The “helper’s high”: Why volunteering is your new favourite workout

By Andrea Rannard-Lambert, Director of Partnerships & Communications

We all know the rush of a post-gym endorphin kick, but what if you could get that same “natural high” while making a tangible difference in your community? As we approach Mental Health Awareness Week 11-17 May, it’s the perfect time to look at how giving back is actually one of the most effective ways to look after ourselves.

Volunteering isn’t just a “nice to do – it’s a powerful tool for building personal resilience and mental health. The data speaks for itself:

• Mental health boost: 77% of volunteers report that their work improves their mental health and wellbeing.[2]
• Pure enjoyment: An incredible 93% of volunteers rate “enjoyment” as their highest-rated benefit.[3]
• The power of purpose: Beyond the chemicals, volunteering promotes self-efficacy (the belief in your own abilities), social connectedness, and a deep sense of purpose.[4]

According to the NHS, acts of giving and kindness are fundamental to mental wellbeing. They create a “reward” cycle in the brain, helping you feel more connected to the world around you and boosting your overall self-worth.[5]

Find your perfect match with ELBA

Whether you have five minutes or five hours, ELBA is here to help you find the right fit. We believe volunteering should work for you, which is why we offer a range of flexible options:

• Individual or group-based: Go solo or bring the whole team.
• Remote or in-person activities: Support a cause from your desk or get stuck in on-site.
• Skills-based or brand new: Use your professional expertise to mentor others, or try something completely different to clear your head.

Get involved

Ready to find your “helper’s high”? Contact ELBA today to discover how you can support your community while supporting your own wellbeing.

For more information, contact [email protected].

1 (Moore, J. Mind Hull and East Yorkshire (August 2023)The mental health benefits of volunteering. Available at: https://heymind.org.uk/the-mental-health-benefits-of-volunteering-by-annie-button/)

2 (NCVO: Time Well Spent: A national survey on the volunteer experience, 2019)

3 (NCVO: Time Well Spent: A national survey on the volunteer experience, 2019)

4 Volunteer wellbeing: what works and who benefits? October 2020

5 NHS (December 2022) 5 steps to mental wellbeing. Available at:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/

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