During National Volunteer Week we are looking at some of the reasons why people volunteer and the layered benefits that volunteering offers.

We’ve previously explored the ‘Power of Volunteering’ last year here and as we move into National Volunteer Week 2020 and explore the theme Changing Communities. Changing Lives.

This National Week provides organisations such as Be, and the wider community the opportunity to give thanks and recognise the hard work and contribution volunteers make to Australia. It can be often clear to see the benefits that volunteering offers organisations and the community, however digging deep on the personal benefits of volunteering can reveal some wonderful rewards.

Our clients certainly have kind words of gratitude for volunteers: “amazing volunteers that are making a world of difference in people’s lives” Josh S.

Personal benefits of volunteering include:

1. Volunteers live longer and have healthier lives. Volunteers are happier and healthier than non-volunteers. In fact, later in life, volunteering is just as beneficial for one’s health as exercising and eating well. Older people who volunteer remain physically functional longer, have more robust psychological well-being, and live longer.
2. Volunteering establishes strong relationships. Despite all of the online connections that are available at our fingertips, people are lonelier now than ever before. Working alongside people who feel as strongly as you do about supporting a particular cause creates a path to developing strong relationships and friendships with others.
3. Volunteering is good for your career. Volunteering has long been viewed as a way to create new connections that lead to career opportunities and provide access to new circles of people that can boost your knowledge and industry connections. Volunteering in your current career industry—or an area you’d like to transition into—is an especially effective way to leverage social connections for career gain.
4. Volunteering is good for society. There is a whole sector of businesses committed to doing good things for society and providing support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They pick up the pieces where other businesses leave off, and by volunteering for these organisations, you participate in helping society meet the needs of people from all walks of life.
5. Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose. Although it is not well understood why volunteering provides such a profound health benefit, a key factor is assumed to be that volunteering serves to express and facilitate opportunities to carry out one’s sense of purpose. The very nature of volunteering means choosing to work without being paid for it. As a result, people choose to spend their time on issues they feel strongly about.

Do you want to feel good and make a difference in your community? We are always on the lookout for volunteers to help with our care and social services. Volunteering is flexible and starting is easy. Get in touch with us on 1300 761 011 or learn more.

Source: Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/

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