Top Five Reasons to Volunteer

We understand that retiring is a big life change and you might be feeling a little lost as you adjust to no longer going to work.

MHA has volunteering opportunities across the UK to help older people live later life well, visit our volunteering page to find out more and apply.

Here's our top five reasons to volunteer:

1. Improving your wellbeing

Research shows that, as humans, we want to feel a sense of purpose and achievement in our lives and volunteering can give you that. Charities really need your help, probably now more than ever so you'll get a good feeling that you're helping them but also directly supporting their cause. If you're not sure where to start, Google what's available in your local area. If you’re on Facebook you could join local groups and post that you’re wanting to volunteer. You could also see what information you can get from your local library. They might have information for local organisations like churches, food banks and small charities.  

Mentalhealth.org.uk have a kindness matters guide detailing research that has proven that being kind can have many health benefits. 

2. Meeting new people 

When people retire, they can miss the interactions they once had at work. But volunteering opens up a new group of people to meet and spend time with and will help you if you're feeling lonely. Volunteering enables you to feel part of a team again, which is also really good for a feel-good boost.  

If volunteering doesn't feel right for you but you want to meet new people, MHA has community groups across England and Wales. To find out about your nearest scheme by visiting our MHA Communities page >

3. Creating a new routine

Establishing a routine and adjusting to a new pace of life is a big part of retirement. If you commit to volunteering at the same time/day it'll soon become a part of your routine. It's a good reason to get out of bed in the morning or to fill your quieter afternoons. 

4. A sense of achievement

Just leaving the house can feel an achievement some days, so going out to volunteer and make a difference can give you an even bigger sense of achievement. This is especially important post-retirement as people can often struggle to feel a sense of accomplishment once they're no longer working and have deadlines, structure and to-do lists. 

5. Boosting your confidence and self-esteem

Getting out there, trying something new and meeting new people will help boost your confidence and self-esteem. When you help people and get good feedback, that will also help to make you feel good. 

Webpage last updated: September 2023.