The Evidence Behind Volunteer Happiness: Why Giving Time Gives Back

📅 National Volunteer Week – 18–24 May

When we picture a volunteer, we might imagine someone offering their time selflessly to help others, serving meals at a community kitchen, coaching a local sports team, or offering support to those going through a tough time. What’s often left out of the picture is what that volunteer receives in return.

As we mark National Volunteer Week from 18–24 May, it’s the perfect moment to reflect not only on the incredible contribution of volunteers, but also on the growing body of evidence showing how volunteering boosts our own wellbeing.

Volunteering and Happiness: What the Research Shows

Volunteering is more than a noble act, it’s a scientifically supported way to improve mental health, build resilience, and enhance life satisfaction.

Here's what the research says:

1. It Boosts Mental Health

A 2020 study published in The Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who volunteer regularly experience higher levels of mental wellbeing and are more satisfied with their lives. Even volunteering just once a month was associated with increased happiness compared to those who never volunteer.

2. It Helps Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation

According to a 2021 report by Volunteering Australia, volunteering creates social connections that reduce feelings of loneliness, particularly important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By working together on shared goals, volunteers form friendships and meaningful relationships.

3. It Builds Purpose and Meaning

Psychologists point to the importance of “meaning-making” in building a life that feels fulfilling. Volunteering offers people a chance to connect their actions with their values, creating a stronger sense of purpose. In fact, many retirees or people in life transition periods turn to volunteering as a way to reorient their identity and rebuild daily structure.

4. It Can Even Improve Physical Health

Yes! Volunteering may be good for your body too. A study from Carnegie Mellon University found that adults over 50 who volunteered at least 200 hours per year were less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who didn’t volunteer, potentially due to the stress-reducing effects of meaningful social interaction.

Why It Works: The Science of Giving

Volunteering activates the brain’s reward centres. Neuroscience shows that acts of generosity release dopamine, often referred to as the "helper’s high." This natural boost in mood explains why many volunteers report feeling happier and more optimistic after contributing their time and skills, even after just a single shift.

Volunteering also helps shift perspective. When people engage with others facing challenges, it often sparks gratitude, empathy, and a deeper understanding of what really matters, qualities known to improve long-term emotional wellbeing.

Canberra’s Volunteer Champions

Here in Canberra, we’re lucky to have a thriving volunteer community, from youth mentors and climate activists to health advocates and sports coaches. Volunteering ACT reports over 30% of Canberrans engage in formal volunteer roles, not to mention the countless acts of informal volunteering that keep our neighbourhoods connected.

Local initiatives like The Snow Foundation's Hands Up program and MIEACT’s lived experience educators demonstrate how giving time and sharing stories creates real change and in the process, gives volunteers a sense of being part of something bigger than themselves.

Want to Feel Happier? Give Time

If you’re looking for a mood booster this National Volunteer Week, don’t overlook the simplest solution: offer your time. Whether it’s helping out at a local event, joining a bushcare group, or lending your lived experience to support others, volunteering doesn’t just help communities, it helps you, too.

📍 Need help finding where to start?
Visit VolunteeringACT.org.au to explore opportunities across Canberra. Or reach out to local organisations you admire—they’re often looking for a hand, even if it's just for a one-off task.

💬 This National Volunteer Week, we’re asking: What’s one way you’ve given time that ended up giving you even more in return?
Share your story or tag someone who inspires you to give back.

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