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Some days, the world feels heavy. Connection can help us share the load together.
Mental Health Australia’s theme for World Mental Health Day ‘Connect with your community’ feels especially relevant in a time when many people are seeking stability in an unsettled world. We all experience moments when our mental health is tested, and in those moments, connection can be a quiet form of care.
Through our work in policy and advocacy, we see how volunteering builds that connection. It gives people a sense of purpose and belonging, strengthens relationships, and reminds us that our actions matter to others and to ourselves.
Volunteering is more than giving time. It’s about being part of something that brings meaning and hope, creating communities that are kinder, more inclusive, and better equipped to support wellbeing for all.
Today, we recognise the volunteers who support others through life’s challenges, and the many ways they help build a mentally healthy Australia.
Why volunteering matters for mental health
Humans are wired for connection. When we feel isolated, our mental health suffers. Volunteering offers a bridge back to community while supporting our mental health and wellbeing in multiple ways:
- Belonging and social connection: Volunteering brings people together around shared purpose. It helps us feel seen, heard, and understood.
- Purpose and meaning: Contributing to something greater than ourselves gives life direction, which is especially protective in times of stress, grief or uncertainty.
- Reduced stress and improved mood: Acts of kindness and helping others trigger physiological and psychological benefits, including reductions in anxiety and boosts in life satisfaction.
- Growth and confidence: Taking on new roles or responsibilities can build skills, self-esteem and resilience.
What the research says
There’s growing evidence that volunteering can support our mental health and wellbeing.
- Volunteering Australia’s Evidence Insights: Volunteering and Mental Health found volunteering is associated with better perceived mental health and quality of life. Volunteering has been found to improve self-assessed psychological wellbeing, self-esteem, happiness, and satisfaction with life. Across multiple studies, people who volunteered scored higher on these metrics than people who did not volunteer. Volunteering is also associated with lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, and lower indicators of suicide risk. The number of hours a person volunteers was also found to be significant, with those who contribute more than 100 hours a year experiencing stronger wellbeing benefits.
- Volunteering Research Paper – Volunteering and Mental Health found volunteering supports mental health by increasing psychological and social capital. Research suggests that social interaction and sense of purpose are the key mechanisms linking volunteering activity to better mental health. Volunteering in the community creates opportunities for social interaction, and evidence suggests that giving support to others is a particularly beneficial form of social connection.
- Australian Psychological Society highlights that volunteering is linked to better life satisfaction, self-esteem, happiness and perceived mental health. Volunteering also has the potential to bring purpose to people’s lives, create opportunities for meaningful engagement and give people a true sense of accomplishment. Research suggests the mental health benefits of volunteering may be especially pronounced for older Australians, where studies have linked volunteering to improved self-reported health, reduced depressive symptoms, increased physical functioning, better cognitive functioning and longer lives.
- Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) research found that if a child is involved in volunteering before the age of 13, the odds of having poor mental health are reduced by around 28%. This study shows the tremendous benefits of volunteering for reducing the risk of mental ill-health – especially in the pre-teen years when mental health symptoms often come to the fore for children or become worse.
What volunteering looks like
Volunteering is a fluid concept that has various expressions and interpretations. The key is choosing roles that match your interests and lifestyle.
Formal Volunteering
Time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain, taking place within organisations and groups (including institutions and agencies) in a structured way.
- Joining environment or conservation programs
- Volunteering at local food banks, community hubs or neighbourhood centres
- Mentoring or tutoring in after-school or community settings
- Supporting helplines, peer support groups or crisis services
- Getting involved in community arts, recreation, and cultural groups
Informal Volunteering
Time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain, taking place outside the context of a formal organisation or group. This includes assisting people in the community, excluding one’s own family members.
- Checking in with a neighbour (chat, errands, gardening)
- Helping someone move house or carrying groceries
- Walking a friend’s pet
- Participating in clean ups or community garden days
Activity-Based Volunteering
Where individuals or groups volunteer to complete an activity-based task or role. For example, planting trees or sorting donations.
Employee Volunteering
Where employees are empowered or enabled by their workplace to contribute time, skill, or effort to a volunteer involving organisation or cause
Skills-Based Volunteering
Where individuals or groups with professional qualifications and/or experience volunteer their skills and expertise. For example, building a website or providing bookkeeping services.
Spontaneous Volunteers
People without a formal association with a volunteer involving organisation who seek out or are invited to help with various volunteering opportunities, often in connection with a community response to disasters.
As you can see volunteering comes in many forms. The National Strategy for Volunteering recognises participating in volunteering should be an easy choice where everyone feels welcome to come as they are and contribute their time, skills, and passion to activities and causes they care about.
Stories of impact
Sometimes the strongest evidence of volunteering’s mental health benefits is hearing from volunteers themselves.
Myrna, a dedicated volunteer at IPC Health Deer Park, shares her story as part of our ‘Share Your Story’ series.
“Volunteering with the community at IPC Health has been truly inspiring. I’ve had the chance to meet so many people, support them, and help improve their wellbeing.”
Myrna assists with a range of community health programs, including providing transport services, offering social support, and helping out at events. One of her favourite parts of volunteering is simply brightening a patient’s day through conversation and connection.
“I always listen to IPC patients and everyone who works at IPC. It’s important to be present and kind.”
Through her care and compassion, Myrna helps others feel seen and supported and in return, finds a deep sense of purpose and wellbeing herself.
Myrna’s advice for new volunteers: “I would say to anyone thinking about volunteering – it can give your self-esteem and confidence a healthy boost. You’re doing something good for others and the community, and that creates a natural sense of accomplishment. Volunteering can also give you pride and a stronger sense of identity.”
A gentle call to connect
This World Mental Health Day, we invite you to reflect:
- How do you connect with your community and with yourself?
- Could volunteering be part of your mental health toolkit?
Start by exploring roles that interest you, asking local groups what they need, or helping a neighbour. Every connection matters.
Find ways to connect through volunteering: Volunteering Opportunities in Australia | GoVolunteer
