How to volunteer and boost your health

Volunteering is great for our health – it makes us feel good while helping others in the process. Volunteers are generally happier, healthier and have lower rates of depression. Check out these simple tips and get out in your community.

Boost your health

Research shows people who volunteer have better health and wellbeing. Some in the field, say it makes them happier, gives them a sense of self-worth and helps them sleep better. Other reports show that volunteering can help us live longer, improve our brain function and reduce our risk of depression and heart disease. So, what are you waiting for? Go out and have some fun!

Learn new skills

Up for a challenge? Maybe you haven’t been in the workforce for a while or just starting out, a great way to get that resume looking good is to try something you’ve never done before – you may even uncover a hidden talent! It’s also a great way to explore new career opportunities. Chances are prospective employers will be impressed too!

Increase your network

No doubt about it, volunteering helps us connect with others. It expands our social network and is great for building a professional network too. You never know, if you are looking for employment, it may help you find a new job!

Not ready to retire?

People over the age of 65 contribute the highest number of hours to volunteering. Without their generosity, our economy wouldn’t function. If you’ve recently retired or not ready to leave the workforce, it’s a great way to stay busy and keep in contact with others.

Make new friends

Loneliness can be detrimental to our health. Volunteering breaks down social barriers and improves the wellbeing of volunteers and the people they work with. You may even find some lifelong friends. Just being there for another person can make them smile – it’s a win, win all round!

Build your confidence

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, we could all do with a confidence boost at times. People are grateful for any help, however big or small. Helping others also increases our self-esteem.

A chance to give back

Many people who have received help in the past, like to give something back to others. Maybe you may have been in hospital before and want to dedicate some time to other patients – such as helping with personal care, reading or driving them to medical appointments. You may have a loved one has had a serious illness and you’d like to raise funds for research or support. Whatever you give is always appreciated!

Make a difference

Helping others not only builds our esteem, but also widens our understanding of others. It gives us a chance to make a difference to those who are less fortunate. Get out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in other cultures and communities – such as teach English to migrants, deliver meals to homeless people or mentor refugee children. In some instances, we can give others a voice and help raise awareness. We learn a lot from them too, it certainly makes us humble!

How to start

Think about what you can offer. If you’re new to volunteering, you may be wondering what can you possibly do. Don’t be put off, organisations are looking for every skill imaginable and many are willing to take on people and train them up. Check out what is available in Victoria or with Volunteering Australia if you live elsewhere. Some areas have resource centres, or contact a volunteer matching service – they’re great at finding organisations who are looking for people with particular skills or expertise. Local councils can help too.

Be realistic

Work out how much time you are willing to commit and stick to it. It’s a good idea to set aside a regular time and mark it in your diary or calendar. You may prefer something a bit less structured. Many organisations are willing to take people on an ad hoc basis.

Think about location

Where would you like to volunteer? Some of us prefer to help our local community while others may seek an overseas adventure. If you’re thinking global, make sure you do your research first. A good place to start is the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program that has overseas volunteer opportunities for a wide range of professions. Don’t forget to look after your health too – know how to travel safe.

Look close to home

If you are after something informal, just help whenever you feel the need. So many of us lack connection to our local area because we’re too busy. Get to know your neighbours. Offer to put their rubbish bins out when you are putting out your own. Mow their lawn, walk their dog or invite them in for coffee. You could even host a street or block party. You never know when you may need a favour in return!

Offer support

There are loads of support roles out there. Do a first aid course with St John’s Ambulance or Red Cross, volunteer at your local CFA or SES. Join an organisation like Lifeline or the Cancer Council and be trained to give support on the phone or online to others in crisis.

Image courtesy of CFA Strategic Communications.

Volunteer in an emergency

Climatic events such as bushfires, floods, storms and drought can put a real strain on local resources and extra help is welcome. Make sure you register early – most emergency volunteer organisations have special training requirements, including the necessary background checks. You may find yourself helping in a relief centre, out on the field or assisting with the recovery effort.

Image courtesy of CFA Communities & Communication.

It's all about community

Another way to meet others is to get involved in community events. Attend fetes and festivals in your local area and offer to run a stall or help to organise the next event. Offer to fundraise for a local cause. If you’re keen at sport, help run sporting events or offer your services to help train others. If you’re more artistic or handy, offer to help a school or theatre group put on a production. Don’t forget, if you’re working with kids, you will need a working with children check.

Work one on one

If working in a group is not your thing, you may prefer to spend quality time with someone on a one on one basis. Help is needed for people who are on their own – the aged, sick or those with a disability in their home, hospital or residential care. They’ll love having company – offer to read to them, play music, make art and craft or assist with general care.

Buddy up with someone

If you are hesitant or not feeling confident, volunteer with friends, work mates or family members – it's a great way to bond and share the gift of giving!

Get in touch with the environment

Being outdoors lifts our spirits and makes us physically active. If you enjoy getting out, consider tree planting, joining a community garden or helping clean up local parks and waterways. Seek out conservation roles, such as a park guide or animal rescue. From helping others learn new skills to archaeological digs, there is something for everyone.

Be creative

Volunteering is not just about giving, look for novel ways to reward yourself. People who enjoy what they are doing are more likely to stick to the cause. Maybe you have some goals want to achieve, such as being more social or being more physically active. If this is the case, try Meals on Wheels or help in a soup kitchen. If you want to be more active, consider dog walking or helping people with disabilities get out and about. There are heaps of opportunities out there!

Be charitable

You may like to support the work of a charity organisation. Offer to help with office duties, communication, food and clothing deliveries, sorting donations, raffles or street collecting. Help distribute food and clothing to the homeless and those in need. Join a program to visit prisons or write to refugees and asylum seekers.

Age doesn't matter

Volunteers range from all ages. Even kids can get involved – it teaches them the value of community spirit and sharing. Get them to help with working bees, tree planting, cleaning up the environment or helping in a community garden. Any of these activities are a good physical workout too!

Ready to take the plunge?

Don’t just volunteer because you feel you have to. Living with guilt can make your volunteering experience backfire. Do something you’re good at and that makes you feel confident. If it feels like it’s not working, it’s okay to try something else or put it off until you’re ready.