Volunteering benefits everyone

News continues to focus on the lack of job opportunities available, with new graduates amongst the latest to suffer the effects of the recession.

If you are looking for work, volunteering can be a positive and constructive way to spend your free time. The right opportunity can also help develop your communication skills, provide experience of working in a team and demonstrate your motivation to prospective employers. Even if you aren't looking for work, volunteering is a great way to meet new people and get involved in your local community.

At the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) we rely on volunteers to run our network of branches and support groups, take part in fundraising events and help raise awareness of the condition. There are a number of ways you can get involved

In the lead up to Christmas, we’re trying to find volunteers to donate their time to sell PDS Christmas cards as part of the Cards for Good Causes initiative. Cards for Good Causes is a non-profit organisation that sells Christmas cards on behalf of more than 320 charities including the PDS in temporary shops across the UK.

As well as gaining valuable work experience, you could also help thousands of people affected by Parkinson’s, as we’ll receive a minimum of 81p for every £1 sold. You can find out more about how to get involved by visiting the Cards for Good Causes page on our website.

For information on other volunteering opportunities where you live, contact the PDS Branch and Volunteer Support Officer in your region

Paul Jackson-Clark is Director of Fundraising at the Parkinson's Disease Society