How to help others and help yourself 

Sarah shares her story of how her endeavour to help others, ultimately, helped her and her mental health 

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Mental Health UK

When I was younger I always enjoyed getting involved in activities which were connected to community programmes or a charity but, as I got older, my life become a little more routine. Go to work Monday-to-Friday, see friends at the weekend – and although both of these gave me a level of joy, I always felt a little unfulfilled.

I missed being around people with different life experiences from mine and giving my time to something that would help impact others in a positive way. At first I thought I didn’t have the time to give but I knew something was missing and I had to make time, as this was having a negative effect on my mental health.

I had no idea where to start but that’s when I found Do-IT – a website that connects people to volunteering opportunities all across the country. It takes into account the day and times you can make yourself available. It was at this time that I found D.I.S.C – a youth club for children with hearing difficulties whose aim was to include all deaf people in the community. The youth club provided a safe and fun environment where deaf young people could relax and develop into independent, confident, self-sufficient individuals, without the usual barriers that deaf people face in society.

The youth club ran once a week, which was the right level of commitment for me. I met some wonderful volunteers who had been involved with the group for years and they soon became confidants that I could learn from. I also met some amazing young people who were funny, kind and just a joy to be around.

I may have given my time, but they game me so much more. The experience gave me the endorphins I needed at a time when I was feeling really flat. A hole I had felt for years was suddenly filled with fulfilment, laughter, learning and gratitude.

When I relocated three years later my time at the club had to come to an end but I have since volunteered at GOSH, and also with a local programme for disabled children to provide a few hours of respite for parents each week.

Despite not feeling as though I had the time to commit when I was feeling low at the start, I pencilled this time in for me. It was my time to do something I enjoyed, that would make me happy. It enabled me to give, yet also receive an abundance of satisfaction and joy in return.

I enjoyed volunteering with young people but there are so many different opportunities out there. I didn’t need a skillset to work with young people – just a DBS check, a passion to have fun and raise the spirits of others plus some compassion.

My volunteering had such a positive impact on my mental health and I am forever grateful for the opportunities provided by these programmes; they allowed me to be part of something, and to give back.

Whatever your physical or practical skills are, if your work has a volunteering scheme or there’s a local programme looking for support near you, check it out. There might just be something that brings you happiness in return and supports your wellbeing, like it did me.