A positive outcome of the last two years is that we have been reminded of the value of social contact. In many ways our response to the pandemic has been defined by the way that individuals and organisations went far beyond the extra mile to look after the needs of others. Often, much of this was done on a voluntary basis with the NHS responders being the most visible.
Now, with many people looking to add more purpose into their lives, volunteering is a mainstream activity, with many options available for people to do their bit. To mark Volunteers’ Week, 1-7 June, we look at the benefits of volunteering, the forms it can take and how to go about getting into it. We share some useful links which will help individuals and organisations find out more.
Why is volunteering good for us?
We are social creatures and human connection, and interaction is important for our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Volunteering provides both – and much more.
‘Volunteering’ simply means a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. There the simplicity ends, for volunteering comes in many shapes and sizes, engages all ages, and can be an informal quick response to a situation, for example shovelling snow from the garden path of a neighbour to a formal role undertaken over many years.
There is sound evidence that doing something to help others is good for us and for them. According to AgeUK[1], volunteering not only enriches the lives of others, it can also improve our physical and mental wellbeing. Research revealed that people who volunteer had their risk of dying reduced by as much as 22%. They were also less likely to suffer from depression, plus had higher levels of life satisfaction and wellbeing. What’s more, over 80% of volunteers say that the work they do has improved their mental health and sense of wellbeing. Almost half think it’s improved their physical health too.
Volunteering was of course a key component in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic with people giving their time to help address the needs of their local communities and the NHS. By blending the best of humanity with digital innovation, the Royal Voluntary Service enabled hundreds of thousands of volunteers to contribute. Through their extraordinary support, those simple acts of kindness helped to save lives and relieved suffering.
What types of volunteering can you do?
You will be spoilt for choice and should be able to find something in your local area that matters to you, fits within your available time and plays to your interests and skills. It is a question of exploring further and giving yourself the opportunity to continue that long history of “simple acts of kindness”. We’ve provided a number of links to sources of volunteering opportunities at the end of this article.
From dredging a derelict canal to volunteering in an animal sanctuary, maintaining country paths to baking for hungry children at an after-school club, you will be able to find something that suits. Even if you are housebound you may take to the social networks to run volunteer support blogs or information hubs. You might write letters, conduct on-line surveys, or make calls to the elderly.
You will gain as much as you give and you will be continuing a tradition that brings communities together, reduces isolation, encourages inclusions, and demonstrates in practical ways the value of those simple acts of kindness. Undoubtedly you will gain new skills as well as using those you already possess. You are likely to make new friends, share new ideas and see the world from a different perspective. Physically you may become more active, and your mental and physical health may well improve.
We recommend finding something that you know you will enjoy. Do not over-commit initially, set achievable limits and give yourself time to really see what works best for you. Find that fun as well as satisfaction in helping others and join the millions of volunteers who have a smile on their face and a spring in their step.
Volunteering as an organisation
The focus of volunteering is often on our local communities and is much needed and always appreciated. But workplace volunteering is also becoming increasingly important in many businesses and organisations as part of their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Options include an organised event, a secondment to transfer knowledge or skills e.g., an accountant helping a local charity each year with budgeting or tax returns, or giving employees a number of hours each month to undertake volunteering activities.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD)[2] also believes in the double benefit of volunteering and as a key element of social action, practical action for the benefit of others. The CIPD has recently updated their factsheet on Employer-supported volunteering. With many employers introducing different types of volunteering programmes, the new factsheet examines the benefits for employers, employees and the community itself, and looks at how to put it into practice by taking into account organisational, employee and community needs.
In conclusion
Every individual and organisation has their own reason for volunteering and their own ideas about what it will do for them. There’s no right or wrong approach, it’s all about exploring the opportunities on offer and finding the one you know is right for you. The most important thing about volunteering is that you should enjoy it and that it’s a rewarding experience for you, as well as for the people you help.
Further Information:
For further information on volunteering and opportunities, visit:
www.volunteeringmatters.org.uk
[2] www.cipd.co.uk/volunteering
