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Community development

> About volunteering at GMH: Volunteer handbook
> Volunteer policy
> Volunteer application form

• “The reason I chose Gay Men’s Health is that I completely support your proactive approach to education and support within the gay community. “

• “I have used your services in the past so I know that you are the kind of organisation I would like to be associated with. I’d also like to give something back.”

• “I spoke to one of your volunteers on the (gay) scene and was very impressed.”

• “I am aware how difficult it can be accessing support and information on gay men’s issues; and would like to be involved in making things different or easier for others.”

This really has been quite a year for the Community Development Project at Gay Men’s Health. New volunteers of a variety of different ages and backgrounds continue to be attracted to the organisation, and of course, we’re always very keen to find out what influences people’s decision to come and work with us.

The quotes above are just a few of the reasons given for volunteering, which have been taken from interviews and application forms.

We currently have more volunteers actively working than ever before (over 70), but our task is still far from simple. Gay men still continue to be the group most disproportionately affected by HIV, on top of a wealth of other health and social inequalities. Rather than sitting around worrying. These same gay men come together to do something about it. This, in a nutshell, is the true definition of Community Development.

Not that you have to be gay or even a man to volunteer….just as long as you have dedication, a sense of humour and the ability to think on your feet. Every single new person who gets involved brings new skills, knowledge and abilities, and so Gay Men’s Health is constantly evolving.

There is also a huge range of different functions which volunteers fulfil, and often these involve dealing with very real and gritty situations. In balancing the challenge of these situations with appropriate levels of training and support, volunteers are able to make a real difference and still find their work rewarding and fun.

If you think you’re up to the challenge, why not give us a call?

> About volunteering at GMH: Volunteer handbook
> Volunteer policy
> Volunteer application form

Last updated 14th July 2004

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