Why volunteering is good for you : Real Stories from our Team

Volunteers give so much to our local communities across Orkney, Scotland and the UK. In 2022, volunteers in Scotland contributed 300 million hours of help!*

But it turns out that the benefits of volunteering aren't just a one-way street. There are plenty of perks for volunteers too, including increased confidence, improved mental and physical health, a greater sense of achievement, the cultivation of new skills, and a feeling of enjoyment and community belonging.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations reported in a survey on the “Volunteer Experience” that over three-quarters (77%) of volunteers agreed that volunteering had improved their mental health and wellbeing. And 93% said they enjoyed the experience of volunteering.

This is what some of our own ODAF volunteers had to say on the matter. . .

"I enjoy the sense of wellbeing the classes bring and being able to help plan the future of ODAF."

"It's like an extended family, we keep each other motivated and have fun. It's all about community and bringing people together."

"I joined ODAF when I had to give up work. Apart from joining in the classes, I love helping out and volunteering.'

"I really enjoy being part of a board with likeminded people, getting to together to discuss ideas, and putting them into practice."

What I enjoy most of all, apart from the obvious benefit to my overall health and fitness, is the social aspect of ODAF, the fun part of meeting people and sharing this experience with them. I can see the beneficial effect that coming to classes is having on many members of the local community. There are people recovering from illness, there are some who have been recently widowed or recently diagnosed with some degenerating condition, and all of them are realising that there is still a way to be the best they can be.

We love the joy and sense of fun that our volunteers bring to Orkney Dance and Fitness! Plus it makes us happy to know that our volunteers are happy too. Volunteering really is good for you!

Interested in finding out more about volunteering with us? Keep your eyes peeled for further info about volunteering opportunities over on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Or send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.

*Find out more about these statistics on the Volunteer Scotland website and on the NCVO news page.