Volunteering and wellbeing

07 July 2023

Volunteering helps your health and wellbeing

Volunteering has a positive effect on health and wellbeing. Research has shown that volunteering:

improves people’s mental health and can help to reduce depression, anxiety and stress
reduces social isolation and loneliness, particularly for those who are retired or marginalised in society
encourages healthy lifestyles through physical exercise and regular activity

Volunteering creates an improved sense of health and wellbeing for both volunteers and for the people receiving their support. This is especially important during the current crisis.

There has already been a tremendous response from members of the public who want to help their communities. Volunteers will continue to be critical in our collective efforts to support and rebuild our communities.

There are lots of ways to help, such as:

checking in regularly with friends, families and neighbours
helping with households deliveries of food and medicines
bringing neighbours’ bins to the kerbside
keeping our environment clean, green and vibrant

Volunteering and volunteers' week

For more information about volunteering in East Ayrshire and volunteers' week visit volunteering and befriending.

Guidance for volunteers

All potential volunteers need to decide whether it is appropriate for them to volunteer based on the national guidance available. Visit the NHS Inform website to find out more.