volunteer.

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"From the importance of strong communication skills, empathy and teamwork on patient outcomes, to what I would find to be the less glamorous parts of working in a hospital.

"Despite the challenges, the reward of being trusted to help individuals in my community during a vulnerable and scary time for them makes the work worth it.

"I’ve learned about myself and what a career in healthcare involves The NHS Fife volunteering team is a fantastic and supportive bunch, so whether you want to offer a helping hand to your local hospital or build essential experiences to support your future aspirations, then get in touch with them."

Volunteers Louise and Catherine both help out at Oor Wee Cafe in Kelty which was opened to offer a healthy meal to all who need it.

Louise explained: "I volunteer because I understand how much it means to the community and sadly, I know how much it’s needed.

"Anybody’s circumstances can change overnight, and I think that’s important to know. You could be great one day and desperately needing help the next and I think it’s important that people can reach out no matter what and get that help.

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"There’s never enough volunteers, so if anybody does have spare time I would say to do it – volunteer!"

Catherine added: "When you stop working you feel a bit redundant - volunteering gives you a sense of worth and belonging. I wanted to put something back into the community, even if it’s just my time.

"It’s a very good way to meet people and gain friendships. At the end of it you know you’re doing something for your community."

The aim of the Volunteering for Fife campaign is to encourage people to volunteer and try something new in their local community. Fife Voluntary Action (FVA) say volunteering can transform lives and offers a range of benefits like improving physical and mental health, increasing confidence, learning new skills, gaining work experience, and connecting to others in the community.

Kenny Murphy, Chief Executive of FVA, said: “Numbers of volunteers have dropped across Fife, as it has across Scotland, since the pandemic and it’s been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis.

"Our team has a great track record in supporting people into rewarding, enjoyable volunteering opportunities, taking into account their training needs, ensuring expenses are paid and much more.”

Linda Watson, Head of Volunteering Development at FVA, added: “We promote volunteer opportunities from organisations that are signed up to the Volunteer Charter which ensures a good volunteer experience. We’d love people, employers and organisations across Fife to get on board with the campaign and help their local community.”

To find out more about available opportunities, drop into the volunteering shop in the Community Support Hub in Dunfermline's Kingsgate Centre or visit the FVA website.