What are the benefits of volunteering?
People volunteer for various reasons, to give back to the community, to support a local cause, or to meet new people with common interests. At Tempo we’re always hearing stories of how volunteering has changed people’s lives, allowed them to learn new skills, improved their physical and mental health and given them a sense of purpose.
Volunteering with a charity or a local organisation that offers Time Credits as recognition for the time given offers more opportunities to support our volunteers. We’ve highlighted below a couple of recent examples of how our volunteers have used their Time Credits and how this has significantly added to the volunteering experience they already enjoy.
Supporting mental health
One of our volunteers from Medway, was on a waiting list for talking therapy for six months after suffering from trauma and PTSD. They noticed that 12 of their Time Credits could give them access to Aura, a mindfulness app for three months. So they took the plunge and redeemed the credits.
The app allowed them to get ahead using their in-app CBT and coaching, which offered help with insomnia through the Soundscapes options and supported them to get back into mediation. After the 3 months ended they missed the app and the support it offered, but then received notification of a half price subscription so immediately got their access back.
‘I would never have found Aura or even known about it without Tempo and now have both Aura and Calm subscriptions. . . my life is a lot better for it. I appreciate and give gratitude for the introduction of this.’
Combating loneliness in older adults
Tempo recently organised a trip to BBC Studios in Cardiff. One gentleman that went on the trip told us that he’d been a bit down since he retired and found it hard to go out and do things, so the trip to the BBC Studios had got him up and out of the house.
Amy, our Wales Contract Manager talked to him about what he could see and do with Time Credits and how he could treat his friends with them and he’s now looking forward to his next day trip.
Providing welcome days out for families
Our recognition partners offer a wide range of activities and experiences both on and offline. So make sure you use your Time Credits to access these great opportunities, as one volunteer told us recently they can offer so much joy.
As a family we have had the opportunity to really explore various activities with our son which we may not have done ordinarily due to the cost of a standard priced ticket. We have thoroughly enjoyed introducing him to theatre from Singin’ in the Rain to Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty ballet for the first time.
We see the positive impact this has on him, opening him to different forms of art and culture. In addition we have been able to share new experiences with family and friends whether visiting the Royal Mint; going to the movies; going tenpin bowling or playing laser tag or visiting Wigglies Fun Farm. We definitely try to make the most out of our Tempo Credits because the opportunities they provide is invaluable.
If it wasn’t for FAN (Friends & neighbours charity) and Tempo we would not have been able to experience/take part in such activities to such extent. In terms of the attractions themselves, not one has disappointed. Each experience has been brilliant.
The benefits of volunteering are two fold when you volunteer for a group or organisation partnered with Tempo Time Credits. Find your next volunteering opportunity on our website and then discover what you would like to do with your Tempi Time Credits!
