The value of volunteering to support mental wellbeing
If you suffer from any kind of mental health problems, you are not alone.
Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience mental health problems of some kind each year? With the challenges we’ve all faced recently this is probably set to rise as the support structures that were dependent on face-to-face contact and on delivery by those vulnerable to COVID-19, were removed overnight.
Here at Tempo, we believe in the power of people supporting people. Our volunteer programmes provide a wide range of opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills and reduce social isolation and loneliness alongside the community outreach projects.
In our recent Impact Report covering 2020-21, we saw a 37% rise in those that volunteered more than once a week. Though naturally linked to the effects of the pandemic, the overall impact demonstrates the significant value and difference to the lives of volunteers who earn and use their Tempo Time Credit.
Our report found:
- 88% of our Tempo volunteers reported improved mental health
- 88% feel less lonely and isolated
- 70% reported improved quality of life.
These are just some of the direct results associated with the act of volunteering. Once you add in the reward and recognition and how our volunteers have used their Time Credits you begin to understand the real value of volunteering to support mental wellbeing. To put it simply, we’ve seen it transform lives.
Simon was a resident at St Mungo’s Hostel, Haringey for two and a half years and openly admits he struggled with his mental health. Through his volunteering with the Haringey Project as well as meeting new people he developed a love for gardening.
Volunteering has ‘helped me improve my physical and mental health and makes me feel happy and empowered to work’.
The Tempo Time Credits Simon has earned has enabled him to take his mum on days out to Tower Bridge, Kensington Palace and Keats House, places he could never have afforded before. He’s also used his credits for an edible mushroom growing course to add to his gardening skills.
Ish is an art and music enthusiast from Cambridgeshire, and first began volunteering four years ago at the Richmond Fellowship. She had experienced major mental health and physical challenges for many years but with the support and opportunities she has gained through Tempo Time Credits, she has come a long way in her recovery.
Ish is now a co-ordinator and runs a number of community groups. She’s used her Tempo Time Credits to brush up on her skills, for trips to the cinema and on sport-related activities in her goal to get fitter and maintain a healthier physical and mental wellbeing.
We are proud of just how key volunteering is to our organisation and the invaluable, positive impact that it has on our volunteers lives, both from the act of volunteering itself and the opportunities afforded by our recognition partners.
We’ve seen volunteers bring their own skills and life experiences to support their communities and be rewarded with new opportunities to improve their own job prospects or provide invaluable days out with their loved ones. It’s a great opportunity for both parties in a win-win situation.
With an exciting new year ahead we’re looking forward to bringing a variety of new opportunities to get our volunteers out of the house and learn and experience new things.
Click here to learn more about becoming a Tempo Volunteer.
