Taking part in volunteer work gives you the opportunity to share your passions and use your abilities and skills to strengthen your community. Volunteering doesn’t just positively impact your community though – it can have a major impact you. Improved mental health, social connectivity and career progression are all potential perks of giving up some of your time to help others.
How can volunteering improve my wellbeing?
Volunteer work is an excellent way to help your community while strengthening your ties within it. Working for an organisation or cause that appeals to you or that you’re passionate about will introduce you to like-minded people who share a common interest.
“I volunteered for a sustainability organisation when I first moved to Brisbane five years ago – it’s how I met several of my closest friends,” says Nikita Oliver, Digital Marketing Officer for Mercy Community.
“Volunteering while studying introduced me to so many different people I otherwise don’t think I would have met. It’s also how I found out about Mercy Community and ultimately how I ended up landing a job working with them.”
Along with improving feelings of loneliness and social isolation, participating in community service has shown to improve:
- Stress and anxiety: participating in meaningful activities and keeping in contact with others are key strategies in combating many mental health concerns, both of which are provided through volunteering.
- Sense of purpose and self-confidence: Making a positive impact on others provides a sense of accomplishment. This coupled with the fact that you’ll be actively using your skills and learning new ones will naturally lead to increased feelings of fulfillment and confidence.
- Overall health: Improved mental health, adequate social activity and having a strong sense of self all impact your overall wellbeing. Plus, walking and manual labour (think gardening or taking aged care residents on walks) are part of many volunteer role descriptions.
How can volunteering improve my career?
If you’re looking to build your experience and improve your employability, volunteering is a fantastic way to do so.
Volunteer work can also give you the opportunity to:
- Try before you buy: If you’re considering a career change or want to explore your opportunities, volunteering in the sector or organisation you’re interested in is a fantastic way to figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
- Build your resume: Just because it’s unpaid doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. Add your volunteer work to your CV, especially if it’s within the sector you’re applying for. Any experience that demonstrates your skills and knowledge is worth noting.
- Learn or refine skills: Your volunteer role could involve managing large projects, training new volunteers, handling finances, public speaking, organising events or taking on a leadership role within a team… the list of professional skills you can learn and refine through volunteering is endless.
Volunteering in an organisation you’re eager to work in could also lead to you landing a job with them.
“You may start as a volunteer but when roles become available, we will always encourage you to apply for them,” says Talent Acquisition Partner for Mercy Community, Tiffany Jordan.
“If you have experience working in the area, or even better have experience in the program, this is something our team will certainly take into consideration.”
How can I find volunteer work near me?
Facebook groups and community noticeboards are a great resource for finding local opportunities. Most organisations that offer volunteer roles, like Mercy Community, will also list opportunities on their website so be sure to check them regularly or sign up for their newsletters so you don’t miss out.
What are the benefits of volunteering with Mercy Community?
We’re glad you asked! Here’s what you can expect when volunteering with Mercy Community:
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program: Mercy Community offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for our volunteers, which provides free access to professional and confidential counselling.
- Free internal training and coaching: All volunteers are provided with guidance, support and relevant training to ensure they’re prepared and have a successful and productive volunteer experience.
- Experience multiple sectors: Explore different careers paths across our Families & Young People, Aged Care, Disability Supports and Corporate services.
- Make an impact: As a volunteer, you’ll help us to connect with over 16,000 families and children across Queensland and continue to develop the important work of our Mercy Community Mission.
Take your first steps in becoming a volunteer with Mercy Community today.
Sources:
www.healthdirect.gov.au/benefits-of-volunteering
www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2022/How-Volunteering-Improves-Mental-Health
www.kaplanpathways.com/blog/career-focus-how-can-volunteering-help-your-career/
www.waldenu.edu/resource/how-strategic-volunteering-can-positively-impact-your-career
