Wessex Community Action is the council for voluntary services in Wiltshire and provides practical support for community organisations on funding, governance, planning, policy development, recruiting and leadership. This monthly volunteering column looks at all aspects of volunteering and how people can give up their time for the benefit of their communities.

One of the things that prevents people from volunteering is the nagging worry that suddenly their lives will be overtaken by demands on their time. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Even if someone doesn’t have many hours to commit, they can still make a valuable contribution to a voluntary group or charity through micro-volunteering. It’s an effective way to support the community in short, manageable bursts.

It means taking on small jobs or tasks, either in person or online, that may only take an hour or two. It could be helping at a lunch club, bookkeeping, admin or research, updating a website or writing social media posts. The advantage for the volunteer is in the flexibility, many of the tasks can be completed in lunch breaks, during the evening or on a day off.

For people leading a busy life it’s perfect because an effective way to dip a toe into the world of volunteering. It’s a chance to discover what you enjoy and can be a bridge to a more permanent arrangement. Many micro-volunteering roles may utilise, or sharpen, your existing skills and even just an hour here and there can bring a feeling of fulfilment.

It’s important not to underestimate the impact micro-volunteering can make, the cumulative effect of a great many small tasks can add up to powerful support.

Stephany Bardzil, head of communications, engagement and fundraising for Alzheimer’s Support, which runs 35 community groups right across Wiltshire, said the charity works with 150 regular volunteers, many of whom offer their services for a few hours when convenient.

“We couldn't run our memory cafes, day clubs and other activities without our volunteers,” she said. “We're very flexible and because we have a wide range of services people can pick and choose where and when they want to help out, almost build their own portfolio.

“When they first come to us our volunteer manager will talk to people in quite a lot of depth and see what they're good at and what kind of thing they're looking for.

“It might be just once a month going to a memory cafe or baking for a fundraising event. At the other end of the scale is a regular weekly commitment as a day club volunteer or helping at a singing group. So there is lots of flexibility. People can come along and do a bit of gardening for example or if they've got skills like decorating they can help out in one of our day clubs just doing what they're good at and what they like to do. It really is just using people's skills and enthusiasms.”

Wessex Community Action provides support for both groups and volunteers on micro-volunteering and how to get the most from it.

There is also a wealth of information on the Volunteering in Wiltshire page on WCAs Wiltshire Together platform, a free online portal that allows users to browse and pledge interest in opportunities listed by charitable organisations across the county. The page is full of information, ideas and contacts.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer and the the volunteering support WCA can offer, contact Abby Lynch at info@wessexcommunityaction.org.uk. Find the Volunteering in Wiltshire page at wiltshiretogether.org.uk/wiltshire-volunteering