Loneliness is something many people experience – it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s natural to feel lonely or isolated at time, especially if you’re living far from loved ones, going through a period of change, or find it difficult to make connections. The holiday season, with its focus on togetherness, can sometimes highlight these feelings – but it also offers an opportunity to create new bonds.

A great way to combat loneliness is through volunteering. If you have feelings of loneliness, or you’d just like to feel more connected to the people around you, here’s how volunteering can help you combat isolation and build new relationships.

The first step is understanding loneliness

Loneliness is more than just being alone; it’s a sense of isolation and disconnection. It’s possible to feel lonely even in a crowd, as loneliness is about the quality of your relationships rather than the quantity. When you feel lonely, it can impact your mental and physical health.

The benefits of volunteering

Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to connect with others and create meaningful relationships. Here are some ways volunteering can help you reduce feelings of loneliness:

• It builds a sense of community: Volunteering allows you to become part of a community. Whether you’re helping at a local food bank, participating in a neighbourhood cleanup, or mentoring young people, you become part of a group with a shared purpose. This sense of belonging can significantly reduce feelings of isolation.

• You meet like-minded people: When you volunteer, you meet others who share your interests and values. This common ground makes it easier to form connections and build friendships. Whether you’re passionate about animal welfare or helping the elderly, there’s a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests.

• It improves mental health: Engaging in volunteer work can boost your mental health by providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Helping others can increase your self-esteem and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When you focus on the needs of others, it can also shift your perspective and reduce feelings of loneliness.

• It helps you develop new skills: Volunteering often involves learning new skills or honing existing ones. This not only enhances your resumé but also provides opportunities to interact with others. Whether you’re learning to cook at a soup kitchen or developing organisational skills at a charity event, these experiences can lead to new friendships.

• You get to create positive experiences: Volunteering creates positive experiences and memories – for everyone involved. Aside from being enjoyable in the moment, these shared can form the foundation of strong relationships.

How to get started with volunteering

If you’re considering volunteering as a way to connect with others, here are some steps to get started:

1. Identify your interests: Think about what causes or activities you’re passionate about. This will help you find volunteer opportunities that you’ll enjoy and be more likely to commit to.
2. Start small: If you’re new to volunteering, start with a small commitment. This could be a one-time event or a few hours a week. As you become more comfortable, you can increase your involvement.
3. Be open to new experiences: Volunteering can take you out of your comfort zone, but that’s where growth happens. Be open to meeting new people and trying new things.

Different scenarios of volunteering and loneliness

Here are a few examples of how volunteering can combat loneliness in different situations.

• Sarah’s story: Sarah moved to a new city for work and found herself feeling isolated and alone. She decided to volunteer at a local animal shelter, where she met others who shared her love for dogs. Through this experience, she made new friends and felt a sense of belonging in her new community.
• Andre’s story: After retiring, Andre felt bored and like something was missing in his life. He started volunteering at a community garden, where he not only found a new hobby but also formed meaningful connections with other retirees. The garden became a place where he felt valued and connected.
• Mia’s story: Mia, a college student, felt overwhelmed and lonely during her first year away from home. She joined a volunteer tutoring program, helping local children with their homework. This not only gave her a sense of purpose but also helped her build friendships with other tutors and students.

If you are feeling lonely, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Volunteering can combat loneliness by providing opportunities to connect with others, build new relationships, and create a sense of community. If you’re wondering what to do when you feel lonely, volunteering is a worthwhile experience that benefits you and others. By donating your time and energy, you can uplift others and enjoy a more fulfilling life.

Start your search for a volunteer experience now.