Looking for P3 Housing Association?
Go to P3 Housing
Looking for P3 Housing Association?
Go to P3 Housing
When people think about volunteering, they often focus on the difference it makes to others, but volunteering can also have a powerful impact on the volunteer themselves.
With the latest research from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations showing that 77% of volunteers say the experience has had a positive impact on their mental health, there is growing evidence that volunteering can play an important role in supporting wellbeing.
Whether it’s helping at a community event, supporting a local community hub or sharing your skills with a charity, volunteering can improve wellbeing, build confidence and create meaningful social connections. It might not be the first thing someone thinks of when considering how to improve their wellbeing and outlook, but in a time when many people experience loneliness, stress or uncertainty, giving your time to a cause you care about can provide a much-needed sense of purpose and belonging.
It can also help people feel more connected to their communities, support them to develop new skills and help them access future opportunities like work experience or paid employment. While volunteering isn’t a replacement for professional mental health support, it can be an important part of maintaining positive wellbeing.
Volunteering can support mental health and wellbeing by creating social connections, building confidence and providing a sense of purpose. It offers opportunities to develop new skills, become part of a community and make a meaningful difference to your community and causes that matter to you.
Regular volunteer work can also provide structure and routine, helping people stay engaged and connected during periods of change, such as retirement, unemployment or moving to a new area.
P3’s Chill and Chat Group was set up by volunteer Jack Douglas Howell ten years ago. In that time, the programme has flourished into one of P3’s most popular community groups. Held every Friday, the group get together to chill, chat and get to know other people in their local community, reducing loneliness, isolation and improving wellbeing for everyone involved.
Jack is joined by his colleague, Tammy Sloan, a volunteer for the group, as they talk to us about what volunteering means to them and how the group has impacted their lives and the lives of the people they support.
Describing their experience in five words, the pair said: “Confidence, bright, vibrant, understanding, connection.”
Jack explains, “We run the group every Friday, 11[am] until 1[pm at P3’s Ripley Hub]. It’s a mental health, talking, self-referral coffee group and games afternoon. We talk, we chill and chat, we connect with our members, but we don’t just sit there: We play games, we celebrate birthdays, we throw parties, but most of all, we are each other’s community.”
Doing a bit of everything, the group caters to people with a wide range of needs. From mental health challenges, to learning disabilities and people experiencing loneliness, the group welcomes people of all ages who are looking for social connection.
For Jack and Tammy, the group has become more than just a regular activity in the week: It has created a space where people can come together, share experiences and feel understood by others who may be facing their own challenges. Small moments of connection and conversation have helped build friendships and create a sense of belonging, while offering a chance to step away from day-to-day pressures.
The pair reflected on the impact of the group, explaining that being around others and taking part each week has helped them feel more connected and positive. Tammy explains how for most of the volunteers in the group, they feel a personal connection to its purpose. She says, “I was a client for six years and I’ve been a volunteer for two.”
Opening up with her own mental health, Tammy adds: “With me having schizophrenia and depression, coming to the Friday group every week is a big help. It helps me break up the normal routines of life and breaks up the days. I know it’s only once a week, but that once a week is a break.”
Jack explains, “Our group is so much more than volunteers and group members, everybody in our group is companions. We raise funds together at our group by selling our teas, coffees, food and drinks, raffle and things like that. That helps us raise money that goes directly back in to giving the members experiences: bowling, Cadbury World, Bluebell Farm, day trip to York, the summer fairs…”
Tammy adds, “We may be volunteers, but we’re just as much part of the group as the [members] themselves.”
It’s clear that Jack and Tammy benefit from volunteering as much as the community they serve. Through shared experiences, friendships and the opportunity to support others, the group has become a place that offers connection and purpose for everyone involved. Their experiences show how creating welcoming spaces can help people build confidence, form meaningful relationships and feel part of something bigger.
If you’re considering volunteering for the first time, it can help to start small.
Think about the issues that matter most to you. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, young people, older adults or community projects, choosing a cause you’re passionate about can make volunteering more rewarding.
You don’t need specialist experience to volunteer. Many organisations offer a wide range of roles, from administration and fundraising to event support and mentoring.
Some organisations also offering training for more specialist roles, so don’t rule out potential roles until you’ve spoken with the organisation.
Are you available every day? Once a month? Be realistic about how much time you can commit and think about what you would enjoy spending your time doing.
Many volunteer roles can fit around existing commitments. Starting with a small commitment can help you build confidence and find the right role and organisation for you.
Volunteering is an opportunity to gain experience, meet new people and develop skills. You may discover strengths and interests you didn’t know you had!
At P3, volunteers play an important role in helping us support people facing homelessness, social exclusion, poor mental health and other life challenges.
Whether you want to share existing skills, gain experience, meet new people or give something back to your community, we have a variety of volunteering opportunities at hubs and centres all across England.
Volunteering with P3 isn’t just about making a difference to someone else’s life: It’s an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, create lasting connections and improve your own wellbeing.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support your community while investing in your own personal growth, we’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about our current volunteering opportunities by clicking the button below.
Short-term volunteering opportunities are available through many charities, community groups and local organisations. You can search online using terms like “short-term volunteering near me”, visit local volunteer centres or check charity websites for one-off events and flexible volunteering roles.
Many organisations offer opportunities that fit around work, study or family commitments, whether that’s helping at an event, supporting a community project or volunteering for a few hours each month.
Most homeless charities advertise volunteering opportunities on their websites, where you can browse available roles and complete an online application. The process usually involves filling in an application form, attending an informal interview or chat, and completing any necessary training or background checks before you start.
If you’re interested in volunteering with P3, you can explore our current opportunities and apply online through our website.
There are several ways to find volunteering opportunities in your local area. You can search online, contact your local volunteer centre, browse charity websites or ask community organisations about current vacancies. Many charities offer flexible roles to suit different skills, interests and availability, so whether you’re looking to volunteer regularly or occasionally, there’s likely to be an opportunity that works for you.
The minimum age for volunteering depends on the role and the service. Some opportunities are suitable for younger volunteers, while others require applicants to be over 18 because of the nature of the work. Each volunteering opportunity will clearly state any age requirements.
Most charities offer flexible volunteering opportunities wherever possible. Some roles involve a regular weekly commitment, while others are suitable for people who can volunteer occasionally or support one-off events. At P3, we work with volunteers to find opportunities that fit their availability.
Yes. P3 welcomes volunteers across a range of services and projects. Opportunities vary depending on location and community need, but volunteers can support everything from practical activities and community events to helping people build confidence and reduce isolation.
Visit our volunteering page to see what’s currently available.
P3 offers a variety of volunteering roles depending on the service and location. You could support community activities, help with events, assist people to access local services, share your professional skills, or provide practical support that helps people feel connected and valued. New opportunities are added throughout the year.
Not necessarily. Many volunteering roles don’t require previous experience. P3 values enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to support others. Training, guidance and ongoing support are provided to help you feel confident in your role.
Yes. All volunteers receive an introduction to P3 and training that’s relevant to their role. You’ll also have ongoing support from staff, so you’ll always know who to contact if you have questions or need guidance.
Volunteering with P3 is an opportunity to make a positive difference while developing new skills, gaining valuable experience and meeting new people. Many volunteers build confidence, strengthen their CV, learn about their local community and enjoy the satisfaction of helping others create brighter futures.
