‘How can volunteering support your wellbeing?’
Volunteering and the Five Ways to Wellbeing:
To guide the conversation, we used the Five Ways to Wellbeing framework — a simple, evidence-based guide to mental wellbeing often used by the NHS.
The five areas are:
- Connect
- Be Active
- Keep Learning
- Take Notice
- Give
By the end of the event, the posters were covered with colourful post-it notes sharing personal reflections. These responses weren’t just warm words; they showed just how much volunteering can boost wellbeing, combat loneliness, improve mental health and build stronger communities. Below are some of the thoughtful responses, grouped by the Five Ways.
Connect
Feeling connected is essential to our wellbeing. Many people told us that volunteering helped them meet others, feel less isolated, and build lasting relationships:
“Volunteering helps you build meaningful relationships.”
“Connect and be part of the wider community.”
“Feeling less lonely, interacting with others.”
“Share life experiences.”
“Check via phone call to see how a person is.”
In a time where loneliness is on the rise, volunteering offers a powerful way to feel part of something bigger.
Be Active
Volunteering isn’t always desk-based. Many roles involve getting outside, moving around, or doing something hands-on, all of which support both mental and physical health:
“Many volunteering roles involve physical activity.”
“Exercise and general good mental health from being outdoors.”
“Work in nature.”
“To get away from the screen.”
“Physical.”
Volunteering can help us stay active, often without even realising it, simply through purposeful movement in the service of others.
Keep Learning
Whether it’s building confidence, developing new skills, or learning through experience, volunteering is a brilliant way to keep growing:
“Using your mind.”
“Pay it forward.”
“Improve your mind.”
Opportunities to learn can make us feel more capable, confident and engaged, and for many volunteers, that sense of progress is a big motivator.
Take Notice
Helping others can create moments of stillness, presence and reflection, encouraging us to slow down and notice the world around us:
“Volunteering encourages mindfulness.”
“Check via phone call to see how a person is.”
These acts of attention, whether listening, observing, or simply being present, are gentle reminders to take notice of the moment and those around us.
Give
At the heart of volunteering is giving: time, care, energy. However, many volunteers reflected on how much they also get back in return:
“Helping others makes you feel good.”
“Supporting someone in need provides a deep sense of reward.”
“Giving gives me a sense of purpose and contribution.”
“Making use of my time to do something positive and give back.”
“Give meaning and purpose to life.”
Giving can bring meaning, purpose, and joy, all of which are central to long-term mental wellbeing.
What the Activity Showed Us
This simple poster activity sparked some thoughtful and moving reflections. People were engaged, open, and generous in what they shared.
It reminded us that volunteering isn’t just a kind act, it can be transformational too!
At CB Plus, we’re proud to work alongside so many volunteers who give their time, energy and care so generously. If you’re thinking of getting involved, we wholeheartedly encourage it.
Interested in Volunteering?
If you’re looking to get involved in your local community, there are plenty of ways to start your volunteering journey.
Take a look at some of the fantastic organisations offering opportunities in Barnet:
We also regularly share volunteering roles and community updates in our newsletter — you can sign up here to stay in the loop.
Whether you’re looking to connect with others, build new skills, or simply do something meaningful with your time, there’s a role out there for you.
