Did you take part in The Big Help Out a national day of volunteering? It was the UK’s way of celebrating the Coronation Bank Holiday Monday (8th May) - with over 6 million people taking part.

Scouts and the Royal Voluntary Service teamed up with Together Coalition to make this national day of volunteering happen. Alongside some amazing charities, people were invited to “lend a hand; make a change”- particularly if they’d never given volunteering a go before. Now, after seeing The Big Help Out in action, over 7 million people say they’re more likely to volunteer. Are you feeling inspired, too?

By rolling up your sleeves and lending a hand, you'll not only bring sunshine into the lives of others - you'll also experience personal growth and fulfilment. But the challenge is:  1 in 5 people have never been asked to volunteer, and many feel clueless about where to start.

Not to worry. In this article, we’ll delve into the different types of volunteering to get involved in. We’ll also share our top tips on how to find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.

Who’s most likely to volunteer?

• Cue: a round of applause for those aged 65-74. (People aged 25-34 were the least likely age group.)
• Women are more likely than men to volunteer both regularly (at least once a month) and occasionally (at least once a year).

The pandemic saw a fall in the level of volunteering for all age groups, though. As we recover and move forward, there's no better time to reignite the spirit of giving. Let’s come together to rebuild our communities!

What motivates people to volunteer?

• 73% of volunteers say getting involved gives them more confidence.
• 90% of volunteers feel like they make a difference - particularly to an individual’s life, or a particular group/issue in society.
• Many report social benefits. (Almost nine in ten volunteers say they have met new people.)
• Over three-quarters of volunteers (77%) say that volunteering improves their mental health and wellbeing.

Why volunteering is great for mid-lifers

Volunteering holds a treasure trove of benefits. First up, it's a fantastic way to stay socially engaged and ward off loneliness (that can quickly creep up on us). By getting involved in your community, you'll have the chance to interact with people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. You might find new friendships, and you’ll almost definitely discover a renewed sense of belonging.

Plus, if you’ve retired, volunteering can reignite that spark of purpose that might have flickered. By contributing your skills, knowledge, and life experiences to your community through volunteer work, you'll rediscover that sense of meaning.

Volunteering is a boost for your mental and emotional wellbeing, too! It keeps your mind sharp, provides intellectual stimulation, and may even help stave off cognitive decline.

Types of volunteering

Volunteering isn’t limited to working in a clothes shop or serving up soup (although those are fantastic ways to help too!). Let's explore some avenues where you can make a positive impact - and have a blast while doing it:

1. Community service: engage in local initiatives like food banks or litter-picking.
2. Tutoring/mentoring: support and guide people seeking to learn new skills.
3. Animal welfare: assist in animal care, walking dogs, or fostering animals in need.
4. Hospital or nursing home visits: spend time with patients or residents, providing companionship and support.
5. Events: help with organising and running events like charity runs, fundraisers, or community festivals.
6. Sustainability: contribute to conservation projects. You might like to get involved in tree planting, for instance. (Or gardening!)

And many, many more options. Remember, volunteering isn't just about lending a helping hand; it's an opportunity for personal growth, building connections, and creating positive change. So head out there, explore the options available, and find the perfect fit for you.

How do I go about volunteering?

It can be tricky to know where to start. There are a dozen questions to consider, to understand what types of opportunities would best suit you:

1. What causes or social issues am I most passionate about?
2. Are there any specific populations or communities I want to support (e.g., homeless, refugees, animals)?
3. Do I prefer to work directly with people or behind the scenes?
4. How much time can I commit to volunteering?
5. What are my skills, talents, and areas of expertise that could be valuable to a volunteer organisation?
6. What are my preferred working conditions (e.g., indoors, outdoors, flexible hours)?
7. Am I comfortable working with a specific age group (children, elderly, teenagers)?
8. Would I like to engage in hands-on activities or contribute my skills remotely?
9. What are my personal goals for volunteering (e.g., gaining experience, making a difference, personal growth)?
10. Are there any restrictions or limitations I need to consider (e.g., physical abilities, language barriers)?
11. Do I prefer short-term or long-term volunteering commitments?
12. Are there any specific locations or regions where I would like to focus my volunteering efforts?

Volunteering opportunities UK

You might be surprised at how many opportunities are right under your nose. 81% of volunteers choose to work locally - and it can be as simple as reaching out to friends, family, or that chatty next door neighbour.

A quick and easy way to find local opportunities is to browse online. Here are 5 handy websites to bookmark:

• The Big Help Out
• Do IT
• Volunteering Matters
• CharityJob
• Reach Volunteering

Are you inspired by The Big Help Out and ready to lend a hand and be a part of positive change? What causes or social issues ignite your passion? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.