New research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a rise in digital volunteering.
A study, led by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, has revealed that the number of volunteer roles being carried out remotely has increased in 39% of organisations.
Brain Tumour Research relies on volunteers at home who support our Digital Marketing team, working on our online campaigns and social media. Volunteers like Claire Bullimore, who joined us as a digital volunteer earlier this year and worked on our 10,000 Steps a Day in February Challenge.
Claire was inspired to support the charity after she was diagnosed with an intraventricular meningioma in 2008. In her digital volunteering role, she helped monitor the challenge Facebook Group, answering questions and cheering on supporters taking part.
She said: “Although my tumour was fully removed, my surgery left me with quite a few physical and cognitive issues which meant I had to give up my job. In one of my previous roles in recruitment, I was interviewing people all the time, and I now run a blog where I interview people affected by a brain tumour from around the world. I encourage people via the blog and through social media. I like talking to people and finding out their personal experiences, so my volunteering was an opportunity for me to utilise my skills and experience, and to boost people’s spirits with a message of encouragement.
“There was a real sense of community on Facebook, which really inspired me. It was great to get involved and be able to support the charity in this way. Although lots of the stories were very emotional, it was nice to know that I could support people I wouldn’t otherwise meet by sending them a nice message or comment.
“My digital volunteering has given me the chance to connect even more with the brain tumour community. To anyone thinking of volunteering for Brain Tumour Research, I would say: go for it and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Everyone is so supportive and helpful; we’re all in this together, like a family.”
Would you like to become a digital volunteer for Brain Tumour Research? Click here to find out more and register your interest.
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