In the UK over 20 million people carry out voluntary activities at least once a year. It’s an excellent way to give back to the community that benefits not only the people you are helping but also yourself. At TEDxBrayford Pool we have voluntary opportunities that are open to anyone who wants to make a positive impact on society.
There are many benefits to being a volunteer, both for the individual and society as a whole. Here are our top 5 reasons to volunteer with TEDxBrayford Pool:
1. Personal Development
Volunteering can help you develop new skills and knowledge that you can use in your personal and professional life. By volunteering, you can gain experience in fields that you may not have had the opportunity to explore before. For example, if you are interested in working in the events industry, volunteering at TEDxBrayford Pool can give you invaluable experience and insight into the industry. Moreover, volunteering can help you develop soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. These skills are highly valued by employers, and volunteering can be an excellent way to demonstrate them. According to a study by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), 73% of employers would employ someone who has volunteered over someone who has not.
2. Increased Social Connections
Volunteering can also help you build new social connections and expand your network. When you volunteer, you will meet people from diverse backgrounds and with different experiences and perspectives. This can help broaden your horizons and expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking. Volunteering can also be an excellent way to make new friends. You will be working alongside other volunteers who share your interests, and this can lead to lasting friendships. Volunteering can help combat loneliness, which is a growing problem in the UK, particularly among older adults.
3. Improved Mental Health
Volunteering can have a positive impact on your mental health. It has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. When you volunteer, you are helping others, and this can give you a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Volunteering can also help boost your self-esteem and confidence as you see the positive impact you are making in your community. Volunteering help combat social isolation and improve mental health, which is something especially important in a post-pandemic world.
4. Increased Civic Engagement
Volunteering can also help increase civic engagement and participation. When you volunteer, you are actively contributing to your community and helping to make it a better place. This can lead to a greater sense of community ownership and pride. Volunteering can also help promote democracy and social cohesion. When people come together to work towards a common goal, it can help break down barriers and promote understanding and tolerance. Volunteering can also help promote social justice and human rights by giving a voice to those who may otherwise be marginalized.
5. Improved Health Outcomes
Volunteering can have positive health outcomes, particularly among older adults. A study by the Royal Voluntary Service found that volunteering can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. The study also found that volunteering can help improve physical health outcomes such as reducing the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, volunteering can help encourage healthy behaviours such as exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Volunteering can also be an excellent way to maintain an active lifestyle and stay engaged in the community.
Conclusion
Volunteering has numerous benefits for both the individual and society as a whole. Volunteering can help you develop new skills, make new social connections, improve your mental and physical health, increase civic pride, and promote positive health outcomes. By volunteering, you can contribute to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
If you’d like to volunteer with TEDxBrayford Pool you can find details of our available opportunities on our Volunteer page.