- New campaign launches to make volunteering part of everyday life
- Charity encourages Scottish public to step forward and offer up their skills and talents, in a campaign backed by Ferne McCann
- Research reveals the mental health benefits of volunteering, with two thirds (65%) claiming higher levels of happiness
- The ‘high’ from volunteering found to be as great as ‘runner’s high’
More than 80 years on from the country’s biggest call up for volunteers to support on the home front during World War Two, Royal Voluntary Service, one of Britain’s oldest and largest volunteering charities, is launching a major recruitment drive calling for people in Scotland to volunteer in the wake of unprecedented pressure on public services.
While the challenges facing the nation are acute, equally as important is the discovery that volunteering is hugely beneficial for the individual. A recent report from Royal Voluntary Service found volunteering boosts self-confidence, has a positive impact on mental health and teaches new skills[i].
Among first time volunteers[ii], many said they experienced improved wellbeing after volunteering, with 34% of this group feeling less stressed, 42% say it had a positive effect on physical health and 65% on their happiness levels. Almost four in ten (37%) first-timers said their volunteering had made them less lonely.
New research to mark the launch of the Step Forward recruitment campaign, which is being supported by Legal & General, shows that volunteering just once a week sparks more joy than any other activity, and matches the feeling of ‘runner’s high’. Of those who claimed to have experienced ‘runner’s high’, the commonly known feeling of euphoria from exercising, almost three quarters (73%) consider the feeling of volunteering to be equivalent or even better.
Highlighting evidence of the positive impact volunteering has on wellbeing, the charity’s campaign – which empowers everyone to believe they have something to offer – is designed to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to volunteer in order to experience the mental health benefits. In particular, at a time when levels of loneliness and poor mental health are highest among 16-24 year olds[iii], volunteering could be the antidote.
Rebecca Kennelly, Director of Volunteering for Royal Voluntary Service, said: “In the past, the benefits of volunteering have been disproportionately enjoyed by those of higher socioeconomic groups. We want to see a cultural shift and for people of all ages and backgrounds to be able to integrate volunteering into their everyday life and benefit from the experience. Volunteering should be as accessible as possible so it’s not a huge undertaking but a pivotal part of people’s everyday life.
“There is something to suit everyone, whether it’s providing an older person with company at home, running an exercise class for patients on a hospital ward or putting culinary skills to use at a lunch club, our volunteers make a tangible difference to so many people, with millions of acts of kindness. The sense of purpose and joy that can be derived from volunteering and supporting others is incomparable and stays with our volunteers for life.”
Laura Cameron is 47 and lives in North Edinburgh. She has been volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service for 12 years in its café in the Oncology department of the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh where she does three shifts per week.
Taking about her experience and why she volunteers, Laura said: “I have two autistic sons, so was looking for something that would give me the flexibility to be at home with them but also fulfil my desire to help others. Volunteering at the hospital was the perfect solution.
“Over a decade later, I’m still volunteering in the hospital café and do 11 hours a week, split over three days. I really enjoy it. It’s wonderful to provide a service to people and make a difference. Myself and other team members regular get very positive feedback from customers and staff, it is very rewarding.
“Being based in the oncology department we have many customers who come in who are going through a very difficult time, whether they are the patient receiving treatment or their family member or friend. As well as serving tea and refreshments, our team is there to talk to customers and chat about their day. It can really help, and customers often tell us how much they enjoyed talking to us in the café and that we have helped make their day that bit better.”
Ferne McCann, TV Presenter and star of First Time Mum, who is supporting the charity to encourage more young people to volunteer said: “Having spent the day with Royal Voluntary Service volunteers recently, I was amazed by the range of roles available; there really is something for everyone. I was also struck by the upbeat mood of the volunteers and the joy they obviously experience.”
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 20,000 volunteers supporting thousands of people each month in hospitals and in the community. The charity is also one of the largest retailers in the NHS, with its network of cafes and shops providing a valued haven in hospitals.
For more information on how to volunteer visit royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
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