Lending a hand through volunteering is so special, says Cerys

VetPartners gives all team members one day’s paid leave to volunteer for a charity or worthy cause close to their heart. As well as the fulfilment of giving back to your community, volunteering has other benefits, such as boosting your wellbeing and self-esteem and improving confidence.

Cerys Dickinson, left, Head Receptionist at Willows Veterinary Hospital in Northwich, Cheshire, spent her volunteering day at a working farm that offers young people with learning disabilities the chance to take part in farming life.

Here, Cerys explains the joy of giving back to such a worthy cause….

BY volunteering, I got to spend a wonderful day with some very special young people, outside in the fresh air, with animals which is always good for the soul.

Let’s Farm is a real working farm in a beautiful, peaceful location in Winsford in Cheshire. It offers people with learning disabilities the chance to take part in farming life. Participants get to make new friends and develop new skills in a safe but exciting environment. Most importantly, Let’s Farm is about having fun and supporting mental wellbeing.

On the day, I felt that I was connecting and giving something back to my local community. I came away with a great sense of wellbeing from learning so much from the farm rangers who showed me the ropes.

Meeting the young people who have gained a sense of purpose from this programme, and the amazing team who support them, were the most enjoyable parts of the day.

I was eager to help in any area of the farm, but I was really pleased to be assigned to the sheep as I got to feed the orphaned lambs, which was a new experience for me.

I also got to see baby rabbits being born and meet all the other furry and feathered inhabitants of the farm, and find out more about the farm's conservation projects.

I would recommend volunteering to any VetPartners colleagues as it is a fantastic opportunity to try something completely different and meet and support people you would not usually meet in the workplace.

I think giving colleagues an opportunity to volunteer is a great idea. I think the majority of us would like to help others more, but work and home and financial commitments mean that it can be hard to find the time to do it. Being given a paid day is very encouraging and provides the support and inspiration to go and do something.

I am in awe of the fantastic work that is done on the farm and the positive impact it has made on the lives of the young people. It was a pleasure to be a part of it even if only for just the day.

• Volunteering days can be requested through Dayforce in the same way as annual leave. Just choose the 'volunteering' option under 'reason.'

• The volunteering day can be take all in one go or split over a few days, subject to line manager approval.

Article by Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director.

Email: amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk