Improving your wellbeing and skills through volunteering
Bettering your wellbeing
The NHS has devised a list of the five best ways you can improve your mental wellbeing (external link). One of these suggestions is giving to others. Research shows that by carrying out selfless acts of giving such as volunteering, you create feelings of purpose and worthiness, and a sense of accomplishment and reward as you see the impact of your work. These positive feelings all contribute towards improving your mental health. Not only that, but many volunteering opportunities help you to connect with others and avoid feelings of isolation, which is one of the very best ways to improve your mental wellbeing.
Improving your wellbeing and skills through volunteering
Volunteering. It’s the ultimate win-win activity. Not only does it improve things for other people and the world around you, but it has a host of brilliant benefits for the volunteer too.
From building skills and experience to improving your mental wellbeing, volunteering can be an extremely rewarding activity with a host of advantages. There are loads of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at university, so join us as we delve into the opportunities available to students at Leeds, and the ways in which volunteering can help you while you’re helping others.
Improving your skills
As a student thinking ahead to post-uni life, you might be looking for ways to build your skills and gain some experience to pad out your CV alongside your degree. Volunteering is the perfect solution to tick this box whilst also having a positive impact on the community. So whether it’s building your intercultural awareness and learning a language, gaining leadership skills from a role in a society, or acquiring specialist knowledge and workplace skills in a sports or sustainability context, we’ve got you covered – it’s time to boost your mood, your confidence and your skills for the future.
How to get started
Want to get involved with volunteering but feeling nervous or unsure where to start? Here are some simple tips for making the first move.
- The University’s Volunteering Hub has a dedicated team of staff to help you find the right opportunity based on sector and skills to develop. They’ll keep in contact with you throughout the duration of your time volunteering, providing support where you need it. Email them, or visit in person at 5-7 Cromer Terrace to get the ball rolling.
- Volunteer with a friend – it will be easier to step into the unknown with a familiar face. And it’ll mean twice the help for the cause you’re supporting.
- If you’re seeking out your own opportunity and feeling nervous, make contact with the organisation via email first to take the pressure off. Chances are you’ll get a warm response and the nerves will disappear.
- If you have concerns about how helpful you’ll be, ask for a chat on the phone to talk through what you can offer the organisation and see if you’ll be a good fit.
Volunteering Opportunities at Leeds
Students into Schools
Your opportunity if you’re looking to volunteer in schools around Leeds.
Click here.
Volunteering Societies
There’s plenty of ways to give back in one of our volunteering societies.
Click here.
Intercultural Volunteering
Develop your skills, experience new things, and be part of a global community.
Click here.
Sustainability Volunteering
Make a positive impact as you help create a sustainable future.
Click here.
Societies into Schools
Share your society’s skills in schools around Leeds.
Click here.
Leeds for Life Opportunities
Explore the current opportunities available to you across Leeds.
Click here.
Sports Volunteering
Do good stuff on campus, in the community or internationally with Leeds Sport.
Click here.
