The latest list of volunteering opportunities in Epping Forest has been released by a charity which is urging people who have never considered getting involved to think again.

The list has been released by Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) and there are a wide range of different activities available, from being a boat skipper on the rivers Stort and Lea with CanalAbility, tour guides at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, getting involved with the Good Neighbours scheme with befriending and ‘neighbourly jobs’ in Loughton and helping out at one of the three St. Clare’s Hospital shops.

Other roles include supporting people with mental health needs at the Open Door Loughton Friendship group, being a minibus or car driver for VAEF or Epping Forest Community Transport, a bucket collector for Accuro (a charity providing services for children, young people and adults with disability) or becoming trustees for Voluntary Action Epping Forest and Epping Reuse.

Maggie Gilchrist, who organises the volunteering services for Voluntary Action Epping Forest said: “We know from feedback that volunteering can be life changing for both the people helping out as well as the people who receive help. It gives everyone a new outlook on life and creates belonging and purpose. Get involved in volunteering – you won’t regret it!”.

Details on all of available volunteering opportunities can be found on Volunteer Essex www.volunteeressex.org or call Voluntary Action Epping Forest Volunteer Centre on 07443 264422 or volunteering@vaef.org.uk