Volunteering week occurs from the 3rd-9th June.
Charity is at the heart of Brindleyplace, some of our local charities include the Ladywood Project and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This would be the perfect week to take part in some volunteering or send a donation to support those who need it most. Giving will not only help change the lives of others but helps to improve your health too.
Members of the Brindleyplace Team will be volunteering at the Ladywood Project in support of Volunteering Week. Led by the experts from Ethos Flowers, they will spend a day working in the Ladywood Project gardens, pruning, clearing and planting in order to enhance the gardens for the families that use them. We will update you on this later….
In the meantime, read more about the health benefits of volunteering below…
Whether it’s giving time, resources, or kindness, as soon as we ‘give’ endorphins are released, endorphins are the brain’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers, this is often referred to as the ‘helper’s high’.
Giving also creates a sense of purpose and meaning. Positive Psychologist, Martin Seligman, proved that our environment (house, car, possessions etc.) will only ever affect our happiness by 10%, whereas ‘contribution’ is a highway to happiness.
Generosity creates deeper social connections and strengthens relationships, which are both key components of happiness and emotional well-being. Giving enhances our empathy for others, creating a more supportive community. Volunteering connects you with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of belonging.
Engaging in acts of kindness lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, so we don’t only feel happier but we improve our chemical health too. Acts of kindness have also been linked to lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease. Volunteering often involves tasks that help you develop new skills or improve existing ones, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Gaining new skills and experiences can enhance your resume and job prospects.
Volunteering can be for a charity, but you could also add volunteering into your usual routine. Small acts of kindness such as helping a neighbour or complimenting someone can have significant effects. Being there for loved ones might be exactly what they need this week. You could also organise a volunteering event at work, or simply volunteer to lead wellness activities at work – remind your colleagues to book into the free yoga and massage available at Brindleyplace, or lead a walking group around the Brindleyplace walking and exercise trails. Check out the Brindley Life app for news and events to inspire ideas for how you could give more to your workplace.
Tips for a Successful Volunteering Week
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- Choose a cause you care about – Select volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and values to maximise your engagement and satisfaction.
- Collaborate – Work closely with other volunteers and organisational staff, and communicate any challenges or ideas you have.
- Reflect and share – After your volunteering week, take time to reflect on your experiences and share your insights with others, potentially inspiring them to volunteer as well.
