The Benefits of Volunteering: why helping others is good for you! Whether you’re an extrovert who loves social interaction or someone who prefers a quieter experience, volunteering can bring many social, career, and personal benefits. Embarking on a volunteering journey can offer unique opportunities to grow and make a difference. Never think that what you can offer is too small to make a difference. Like many things in life, it’s the combined effect that make things happen.
Here is an example of how small actions can make a big difference. In December 2023, I ran my annual Turkey Campaign, to feed 250 homeless people on Christmas Day. The donations started from £5.00 and with the combined donations from over 100 people, we smashed our targets. Every person who donated ensured that we raised £2750. Small actions can make big things happen!
Today’s blog was inspired by my day spent with the volunteer team for the Brighton Pier to Pier Swim on Sunday 23rd June run by Lynette and Brighton Swim Club. It’s an historic annual swimming event for over 500+ swimmers, if you love swimming, take a look and sign up for 2025.
Bonus Benefit to Volunteering:
Surprising benefits of volunteering are the unexpected “things that happen along the way”
At my last litter pick for Surfers Against Sewage, I met Carmen Haselup an artist from @tidelinetrashandtreasures, who makes beautiful sea creatures from plastic picked up from the beach. I am now booked into one of her workshops.
I also met the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Jackie O’Quinn, met lots of people from Sikhs of Sussex and picked up 50kg of rubbish which included a car exhaust pipe. When I volunteered for Brighton Sea Swim I got a free massage. You will definitely meet people that you would not normally meet!
Volunteering is for everyone, for instance this month my 16 year old son signed up to be a volunteer on a dolphin and whale project in France and my 80 year old mum is celebrating her 100th shift as volunteer at her local charity shop (proud of you Mum!!)
The Benefits of Volunteering: why helping others is good for you!
1. Provides You with a Sense of Purpose
Volunteering allows you to find a sense of purpose by becoming part of something greater than yourself. Engaging in meaningful work can help you understand your role in the larger community and contribute to a cause you care about. This sense of purpose can drive you to achieve personal goals, stay motivated and positive. When you pick something you are passionate about, you can see your purpose come to life!
2. Find Your Volunteering Community
Volunteering helps you feel connected to your community. By getting involved and playing to your strengths, you build bonds with those around you. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and enhances your appreciation for the community’s collective efforts. Once you have done your first volunteer stint more opportunities will naturally come your way.
3. Build your Social Circles
Volunteering is an excellent way to meet new people or strengthen existing connections. You’ll interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and broaden your social network. It will certainly reduce your feelings of isolation or help you get established if you have recently moved to a new area.
4. Increases Your Social Skills
Volunteering gives you the chance to develop your social skills. By engaging with new people regularly, you become more comfortable initiating conversations, listening actively, and expressing yourself clearly. These improved social skills are valuable in both personal and professional settings.
5. Tap into the Feel-Good-Factor
Boosting your self-esteem and growing your self-confidence are natural outcomes of volunteering. Knowing that your efforts are worthwhile and valuable to your community provides a sense of accomplishment. This “feel-good factor” can enhance your overall well-being and self-worth.
6. Teaches You Valuable Skills
The training and hands-on experience gained through volunteering can teach you new skills and build upon those you already have. Whether it’s leadership, project management, or technical skills, volunteering provides a practical learning environment that can benefit your career and personal life.
7. It’s a Foot in the Door
Volunteering can open doors to new career opportunities. Along with acquiring valuable skills and experience, you may meet potential mentors and expand your professional network. These connections can lead to job offers, references, or insights into different career paths. Most importantly you can get experience for the job or sector you have your eye on.
8. Brings Focus into Your Life
Many people use volunteering to pursue hobbies while making a difference. This dual benefit allows you to engage in activities you love while contributing to a meaningful cause. Volunteering can be flexible, fitting around your schedule and interests, thus bringing a sense of balance and focus to your life.
9. The Benefits of Volunteering are Good for your Physical and Mental Health
Volunteering has distinct health benefits that can boost your mental and physical health. There is increasing evidence to suggest that people who give their time to others might benefit from lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.
A 1999 study showed that ‘high volunteers’ (helping out at two or more organizations) had a 63 per cent lower mortality rate than non-volunteers. And more recent research (2013) from Carnegie Mellon University found that adults over 50 who volunteered regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure (hypertension) compare to non-volunteers. Hypertension is an important indicator of health as it contributes to stroke, heart disease and premature death.
10. Gets You Out of Your Comfort Zone
Volunteering challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. This can help you overcome personal fears and grow as an individual. Working with new people and in different settings broadens your horizons and enhances your adaptability. This will take time, so be patient and kind to yourself as you adjust to working outside your comfort zone.
What to think about when researching your volunteer role?:
There are endless opportunities for volunteering that can suit your interests and skill set. Whether you’re interested in community groups, public-sector organizations, educational settings, or local and international adventure opportunities, there’s a place for you to contribute.
- Sector of Work: What areas are you passionate about?
- Time Commitment: How much time can you spare?
- Skills: What skills can you offer, and what would you like to develop?
- Location: Do you prefer to volunteer from home, locally, or further afield?
- Take your volunteering to another level and become an activist!
Start your volunteering journey here: and discover the benefits to you
- YHA Volunteering
- Workingabroad
- GOV.UK – Volunteer
- Step on Board
- Do It
- Do Something
- GVI
- Raleigh International
You can now see the benefits of volunteering and see why helping others is good for you. Your voluntary contribution matters, no matter your skill set or the size of your commitment. By finding the right fit for you, you’ll spark positive change both in the world and within yourself. So, take the leap and start your volunteering adventure today!
Last Sunday I spent the day handing out medals and hugging happy wet swimmers – it was great fun and you can’t help but get swept up in the emotion of it all!
Good Luck and Happy Volunteering.
It’s time for Tea and Biscuits!
Thank you for reading today’s Blog on The Benefits of Volunteering: why helping others is good for you. If you have any recommendations please add them in the comments below and I can add to the volunteering list.
If you would like to volunteer for the Brighton Pier to Pier Swim 2025 send them a message via instagram @brightonseaswimmers
