International Volunteers Day

Why Volunteering is Good For You

December 5th each year is International Volunteers Day.  This is an international observance day by the United Nations since 1985.  Over half of the world’s countries celebrate this day which amounts to approx 109 million people impacting on communities.

It offers an opportunity for organisations and individual volunteers to make their contributions visible, at local, national and international levels.

It is viewed as a chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values and to promote the volunteering that is happening in their communities.

So we want to say to all of our volunteers a massive THANK YOU for all you do in your community.  Without your input, the world would not turn.

Recently we surveyed our volunteers and asked them how Volunteering has impacted on their lives.

Over 1,700 volunteers responded and here are some surprising results:

Health:            50% Better Physical Health

                         63% Better Mental Health

                         69% Self Esteem Improved

Social Life:      52% More Social Events

                         62% More Friendships

                         65% Felt Less Lonely

Employment: 60% Skills Increased

                         60% More Confidence

                         45% Advanced in Job

Sense of Belonging: 81% of volunteers said that their sense of belonging to their community increased significantly.

This category is where we see the highest impact on volunteers who said  they felt they belonged more in their community after volunteering, they were made to feel useful and they were interested in more volunteering.

So… all evidence points to volunteering being good for you help!  So go on – give it a go