Rio medal winners an inspiration for volunteers

There are more people than you would imagine who give up their time to support Hertfordshire’s thriving sports and leisure scene, as part of the Hertfordshire Year of Volunteering.

Whether it’s coaching a kids’ football team, organising a weekly Parkrun, or supporting the Countryside Management Service to look after our local countryside, parks and outside spaces, thousands of people are making a real difference in their communities every week.

According to a survey made last year, around 40 per cent of people in Hertfordshire already give up their spare time to volunteer, and more people are being urged to help out.

Teresa Heritage, cabinet member for public health, localism and libraries: said: “Volunteering is a great way of meeting new people and getting to know your area better. There are so many opportunities on offer, it doesn’t need to be a formal thing and any time you give will make a difference.

“Volunteering is good for you and that’s a fact. Research shows it can reduce stress, have a positive impact on your relationships and self-esteem and it keeps you fit.”

If sports aren’t for you but you’re keen to get fit and make a difference to the environment at the same time, check out some of the opportunities on offer from Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and others.

For more information about Hertfordshire Year of Volunteering and to find a volunteering opportunity that works for you, go to www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/volunteering. Keep up to date on social media by searching for #hertsyov