Volunteer
Because Only Together Can We Build a World Where All Are Safe, Strong & Valued
Daily time commit:
5 minutes +
Why Volunteer?
Here at Practice Eudaimonic Wellbeing we define volunteering as doing something for somebody else, or your community, or the world, without wanting anything back in return.
It does not just mean volunteering at a soup kitchen or working at a charity shop (although these are wonderful things to do). You might be helping your child with their homework, helping a friend move house, helping a neighbour with their groceries, or recycling glass bottles at a bottle bank. Anything that you do freely for the benefit of others counts and it does not have to cost anything or even demand a lot of your time.
Having said that… doing something to help somebody else, without the expectation of reward, is an act of kindness. Each time you Volunteer, the act of kindness causes your brain to release endorphins (the “feel-good” chemical) and oxytocin (the “love hormone”), as well as create new neural connections, all of which enhances your overall sense of well-being and life satisfaction.
What Can We Do?
Below are examples of what you could do to Volunteer. The list is non-exhaustive, however. The important thing is to be present during your day and think about how you can help the people around you. Think about what your interests and passions are and how you could incorporate them into helping others.
Spend 5 minutes + per day doing something freely to help others, to cross off this area of The Framework.
01.
— School governor
Schools are always in need of support and so whether you give up your time to be a school governor (especially if you have a finance background) or whether you help on the fund-raising committee this can be a fantastic way to help future generations
02.
— Coach sports
If there is a sport that you are enthusiastic about, giving up your time to coach is a terrific way to keep playing while inspiring others at the same time, crossing off Exercise, and if outside Fresh Air, from The Framework as you go
03.
— Park
Your local park or green space will always welcome the help of volunteers to keep paths accessible and manage habitats. Check with your local council for how you can get involved locally, or contact National Parks for how you can get involved nationally
04.
— Local opportunities
Do-it.org is a UK database of volunteering opportunities. Enter your postcode or town to see what opportunities there are to Volunteer in your community
05.
— Food Bank
Collect and donate non-perishable items to your local food bank. The Trussell Trust always welcomes volunteers to help in its ambition to end the need for food banks in the UK
06.
— Be neighbourly
You could help your neighbours, especially ones who are elderly, ill or busy with children or work. You could garden, babysit, or dog walk for example.
The deep social connections that you build by being neighbourly are great for your well-being too!
One man's rubbish is another man's treasure
Never throw anything away if somebody could reuse, upcycle, repurpose, or mend it.
Freecycle
Freecycle exists to keep items that are still perfectly usable out of landfill. Sign up for free membership to give and receive free items in your town.
Charity Shop
Charity shops are always grateful to receive second-hand items such as clothing, accessories, homeware, linens, books, CD’s, DVDs, and mobile phones.
Drop any used items that you no longer want off at your local charity shop, rather than putting them in the bin, to enable the charity to help people both at home and abroad.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO VOLUNTEER?
Get in touch to let us know or to ask us any questions
