Do you know the benefits of volunteering?

Volunteering is something we’re truly passionate about here at Imago.

There are huge benefits, not just for the service you volunteer with and local community, but volunteering can also boost your mental health.

The NHS suggest five ways to improve your mental health and all apply when volunteering:

• Connecting with people: volunteering will boost your network, increase social interactions and brings people together as a team
• Being physically active: doesn’t have to mean being outdoors all day, just being up and about is great for your physical health
• Learning a new skill: volunteering provides a great opportunity for learning new skills and sharing experiences with others, which can give a real boost to your confidence.
• Giving to others: this doesn’t mean putting your hand in your pocket, but to give some time to someone else, some care, some thought. This can be anything from making a call to a lonely or isolated person, checking in on a neighbour, or listening to a child read in a school.
• Pay attention (mindfulness): this is just about being in the moment and engaged, noticing what’s going on around you, the sights, smells and sensations.

It might be that you’re looking for a volunteer role to help you into a new job role, gain experience, skills and confidence, or you may be looking to try something completely different, find a new hobby, or fulfil a long-held dream.

If you would like to know more about volunteering in West Kent, explore our volunteering page and get in touch with the team volunteering@imago.community

You can also read more about the five ways to mental wellbeing.