Volunteer at Jovesólides: Help to fight loneliness and the digital divide in Valencia and Elche

The registration period for volunteering opportunities is open until 13 April

The voluntary action will start in May after prior training

Volunteering is a transformative force that enriches both those who receive support and those who provide it. In the Valencia Region, initiatives such as Generación Valores and the Jovesólides e-Spai TIC Network seek to strengthen the social fabric and promote digital inclusion. These initiatives not only address specific community needs, but also offer volunteers the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

Jovesólides has been recognised with the Volunteering Award 2024 granted by the Polytechnic University of Valencia, highlighting its promotion of senior volunteering and its commitment to the community.

START VOLUNTEERING WITH JOVESOLIDES!

Intergenerational companionship with older people

The Generation Values programme focuses on combating unwanted loneliness among older people, promoting active and healthy ageing. Volunteers participate in socio-cultural activities, such as visits, city tours and conversation meetings, as well as offering support in the use of smartphones and access to public resources.

This work not only enriches the lives of older people but also enables those involved to develop empathy, communication and leadership skills.

➡ More information on how to join: Become a volunteer at Generación Valores

Bridging the digital divide among vulnerable populations

The e-Spai TIC Network aims to promote digital inclusion and reduce the digital divide in Valencia, Paterna and Elche. Volunteers provide customer service, facilitate appointments, assist in electronic administrative procedures and support training activities.

This experience offers the opportunity to acquire technological and administrative skills, essential in today’s society.

➡ More information on how to join: Become a volunteer at Red e-Spai TIC

Volunteering in the Valencia Region: an unfinished business that improves health and strengthens the community

According to data from the Observatory of the Spanish Volunteering Platform, volunteering contributes to the development of social skills, leadership and teamwork, as well as fostering empathy and social responsibility.

In the Valencia Region, the volunteer rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.5%, which shows the need to promote citizen participation. By age group, the highest number of volunteers is above 55 years of age. In terms of gender, volunteering is mainly female.

Volunteering is associated with slower cellular ageing, even with as little as one hour a week, according to a recent study published in Social Science & Medicine that expands understanding of how social and psychological factors, in addition to physical ones, contribute to a longer and healthier life.

The research, led by a US team of scientists, comes to strong conclusions: people who spend at least one hour a week volunteering show slower biological ageing than those who do not. The effects are even more pronounced among those who spend four hours a week, especially pensioners.

If you want to be part of a community committed to social change, acquire new skills and contribute to collective well-being, we invite you to join as a volunteer in Generación Valores or Red e-Spai TIC.

Your participation is essential to build a more inclusive and caring society.