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As we mark World Mental Health Day, we are delighted to bring you the results of our recent survey of active volunteers across South Dublin!

Over the last couple of months, we have asked all our active volunteers on I-VOL what volunteering means to them  – so that’s all the ways in which volunteering makes a difference personally to health, wellbeing and sense of self as a volunteer.

The results are in… and its official – volunteering is good for you with a staggering 99.3% of you saying that volunteering was good for you overall! 

Breaking this down, you have told us that the impact of volunteering spans all aspects of wellbeing:

of volunteers say volunteering is good for their mental health,

of volunteers say volunteering is good for their physical health

“ Volunteering is my way out of depression. I also think that I have improved my level of English. And most importantly these are my new friends”

of volunteers say that volunteering is worthwhile, makes a difference

of volunteers say volunteering gives them a sense of purpose

“Volunteering is not merely a passing activity or a task completed during one’s spare time; it is a genuine expression of an individual’s humanity and commitment to building a better community. It is a tangible manifestation of the values of giving and selflessness, where a volunteer dedicates part of their time and effort for the benefit of others without expecting anything in return.

To me, volunteering signifies the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives and to improve reality, even through small steps. It is an opportunity for personal growth and acquiring new skills, while also fostering a spirit of cooperation and community belonging.”

of volunteers said that volunteering enhanced their prospects for the future

provided them with an opportunity to learn new skills

“As I found myself in the new community of Ireland it has been a blessing to me to learn new skills and meet with new people “

93.4 % of volunteers told us that volunteering is fun

say that volunteering helps you meet other people

“As a naturally introverted person, volunteering has enabled me to become more social than I believed I could be.  It has also given me more confidence.”

92.1 % of volunteers told us that volunteering makes you feel more connected and less alone.

“As an older person, Volunteering has really helped me address some of my own loneliness.  It has given me a space to meet new people and feel I have a new community.  Thank you all for creating a lovely environment to allow that to happen.”

So in conclusion, volunteers have told us that giving their time to volunteer has made them feel purposeful.  It increases skills, connections and makes them happier and healthier.

 To find out more about volunteering and how it could be good for you, please go to www.ivol.ie or why not come along to our upcoming Volunteer Recruitment Fair at the Maldron Hotel Tallaght D24 XC9W, on Wednesday 06 November 6 to 8pm.

 Our sincere thanks to everyone who took part in our survey and so generously provided their personal feedback on what volunteering means to them.

The Volunteer Centre Team