There's nothing like a crisis to bring out the best in our community.

Richmond borough has a long-held culture of charitable engagement and helping people in need. The Covid pandemic, followed by the more recent Afghan refugee situation, have more than proved the point once again. There was a surge in offers of immediate assistance, with urgent calls for donations and practical hands-on support quickly responded to and requests met.

Some residents may have been left a little disappointed at the lack of available opportunities but there are always ways you can help and the Richmond Volunteer Service is here for you. They can keep you in touch with new roles as they emerge or help you find alternative rewarding volunteering activities so you can still put your goodwill to good use.

The service has been run by Richmond CVS since 2016. Richmond CVS supports local charities and not-for-profit groups in a wide range of ways and the Volunteer Service specifically helps local people research suitable volunteer roles which so many organisations rely on. You can register on their database and search for what most interests you, based on your own availability and preferred locations. If you need a little more guidance, they're happy to talk to you too.

As with everyone, the service had to adapt over the last 18 months and regular events are still mainly online, including the annual Volunteer Fair in June and the Autumn Trustee Recruitment Event which is coming up this October.

Whilst not quite the same as meeting face-to-face, both events give some great personal insights and information directly from a range of local groups that you could make a difference to. With over 700 known organisations in the borough, the events offer a small but mighty snapshot of good causes you could help today.

And there's additional support specifically for anyone thinking about a trustee role. It's a specialised form of volunteering that calls for a diverse range of individual backgrounds, skills and experience. Anyone taking on a trustee role can access Richmond CVS' training and regular peer network events that help build confidence and knowledge.

Any form of volunteering holds its own rewards and can genuinely change your life, as well as those of the ones you want to help. Getting in touch with the Richmond Volunteer Service or joining one of their events could be the first step in something amazing for you.

"I've never looked back. I have gained amazing experience, new skills and training, I've met really interesting people and my confidence has had a huge boost."

Find more information and register with the Richmond Volunteer service and the Trustee Recruitment Event (14 October) at www.richmondcvs.org.uk.

You can also find suggestions of how to help Afghan refugees on their Supporting Afghan Refugees page.