Volunteering - more than a good feeling!
Of course it feels good to give something back, and be part of
something as positive as helping the fight against heart disease.
But volunteering also has a lot more to offer.
Volunteering can help you:
- learn or develop your skills
- make new friends in your area
- get valuable work experience
- or put your existing experience to good use.
We can help you achieve all this as one of our volunteers.
The benefits of volunteering
Dr Mike Knapton, BHF’s Associate
Medical Director, tells us about some of the benefits of
volunteering.
Many people would say that they volunteer to
give a something back to the community. However, it may surprise
you to know that giving a hand for just two hours a
week can also do wonders for your sense of wellbeing!
Volunteers report that they experience
something that’s become known as the 'helpers
high', which is a rush of euphoria like the one that we get after
we've done physical activity.
Once the initial rush is over, we are left
with a lasting sense of peace and calm that can
return hours or even days
later when we think about what we’ve done. One
piece of research showed that regular volunteering is the happiness
equivalent of getting a university degree, or more than doubling
your income.
It seems that volunteering gives you a sense
of purpose and a feeling of being needed that’s better than any pay
packet!
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