Volunteers’ Week is an initiative that has been running for more than 40 years, celebrating and recognising volunteer work and projects across the UK.
Running from 1 – 7 June 2026, the campaign shines a spotlight on the valuable work done by volunteers in communities and highlights how this enriches and supports the people they serve.
According to Volunteers’ Week, 25 million people volunteered informally at least once in the past year, with volunteering having added £4.6 billion in productivity gains to the UK economy in 2024.
If volunteering is something you’ve considered in the past, it could be that a lack of time has prevented you, or maybe you weren’t sure how to get started.
However, it could be worth reconsidering. As well as being something good that you do for others and adding value to the economy, it can bring some significant benefits to you in the process.
1. Boosts your mental wellbeing
According to Psychology Today, some of the potential mental health benefits of volunteering include:
- Improved mood
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Greater sense of purpose
- Increased self-confidence
Focusing on the needs of others can help to move your attention away from your personal worries, giving you a sense of pride and accomplishment.
A phenomenon sometimes called the “helper’s high” can also occur, as your brain releases the feel-good hormones dopamine and oxytocin, leading to a natural boost to your wellbeing.
2. Improves social connections
If you’re a busy professional or work remotely, it can be difficult to expand your social network beyond existing contacts.
Volunteering helps you to connect with people who share a similar purpose and form new relationships.
Research from NCVO found that 89% of volunteers had met new people through their activities, a figure that rises to 92% for those aged between 55 and 64.
3. Enhances physical health
It may not be the first benefit that springs to mind, but you could even see some improvements to your physical health, too.
In fact, according to Healthline, some of the benefits you may notice include:
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Improved brain performance
- Lower levels of physical pain
It could even help to prolong your life, with Healthline also reporting that those who volunteered for at least 100 hours a year for over four years had a reduced risk of early death than those who did no volunteering.
4. Creates a sense of purpose and fulfilment
Volunteering is a powerful way of making a difference, and knowing that you’ve helped a person, a group of people, or an entire community can give you a greater sense of purpose.
Working with a volunteer organisation can help to bring meaning and an increased sense of life satisfaction, as you see the tangible difference your contribution has made.
5. Helps you to develop new skills
Depending on the type of volunteering you choose, it can be a good opportunity to either brush up on some of your existing skills or develop new ones entirely.
These could include:
- Communication
- Project management
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Organisation
- Specific skills, such as marketing, fundraising, or hands-on practical work.
There are several types of volunteer work to choose from to fit around your lifestyle
You may want to volunteer to support a cause that’s close to your heart, or you could be interested in expanding your horizons beyond your day job. There are many different types of volunteer work available, including:
- Social and community work, such as volunteering at food banks, care homes, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or working with vulnerable people within the community
- Skills-based volunteering, where you put your existing skills to use via mentoring and governance
- Environmental volunteering, like working in local habitats for restoration, conservation, and preservation, or tidying up communal gardens, parks, and wildlife areas
- Charity fundraising and events, helping to organise events for local or national charities close to your heart
- Virtual volunteering, with roles such as web development, social media management, or online tutoring available if you prefer to volunteer remotely.
If you’re not sure where to start, try visiting Doit, which is a national database of volunteer opportunities, so you can find roles in your area.
Get in touch
Please email us at info@servoprivatewealth.com or call 01444 715200, and we’ll be happy to help.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
Any links will direct to a third-party website and Servo Private Wealth is not responsible for the accuracy of the information or content contained within linked sites.
Approved by Best Practice IFA Group Limited on 13/05/2026.