Volunteering ‘gives life meaning’
As part of 2024 Volunteers’ Week, we’ve put together a selection of ‘Volunteer Stories’ to give you more information on what volunteering is all about and how it benefits you as well as our service users.
Adam, who is in his forties, tells us all about his volunteering experience here with us and how it benefits his mental health to help us help others.
Very rewarding
He says: “I have been volunteering with Communicare since 2017. I have been helping in the office with events and at the Haven Lunch Club. I find the work very rewarding and enjoyable. It has been great for my mental health, as I am now socialising with many different people from all walks of life.
“Before this I was very isolated, anxious about meeting new people and venturing out of the house. Initially, I was extremely anxious about the interview. However, I was made to feel very welcome and secure from the start. I am so glad that I pushed myself to engage with Communicare.
Positive
“It has opened me up to all sorts of information about different organisations. This in turn has been very useful in signposting clients and friends to help that they did not know existed.
“My mental health is now much better. I have made many friends. I am not as anxious as I was. I am motivated to go out each day and I am positive about my future.
“I know how tough it is to engage with new people or even leave your home when you have mental health issues. I am here to say that volunteering massively helps to grow your confidence and that it gives a real sense of achievement. It gives life meaning and is the perfect distraction to help focus the mind on productive thought patterns and develop a better sense of wellbeing.
A couple of hours a week
“I am now more confident in myself. There is so much support in Southampton and many opportunities in all sorts of roles to help in the local community. Start small, maybe a couple of hours a week. I am sure it will lead to a more positive outlook on life.”
If you ever have a spare hour, or so, each week, then we’d love to hear from you, as we always need more volunteers and the experience may also benefit you too. We can be flexible and work around your other commitments. Please get in touch via 023 8250 0050 or volunteer@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
Image for illustration purposes only.