Do good, feel good!

You know the feeling, right? That inner ‘glow’ and ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling you get when you know that something you’ve done or said has made a real difference, or you’ve been on the receiving end of a kind gesture, a genuine smile or had the chance to have a proper chat about something important. How would you like to have that feeling on a regular basis?

Volunteering has obvious benefits – it helps organisations and groups to deliver the services and activities that are needed within a given community and makes sure that those who need that support can get it. But there’s more to it than that… much more!

When you volunteer, you’re making a positive difference to people’s lives, including your own! If you’re an active volunteer now, think back to who you were before you got involved in it – maybe you were someone who didn’t get out that often, or felt anxious about going out. Maybe you’d lost your job and were at a loose end whilst trying to find another one. Maybe you just wanted to try something new.

Think about who you are now. Do you feel more confident? What new skills have you learned? How many new people have you met? How much fun do you have with other people in your team? How have you made a difference to other people? What has changed for the better in the community around you? Bet you’ve got that warm, fuzzy feeling now haven’t you!

Don’t believe us?

Volunteering is a scientifically proven mood-booster. ‘Charitable’ acts spark a release of dopamine commonly known as the ‘helper’s high’.

Like a good old-fashioned statistic? (Louise, our Volunteering Officer, does)

89% of people asked* about their volunteering said ‘I enjoy it’

88% said ‘It gives me a sense of personal achievement’

75% said ‘It improves my mental health and wellbeing’

(*NCVO ‘Time Well Spent’)

More interested in what Pembrokeshire people have got to say about it? These quotes are from Pembrokeshire Volunteers

“Volunteering is a ray of light in your life and you feel like you make such a huge difference.”

“Without volunteering, my life would be a lot emptier and quieter.”

“Volunteering has been life-changing for me.”

If you’re not volunteering right now, there could be an opportunity out there waiting for you! Get in touch with Volunteering Pembrokeshire, or have a look on Volunteering Wales to see what’s happening near you.

As a final thought, maybe you’ve been helped by a volunteer and would like to say thank you! During February, we will be sending #VolunteerValentine messages – if there’s someone special you’d like to send a message to, click the link to and we’ll do the rest! Or perhaps there’s a group or organisation that has made a real difference to you – why not send a #CommunityCwtch!

Send a #VolutneerValentine or #CommunityCwtch