Robert Webb on the transformative effects of volunteering
Even the smallest act of kindness can have a big impact.
So, to mark World Kindness Day on Thursday, 13 November, we’re shining the spotlight on the many benefits of volunteering in the hope that it encourages more people to roll up their sleeves and take action in their local community.
From the tangible physical and mental health benefits for the individual volunteer, to the limitless positive effects on wider society, here are 10 reasons we think everyone should consider volunteering.
- Boost your physical health: staying active is one of the best ways to look after your long-term health, and making volunteering a part of your regular routine can be a great way to get those steps in! Whether you’re packing parcels at your local food bank or litter-picking in the park, volunteering can boost your physical health, whatever your abilities.
- Improve your mental health: the feelgood factor that comes from knowing you have contributed something positive, worthwhile, and possibly even life-changing is hard to deny. This sense of purpose can do wonders to an individual’s self-worth, confidence and mental health.
- Live longer: yes, really! Studies have shown that people who volunteer at least once a month tend to live longer.
- Learn new skills: get out of your comfort zone and there is every chance you might discover you have skills that you weren’t even aware of. Volunteering also offers a valuable opportunity to add to those existing skills through training. Organisation, problem-solving, teamwork and communication are just some of the areas in which you could grow and develop. And in turn, this could boost your employment prospects too.
- Meet new people: the beauty of volunteering is that it brings together people from all walks of lifeand offers opportunities toform new connections. It can give people a sense of belonging and make them feel part of a community.
- Make a positive difference to others: whether you arementoring young people or delivering meals to the elderly, your volunteering efforts can have a real and lasting impact on people’s lives.
- Have fun: while some opportunities may involve challenges,there is also a great deal of joy to be found in volunteering. Ask any veteran volunteer and they’ll tell you – you get out what you put in.
- Change your life: new faces and places can help to open your eyes to other people’s points of view. As a result, volunteering could just change your whole perspective on life.
- Inspire others: it takes just one person to light a spark and spread hope. When others are inspired to follow your lead, you can help improve things on an even wider scale. You have the power to challenge injustices, shift attitudes and change society for the better.
- The possibilities are endless: you never knowwhat opportunities may arise from volunteering – the connections you could make, the things you might discover, the path that may open up before you. Embrace the challenges and be open to the opportunities that could follow.
Get involved
If you’d like to discover the many benefits of volunteering, VCEL is here to help you. To find out what volunteering opportunities are available in your area, visit the VCEL Locator.
Whether you’d like to help in the fight against climate change, do your bit to tackle poverty, or inspire the next generation to reach their full potential, there are plenty of opportunities to do so right here in East Lothian, on World Kindness Day and in fact every day.
Robert Webb is community engagement (policy and networks) officer at Volunteer Centre East Lothian.
