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Volunteering can make you happier

Submitted by Rebecca Kearley on Tue, 10/08/2010 - 23:00

 

Research commissioned by Make a Difference Day about the positive impact of volunteering which revealed that:

• More than half the population (55%) feel happier when they help a neighbour or friend with a problem, rising to 67% for the over 65s
• Nearly half of all volunteers (47%) say volunteering improves their physical fitness
A Quarter (25%) who volunteer more than five times a year say it helps them lose weight
Half of people (48%) who have volunteered for more than two years say volunteering makes them less depressed.
• Up to 63% of people say volunteering helps them feel less stressed.
• Up to 17% of volunteers say it improves their sex lives

 

The research comes in the build-up to CSV Make a Difference Day on Saturday 30 October 2010, with activities taking place a week either side. To find out more visit www.csv.org.uk/difference  or call FREEPHONE 0800 284 533 or email difference@csv.org.uk

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Comments

Submitted by Nicola Worsley on Thu, 12/08/2010 - 10:09

So 45% feel unhappy when they've helped someone out?  I find that a little baffling.  Volunteering is a great thing to do, both for the actual act of helping others out and the CV building opportunities it gives you.