As today marks World Mental Health Day, we are delighted to bring you the results of our recent survey. Over 500 active volunteers across Dublin participated in our research!
We asked volunteers who had begun volunteering about all the ways in which volunteering makes a difference personally – to health, wellbeing and sense of self.
The results are in… and its official – volunteering is having a positive impact on people’s wellbeing with a staggering 97.7% of volunteers saying that volunteering is good for them!
Breaking this down, volunteers have told us that volunteering spans all aspects of their wellbeing:
“ 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”
“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.”
“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 “
“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.”
“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.”
In Conclusion
Volunteers have told us that giving their time to volunteer has made them feel purposeful. Volunteering also increases skills, connections and makes volunteers feel happier and healthier.
We’re delighted to share the good news (that we have known for so long) with you all!
Our sincere thanks to all of the volunteers who took part in our survey and so generously provided their personal feedback on what volunteering means to them.
A special thanks to Colette from South Dublin Volunteer Centre for all her work in pulling this research together.
