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Sure, volunteering is great for your
community, but have you ever thought about the
positive impact it could have on your own
life? The benefits of volunteering are well
documented and include reducing stress,
getting fit and active, developing
your career and meeting new people.
Additionally, making a positive difference to
other people can give you a ‘helper’s high’ –
the feeling of well being associated with
volunteering. Dr Sandra Scott of Big Brother
and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here says,
“By being a volunteer and improving the lives
of other people we get positive feedback and
this motivates us to continue”.
Build your confidence
Many volunteers encounter a variety of new
challenges when they begin giving time in
their communities. By sharing new experiences
with new people, you can pick up skills that
will give you confidence to face challenges in
other areas of your life.
Meet new friends
There’s no better place to meet like-minded
individuals than through volunteering for a
campaign or cause you believe in. Working
together to bring about a change is a great
way to bond with others and become part of a
community that can stay in touch long after
your work is done. Plus, you could meet people
from a diverse range of backgrounds – people
you may never come across in your daily life.
Have more fun
Many volunteers are surprised at how much fun
it can be to help others. By taking a
bit of time to think about your interests
you’ll be able to find the opportunity that
suits you best. That’s why 96% of people who
volunteer are glad they did, and 77% plan on
volunteering well into the future.
(TimeBank survey of TimeGivers)
Put things in perspective
Getting out there and doing something new can
give you a fresh lease of life and
allow you some space away from your troubles.
Listening to other people’s problems is a good
way to stop thinking about your own and to put
them in perspective!
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63% of 25 – 34 year olds say volunteering
helps them feel less |
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stressed
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71% of volunteers say volunteering helps
combat depression |
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Almost 1 in 3 (31%) 18 – 24 year olds say
they have taken less |
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time off work since volunteering |
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(Giving Time Beats Stress, Make a Difference
Day Survey – ICM Research September ’04)
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"My mentoring experience has made me more
understanding and given me perspective in my
personal and professional life. I've
discovered new sides to myself. I had to learn
to see the world from their point of view and
understand their challenges, which was a very
enriching and valuable experience." Mentor -
Toynbee Hall Stepney Children's Fund
Where do I start?
If you need more proof, why not give it a
try yourself! TimeBank is a national charity
dedicated to volunteering. We’re here for
people like you, whose skills and experience
are in demand, but don't know what to do about
it or where to start. Whether you want meet
new people or just feel good about yourself,
TimeBank can hook you up with a volunteering
opportunity that could change your life for
the better. Whether you’ve only got an hour to
spare or you can commit to regular
volunteering, there’s something out there for
you. Our website provides you with an
essential guide to volunteering. You’ll
find details of organisations that need your
help, and inspirational stories about why
others volunteer.
Make a real difference this year. Call one of
the TimeBank team on 0845 601 4008 or visit
our website at http://www.timebank.org.uk to
find out about opportunities near you.
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