The health benefits of volunteering and how you can get involved
Donating a few hours of your time could change your life.
Volunteering is one of the most selfless and generous things that a person can do. There are countless worthy causes that could use your support and a hundred different ways to get involved.
If you want to add a little more good to the world, make new friends or just feel like lending a hand to a particular charity, volunteering is a brilliant way to show that you care.
Studies also show that volunteering is fantastic for both your body and mind.
Health benefits of volunteering
Volunteering helps many people feel more socially connected and may ward off feelings of loneliness and depression.
Volunteering helps to reduce stress in some people.
Volunteering can provide a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment – which can lead to greater self-confidence.
Volunteering helps you learn new skills and enjoy new experiences.
Volunteering can give you a dopamine hit – dopamine is one of your body’s feel-good hormones – which can give you a rush of happiness.
Where to start volunteering
There are still many options for how to volunteer safely and in a meaningful way during the pandemic. Whatever your reasons for taking up the cause, here are some places to start.
Join communities like Volunteering NZ or Seek Volunteer AU to access a wider database of volunteering options.
If you’re an animal lover, the SPCA or RSPCA are always seeking volunteers to help foster pets, run their op shops and more.
Take a walk on the wild side and volunteer at a zoo or wildlife organisation. The Auckland Zoo has Zoo Volunteers and there are wildlife organisations like Forest & Bird and Kiwis for Kiwi.
In Australia, there are organisations like Wild Life Warriors and Wires Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation.
Help keep the environment safe with the Department of Conservation NZ or Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Australia.
Bring a little love to those less fortunate with programs like the Compassion Soup Kitchen or OZHarvest.
These are just a few ideas – there are hundreds of other options to explore, like youth organisations, mentoring programs, sports clubs, charity shops, mental health foundations, and more.
A quick Google search will likely reveal some more volunteering opportunities near you.