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Doing your bit for charity gives you a great opportunity to help individuals and causes who are in need of assistance. However, you may be surprised to learn that supporting a charity can actually benefit you as well. To learn more, take a look at some of the benefits that arise when you do your bit for charity:

1. Increased social connections

Volunteering your time and skills can connect you with others and allow you to forge new social connections. Loneliness and isolation can have a big impact on your well-being, but volunteering is a constructive and positive way to make new social relationships. As you begin to widen your social circle and get more involved, you’ll find you have more contacts than ever before!

2. Learn new skills 

When you first start out, you may feel more comfortable volunteering in a capacity that you’re familiar with but, over time, you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills. A Health and Social Care training provider can help you to complete certifications required for some volunteering positions, for example. Alternatively, you can develop new skills on an ad hoc basis via volunteering.

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3. Relieve stress

It’s not unusual for people to feel stressed and overwhelmed in today’s fast-paced world, but volunteering can help to combat this. Many people assume that they don’t have the time to volunteer but making time in your schedule can have a positive impact on you, as well as those you help. The emotional reward that comes from volunteering can help to relieve stress, while the fulfilment of being able to help others can boost your mood.

4. Stay healthy

When you volunteer, your role may include physical activity, such as providing care to others, or mental activity, like administrative tasks for a local organization. Both forms of activity are critical if you want to stay healthy, particularly as you get older. If you’re worried that retiring from work will leave you at a loose end, for example, volunteering could fill the void and give you the outlet you need to maintain your health and well-being.

5. Boost your confidence

There are many reasons why people lack self-confidence and, sometimes, there’s no definable reason at all. No matter what the cause of your low self-esteem, doing your bit for charity can help to give you a newfound sense of self-confidence. As you use your time and skills to help others, you’ll be left in no doubt that you’re a valuable and much-appreciated member of your community.

6. Finding the Right Volunteering Opportunity

There are numerous charities that require assistance, so finding an opportunity to volunteer isn’t difficult. However, it’s worth doing some research so that you can find the right opportunity for you. If you have a particular interest or you’re passionate about a specific cause, for example, you may want to volunteer with an organization that operates in these areas. When you can combine your interests, skills and expertise to find the right volunteering opportunity, you can maximize your impact and contribute to real change.