Wellbeing Guide from Police Mutual International Volunteer Day – Dec 2025
International Volunteers Day takes place on 5 December every year and is a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and to say thank you.
Volunteers play a key role in making a difference to our communities. Today is a great time for us to thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution and also consider volunteering ourselves.
Volunteering doesn’t just help others and the community but is has also shown to improve volunteers’ wellbeing too. It’s human nature to feel good after helping someone out. But volunteering can also help you gain valuable new skills and experiences, boost your confidence and be your chance to make a difference. People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Regardless of the motivation, by volunteering they are making a difference to the community.
Volunteering is a hugely valuable and rewarding experience for the volunteers and the communities they support.
There are many reasons to volunteer, including:
Community – volunteering helps us giveback to those around us, particularly in the community we live or work in. When you volunteer you strengthen your community, improve the environment you live in, give
something back to an organisation, make a difference to the lives of others and help others less fortunate or without a voice. Volunteering enables people to play an active role in society and contribute to positive social change. Volunteers support vulnerable people in society and enable them to live a healthy and rewarding life. This could mean support with things we take for granted, such as practical help at home for disabled or older people, mentoring a care leaver and helping them to find their feet as an adult, or taking part in a litter pick or at a local scouting group.
Your mental health and self-esteem – volunteering also makes you feel good. In fact, a study has shown that not only is volunteering associated with increased happiness and lower depression, but it also reduces
the risk of premature death. This is especially true if you enjoy volunteering and feel valued and part of a team. You will spend quality time away from work or your busy lifestyle and be in the moment. It may help you gain confidence and improve your self-esteem. Volunteering can also help to improve your mental health. Evidence suggest there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. One of which is to give to others, research suggests that acts of giving and kindness and being part of community life can improve your mental wellbeing. For more details on the 5 steps to mental wellbeing click here.
To read more from this well being guide click HERE