Volunteer Wellbeing: What Works And Who Benefits?

Introduction

This briefing delves into how volunteering affects the wellbeing of adults who volunteer formally. It reveals that volunteering can lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction. However, it's crucial that the volunteering experience is positive to fully reap these benefits. Volunteering regularly is beneficial, but too much can have the opposite effect.

Enhancing Volunteer Experiences

For volunteer organisations and management practitioners, this document is invaluable. It underscores the importance of supporting volunteers through effective management, peer, and emotional support. This approach not only boosts the wellbeing of volunteers but also enhances the overall volunteer experience.

Recommendations for a Better Future

The briefing suggests that policy makers, funders, and commissioners should focus on wellbeing in their programs. It calls for a recognition of the value of a good volunteer experience and the need to tackle inequalities in volunteering opportunities. Additionally, it recommends further research into how volunteering contributes to subjective wellbeing and explores different forms of participation.

Application

This document is a must-read for those involved in volunteer management, offering insights and recommendations to create more inclusive and beneficial volunteering experiences.

Stuart, J. and Abreu Scherer, I. (2020) Volunteer wellbeing: what works and who benefits?, What Works Centre for Wellbeing and Spirit of 2012