In the last newsletter, we introduced the New Economics Foundation’s ‘five ways to wellbeing’, and focused on one of these, ‘Connect’. In this post, we shall focus on another of these pillars; namely, ‘Give’.

The ‘five ways to wellbeing’ report by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) presented a set of evidence-based actions aimed at improving personal and public mental health. The five key actions identified are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give.

As The Big Help Out event draws near (scheduled for Friday, June 7th to Sunday, June 9th, 2024), it is an opportune moment to explore the mutual benefits of giving back to communities and nurturing your own mental wellbeing. This initiative was spearheaded by the Shaping the Future with Volunteering Group, a collective comprising some of Britain’s prominent charities. The campaign’s core aim is to highlight the significance of volunteering across the UK and to furnish individuals with opportunities to engage in meaningful volunteer work that can positively impact their communities. The Big Help Out is not geared towards profit-making or fundraising; instead, its focus lies in empowering communities and fostering connections among people by offering time, skills, and efforts to support a cause or organisation. The campaign was officially launched last year during the Bank Holiday coinciding with the Coronation weekend.

Give for wellbeing
The NEF’s actual descriptor of ‘giving’: “Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and will create connections with the people around you”.

This emphasises the importance and benefits of engaging in acts of giving and kindness towards others, whether they are friends, strangers, or the wider community. If we break the descriptor down, it gives us greater insight into their message.

• “Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger“: Performing acts of kindness, no matter how small, can brighten someone’s day and strengthen social bonds. For a friend, it could be as simple as sending an encouraging text, offering to help with a chore, or giving a small gift. For a stranger, it could mean paying a compliment, holding the door open, or letting them go ahead of you in line. These little gestures of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity.
• “Thank someone. Smile“: Expressing gratitude is an easy way to make someone feel appreciated. Thanking people like shop assistants, bus drivers, colleagues, etc. validates their efforts. A smile conveys warmth and friendliness. Smiling at others, whether acquaintances or strangers, can defuse tension and make people feel welcomed. Both gratitude and smiles are simple acts that cost nothing but can vastly improve the moods of both giver and receiver.
• “Volunteer your time“: Volunteering time and skills to causes that matter is an impactful way to support your community. It could involve anything from helping at a food bank or homeless shelter, to environmental cleanups/litter picks, tutoring students, or using professional expertise for a non-profit. Volunteering fights loneliness by facilitating social connections while allowing people to feel a sense of purpose beyond their own self-interests.
• “Join a community group“: Becoming an active member of a club, group or association rooted in the local community fosters a sense of belonging. It could be a hobby group, residents’/community association, religious congregation, adult education class, or any group that unites around shared interests or goals. Joining provides opportunities for camaraderie, personal growth, and collective impact.
• “Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding…“: This means not being solely inward-focused on your own wants and needs, but looking outward to understand your role in the broader community. Realising that individual well-being is intertwined with collective well-being creates meaning. Helping improve the world directly around you can provide a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment.
• “…and will create connections with the people around you“: When people are other-oriented through giving acts, gratitude, volunteering, and community participation, it organically allows them to form real connections. These acts provide common ground to bond over shared values and interests. They foster relationships that become supportive networks enriching everyone’s lives.

The overall message is that true happiness extends beyond the self – it comes from using your capabilities to give back, show kindness, and being engaged with improving the communities that you are part of. This sense of belonging and making a positive impact yields deep, sustained personal reward.

How giving helps your mental wellbeing
Research indicates that acts of giving and kindness can have a profound impact on mental wellbeing. One notable effect is the immediate positive emotions experienced when engaging in such acts, whether they are small gestures or more significant contributions. These positive feelings contribute significantly to overall wellbeing, creating a sense of joy and satisfaction.

Furthermore, participating in acts of giving provides individuals with a sense of purpose and self-worth. By helping others and working collaboratively, individuals reinforce the notion that their actions are meaningful and can positively influence the lives of others. This sense of purpose enhances mental wellbeing by fostering a positive self-perception and reinforcing the value of your contributions to society.

Moreover, acts of kindness facilitate connections with others, fostering social relationships that are vital for mental health. Whether through volunteering in the local community or simply demonstrating kindness towards others, these interactions create opportunities for meaningful connections and social support. Strengthening these social ties has been shown to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, contributing to greater life satisfaction and overall happiness.

Several evidence-based activities have been identified as particularly beneficial for mental wellbeing:

• Volunteering: Engaging in community service or volunteering has been consistently linked to greater happiness and life satisfaction, particularly among older individuals. By dedicating time to helping others, individuals not only contribute to their communities but also experience personal fulfilment and a sense of accomplishment.
• Acts of kindness: Committing to regular acts of kindness has been associated with increased wellbeing over time. Studies have shown that engaging in acts of kindness once a week for six weeks can lead to a significant improvement in overall wellbeing compared to control groups. These acts can range from small gestures of kindness to more substantial contributions, each contributing to a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
• Shared tasks: Engaging in shared tasks, such as community service projects or collaborative initiatives, has been shown to predict greater life satisfaction. Even after controlling for other factors such as health and social support, participating in shared tasks fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, contributing to overall mental wellbeing.

While the literature on the subject may not provide consistent findings regarding specific aspects of enhanced wellbeing or the most effective activities, there is substantial evidence supporting the idea that reciprocity and “giving back” are conducive to mental wellbeing across different age groups.

In summary, the NEF report emphasises a key aspect of boosting mental well-being: investing time in activities like giving and sharing. By engaging in acts of kindness, individuals not only benefit their communities but also experience personal growth in terms of mental health. This idea is rooted in the importance of social connections and the intrinsic satisfaction found in helping others.

Why not explore The Big Help Out by clicking the link below? Their website offers opportunities to get involved in various initiatives, aligning perfectly with the NEF report’s focus on actionable steps to improve mental well-being through helping activities. By taking part in these activities, you can feel a sense of achievement, forge meaningful connections, and gain valuable insights into wider societal issues and opportunities.

Links
The Big Help Out | Home
Five ways to wellbeing | New Economics Foundation
5 steps to mental wellbeing – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Five steps to mental wellbeing (nhsinform.scot)
Acts Of Giving: The Mental Health Benefits Of Compassion (mind.help)
Give to others – Living Well