Voices is the Dorset Echo's weekly youth page - written for young people by young people.

This week Oliver Streather-Paul looks at how volunteering can benefit the whole community.

It pays to detach ourselves from the pressures of the world and focus on our community and those surrounding us.

We live in a society where it is easy to become engrossed on our own lives and wellbeing, whilst not considering the most vulnerable – as well as wondering who needs a helping hand.

A solution to bursting out of this bubble is volunteering – an excellent way of developing your skills as an individual, enhancing the quality of your character – and leaving a lasting imprint on the community.

There are numerous volunteering opportunities with local libraries and charities – as well as a plethora of possibilities with the Volunteer Centre Dorset (www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk)

Opportunities offered include becoming a Weyfarer for the Weymouth BID to promote the town and bolster Dorset’s tourism industry, education volunteering at the Tank Museum amongst many other roles.

The effects of volunteering not only better business and boost our economy, but volunteering for a cause you believe in can hold incredible intrinsic value and help prepare for the world of work.

As someone who actively volunteers, I argue that it is truly worth the time – whilst the work may be unpaid, you are immensely rewarded emotionally knowing you’ve helped your community – and directly influenced the lives of individuals for the better.

Additionally, whilst an element of dedication is required, the hours are often flexible and can be shaped around your own life – hours are typically non-intrusive, too.

I myself have been too bogged down with my own life, or too outright tired to attend where I volunteer and have had no issues whatsoever.

Not only does volunteering develop your personal skills and gives you an incredible feeling of benevolence, the work you put in looks excellent on your CV and puts you one step ahead of the competition both in the job market, as well as when applying for colleges or universities.

If you want to better yourself as an individual and stand out to future employers and educators, there is truly no way better to do it than to volunteer.

What are you waiting for, it’s time to get out there!

By Oliver Streather-Paul