Giving in all its forms not only benefits those you help but also benefits your wellbeing.

Studies have shown that giving helps to combat stress, depression and anxiety and keeps you mentally stimulated.

Acts of giving and kindness can improve your wellbeing by:

• Boosting your self-confidence
• Giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth
• Creating feelings of happiness and a sense of reward
• Helping you to connect with other people.

These acts could be small acts of kindness like holding open a door, or bigger acts such as volunteering in your local community.

In July, the University provided funds to 22 organisations as part of the Community Donations Fund to support projects that benefit the Charnwood community. Ben Cole, Head of Future Space and Strategic Projects, was one of the recipients of the Inside Out Fund which supports organisations staff members are involved in.

Discussing his experience volunteering for Emmanuel Football Club U15s, Ben said: “They say a change is as good as a rest and volunteering with my son’s football team Emmanuel FC is certainly a change from the day job.

“For me, volunteering has been hugely valuable for my wellbeing. Being the parent of teenagers, it can be challenging to stay involved in the stuff that’s important to them. Having the team, the training and the matches has been a brilliant regular check-in and shared experience that’s kept us communicating. I know it is the same for other parents who also value the community around the club. It is just such a warm and inclusive atmosphere.”

Natalie Savage, Partnership Development Associate at Loughborough, was also one of the recipients of the Inside Out Fund. Natalie said: “It was a joyous moment to hear that Act One’s application for the fund was successful. This helps us provide another opportunity for young people to perform.

“Volunteering enables me to use my skills, qualifications, and experience to advance the work of the charity, and collectively make a difference to the lives of young people, supporting them to feel they belong and to develop self-worth, independence, and social and transferrable skills.

“But volunteering benefits me so much too. I have a sense of focus and purpose; I’ve made new friends and am part of a community that works hard but has fun. Seeing the members develop and grow into confident young adults makes me happy, and it is incredibly exciting and rewarding to keep up to date with the progress of our alumni. I feel immense pride for them all.”

Matt Youngs, Graduate Management Trainee at the University was also a recipient of the Inside Out Fund. He shared his experience volunteering as a Community First Responder (CFR) for the East Midlands Ambulance Service in a blog post last year. Matt said: “One of the joys of volunteering is that you can give back as little or as much as you like.”

The University offers staff one day of paid absence per year to undertake approved volunteer work, details of the Supported Volunteering Policy are available to view online. If you’re looking for a volunteering opportunity, the Sustainability Team are currently looking for volunteers to help with the management of the bees.

Oliver Preedy, Senior Beekeeper said:”I have really enjoyed being part of the beekeeping team at Loughborough, seeing the bees go from strength to strength and being part of such an inclusive group.”

If you would like to learn more about volunteering at the University Apiary, please email environment@lboro.ac.uk.

Act of giving ideas:

• Spend time with someone who needs company or support.
• Say thank you to someone for something they have done to help you.
• Volunteer in your local community, you can explore volunteering opportunities at Active Together.
• Offer to help a friend, relative, or colleague with a work or DIY project.
• Ask others how they are and listen to them.
• Consider becoming a coach or mentor at Loughborough.

Bernard Meltzer, United States Radio Host said: “There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.”