Life can get overwhelming sometimes, juggling studies, work, or simply figuring out what’s next. Volunteering is a simple thing you can do to help you feel more connected and improve your wellbeing, as you learn new skills and gain experience for the future. Whether you are interested in art, sports, music, animals or anything in between, there will be a volunteering opportunity out there that is right for you.
Volunteering is also a great way to practice the . It offers ways to , , , , and . These are proven ways to help you feel good and protect your mental wellbeing.
Connect
“Volunteering is great for getting out and having the opportunity to socialise with other people. I’ve experience great physical and mental health benefits, not just from socialising but from doing the physical, practical work.” Alfie, 19. Countryside volunteer with .
Volunteering is a natural way to meet people outside your usual circle. Whether you’re working at a festival, coaching a sports team, or helping out at an animal shelter, you’ll meet others who share your interests. These connections can turn into friendships, expand your network, and make you feel part of something bigger than yourself. This can also go a long way in building meaningful connections to help when you are feeling lonely or isolated.
Keep learning
“Skills are definitely something I’ve picked up through volunteering. I’ve learned a lot from the other volunteers they’ve been doing it a lot longer than I have. The sort of skills that you can gain from volunteering make you very employable. Employers love to see volunteering on a CV. It means you are a good team worker and you are good with people as well." Alfie, 19.
Volunteering can often feel like free training. As you go about your day volunteering, you might pick up skills in teamwork, leadership, event planning, or communication—things that look great on your CV. You might learn about yourself, discover new interests, and sometimes even discover career paths you hadn’t thought about before. You might can also learn subject-specific skills by tailoring your search for volunteering activities to build on a skillset or a specific area that interests you.
Be active
“I struggled a bit with anxiety and coming out and doing this kind of work has really helped me, not only to be a more sociable person, but to be a more active person as well.” Alfie, 19
Many volunteer roles involve moving, physical effort or being outdoors, which contributes to physical health and mental wellbeing. You could be outdoors planting trees, walking rescue dogs, or setting up events. Roles like environmental clean-ups, gardening, conservation work, helping out at sports clubs can get you moving, boosting your energy and mood. Volunteering gives a meaningful reason to be active.
Take notice
Taking notice is about being present, paying attention to what is around you. Volunteering offers many opportunities for this kind of mindful awareness. Maybe you’re noticing the different people at a community event, appreciating the creativity of an art project, or simply observing the nature around you as you help clear out a countryside path. These little moments can help you slow down, reflect, and enjoy what’s happening around you.
Give
Taking notice is about being present, paying attention to what is around you. Volunteering offers many opportunities for this kind of mindful awareness. Maybe you’re noticing the different people at a community event, appreciating the creativity of an art project, or simply observing the nature around you as you help clear out a countryside path. These little moments can help you slow down, reflect, and enjoy what’s happening around you.