You get what you give: volunteering

The events of the past 12 months have led many of us to reassess our values and take stock of what's important in life. So now is the perfect time to make a resolution that won't just change your own life, but will help make the things you care about - like the British coast - better, too.

 

Voluntary work is often seen as a chore rather than a pleasure, but getting involved in projects that help to improve our communities and environment is more than just a way to fill spare hours or earn some good karma. ‘The very act of doing something for a cause creates good feelings in ourselves,' explains chartered clinical psychologist Paul Grantham. ‘It promotes physical and emotional wellbeing, and makes people happier, more content and more fulfilled.'

 

Such a good feeling

 

We've all felt the buzz that comes with doing a good deed, and volunteering can give you that high on a regular basis.

 

A recent report by the Government's Foresight group suggested that a bit of philanthropy, such as volunteering or giving to charity, can fortify our mental health and make life more productive and fulfilling. The reciprocal benefits are so strong that one American report coined the term ‘philantherapy' to refer to the positive impact of volunteering.

 

‘Altruistic acts reduce the likelihood of emotional problems, such as depression and anxiety,' Paul Grantham says. ‘They shift your attention from your own internal worries to an outside focus and help you gain perspective.' In fact, a report by volunteering organisation CSV showed that more than 70 per cent of volunteers reported reduced stress and depression.

 

If volunteering in general is good for the soul, then doing it in a coastal environment is even better. According to research by the RSPB, getting close to nature gives us a positive outlook on life and enhances our ability to cope with emotional challenges. ‘Simply being near the coast has positive psychological effects,' agrees Ian Allison, expeditions coordinator with the environmental charity Earthwatch. ‘Looking out across the ocean gives you a sense of the bigger picture in life, which is not always easy to see day-to-day.'

 

Chance to grow

 

In recession Britain, where many of us feel undervalued and under pressure at work, volunteering could give you a much needed confidence boost. ‘It's a great way to learn new skills and feel like you're making a difference,' Ian Allison says. ‘Knowing that people appreciate what you're doing does wonders for your self-esteem.'

 

Coastal projects are also the perfect opportunity to enrich your life by meeting new people. Forget Facebook and Twitter; nothing beats getting your hands dirty on a beach clean and then rewarding yourself with a pint and a natter in a seafront pub (as Coast readers who have joined in our annual beach cleans will attest).

 

‘Volunteering is a brilliant way to make new friends,' agrees Helen Walker, chief executive of volunteering charity TimeBank. ‘The fact that you have a shared interest in your work gives you an instant ice breaker.' 

 

Let's get physical

 

Volunteering isn't just good for the mind, it's good for the body, too. According to a recent National Trust survey, more than 40 per cent of participants in its working holidays scheme report improved fitness levels and general health. And because coastal projects are active by nature, the physical benefits are there for the taking.

 

‘There's evidence that volunteering can improve your physical as well as your psychological wellbeing,' Ian Allison says. ‘It pushes you out of your comfort zone, gets your heart pumping and makes you feel like you've had a good workout.'

 

These positive effects can last a lifetime - literally. A review by the  University of Wales Lampeter found that people working on environmental projects are physically fitter than others, and that volunteers in general have a better diet, do more exercise and even live longer.

 

We're better together

 

With so many concerns about the state of the environment, doing your bit for the planet makes you feel better about your impact on the world. ‘And seeing the difference you can make leads you to feel more proactive,' Helen Walker says. This is also important on a local level, with coastal communities benefiting from the efforts of volunteers who collect litter, protect wildlife and look after conservation areas. ‘A community where residents are involved is richer in social capital than a community where people are financially wealthy but remain isolated from each other,' says Sheila Hawkins, head of volunteering with Volunteering England. This in turn benefits you. People who offer their services have a greater sense of belonging and are more valued by their communities. Indeed, the University of Wales Lampeter review points out that volunteers enjoy better social interaction and integration.

 

The hours you spend helping out, whether clearing beaches or manning a lifeboat, all help to make our shoreline a better place. And while the British coast benefits from your time, you reap the physical, mental and social gains. ‘Volunteering isn't just about making a sacrifice,' Helen Walker says. ‘On the contrary, it's important that you get something out of it as well. You're making a positive difference and enjoying it - it really is a win-win situation.'

 

How to give back: five coastal schemes

 

British Divers Marine Life Rescue A network of volunteers trained to rescue stranded and injured marine mammals. Training courses cost £90; no experience necessary (01825 765546, www.bdmlr.org.uk).

 

Adopt-a-Beach A nationwide beach clean campaign, run by MCS. Either become a local organiser or join an existing group (www.adoptabeach.org.uk).

 

RNLI The lifeboat charity has a range of volunteering roles, from manning the boats to fundraising (0845 122 6999, www.rnli.org.uk).

 

National Trust working holidays Volunteering trips in UK-wide coastal and countryside locations. From £45 for a short break, including accommodation (0844 800 3099, www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

 

Whales and dolphins of Moray Firth or the Hebrides Earthwatch expeditions surveying marine wildlife off the Scottish coast. From £895, including accommodation (www.earthwatch.org/europe/expeditions).

 

---

 

You might also like... 

 

Knit hats for fishermen

 

Take a walk by the sea