Let me tell you a little secret: volunteering isn’t just about helping others. It’s actually one of the best things you can do for yourself. I know, it sounds backwards—after all, the whole point of volunteering is giving your time and energy to help someone else, right? But somehow, in the middle of all that giving, you end up receiving so much in return.
I didn’t fully understand this until I tried it myself. I’d been feeling a bit… stuck. You know that feeling where everything feels a little too heavy, and you’re just spinning your wheels? Life gets like that sometimes. I was tired of my same old routine and figured, why not? I’ll give volunteering a go.
I signed up to help out at a local community event. Nothing major—I wasn’t climbing mountains or running marathons. I was just helping set up tables, chatting with people, and doing little tasks here and there. But wow, did it make a difference. By the end of the day, I felt lighter, like I’d been refuelled with energy I didn’t know I was missing.
It’s funny how that works. You show up thinking you’re giving something to others, but you end up walking away with so much more.
Connection Without Pressure
One of the best things about volunteering is the connection it brings. You’re surrounded by people who care about the same things you do. And there’s something really special about that—it’s not the same as work colleagues or social situations where you’re trying to make small talk. Volunteering gives you this sense of belonging without any pressure to be anything other than yourself.
I met some of the kindest people through volunteering. People who were just as nervous as I was at first but quickly became a little support group of sorts. We laughed, we swapped stories, and by the end, I felt like I’d known them forever.
A Little Perspective
Here’s the other thing: volunteering has this sneaky way of shifting your perspective. When you’re helping others, whether it’s coming in for lunch time support in the Children’s Service , running errands for the Fundraising Team, or simply being a friendly face, you start to see the world differently.
It’s not about forgetting your own struggles—they’re still there, and they’re valid. But somehow, being part of something bigger makes those struggles feel a little less consuming. You realise that, even on your toughest days, you still have something to give. And that’s empowering.
The Science Part (But Not Too Much!)
Okay, I’m not going to throw a bunch of studies at you, but it’s worth mentioning: science totally backs this up. Volunteering boosts your mood, reduces stress, and even helps combat feelings of loneliness. Apparently, it’s all tied to this magical thing called oxytocin—the “feel-good” hormone your brain releases when you help someone.
I don’t know about you, but I’ll take all the oxytocin I can get!
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
The great thing about volunteering is there’s no “right” way to do it. You don’t have to be a super outgoing, extroverted person. You don’t have to have tons of free time or special skills. You just have to show up and try.
I started small, and it was enough. Even just an hour here and there can make a difference—for you and for the people you’re helping.
At the end of the day, volunteering is one of those rare things in life that’s truly win-win. You’re helping someone else, sure, but you’re also giving yourself a gift. You’re stepping out of your routine, making connections, and finding purpose in the little things. And trust me, those little things add up.
So, if you’ve been feeling stuck, or just a little “blah” lately, or want some work experience before taking the big leap into a new career, maybe it’s time to give volunteering a go. Start small, find something you care about, and just see where it takes you. Who knows? It might just be the thing you didn’t know you needed.
To find out more about volunteering at The Rainbow Centre or, to take the leap, contact our Fundraising Team.
01329 289 500
