Great to see the @riotcleanup Twitter campaign in action on the news. Initially organised by a fellow Worthing resident Dan Thompson – see http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/aug/09/clean-up-riots?CMP=twt_gu
Twitter comments are now suggesting regular cleanup activities in local parks and community areas.
Volunteering in this way creates a great feel good factor and can have a positive impact on self -esteem, health and wellbeing. One of the riotcleanup volunteers on the BBC news described it as “strangely uplifting”.
Volunteering studies with young people have shown that it also increases a sense of community and social responsibility for the participants. – see http://www.ivr.org.uk/Institute+of+Volunteering+Research%2fVA+Documents%2fVA5_3%2farticle2_eley.pdf
As a previous committee member of my local park I’ve experienced the sense of involvement and satisfaction it can bring, alongside learning new skills and meeting new people.
Budget cuts are hitting charities with volunteering opportunities but for youths with 6 weeks holiday and nothing to do, perhaps it might help to have some organised community volunteering initiatives in place for next summer?
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