September 30, 2022

Shelley Studholme, our Step Forward Project Manager, explores the ways employment and volunteering can have a positive impact on Mental Health.

Humans are social beings who need to belong, connect, interact and contribute in a meaningful manner. From this we aspire to be valued and recognised, to be appreciated and even loved if we are fortunate enough. With this running through our DNA and driving and propelling us how can we not succumb to declining and poor mental health when we are isolated, unemployed, devoid of contact and a sense of belonging and community?

How can we resist questioning our self-worth, place within society, contribution to the economic structure and sense of self when we find ourselves removed from these opportunities? Society asks us what do we do for a living? Society does not often ask who are you as a person, what are your values, strengths, goals and aspirations?

It therefore goes without saying that the impact volunteering or employment can have on wellbeing, productivity, confidence, self-esteem and self-worth is priceless and beyond value. The privilege in life is to moan about the daily grind and lament about your work life; only when it is snatched away from you do you realise the loss and grieve for the life, purpose and routine you had.

Research evidences the impact of work and volunteering, and insight and intuition tells you the impact work can have upon the human psyche. With that in mind all efforts, support and strategies to facilitate individuals with mental health experiences returning, retaining or going back into work, or accessing volunteering opportunities, is for some the moment their life is transformed and their mental health significantly impacted for the better; and in many cases for the long term.

Employment and volunteering placements become a recognised health outcome and a path that is recommended and recognised as contributing to the wellness of society, community, family and relationships on all levels.

So good supportive, meaningful and suitable work or volunteering placements are good for wellbeing. Getting back into work is and can be a vital part of a journey to recovery or more stable mental health. Reduced symptoms, financial independence, independence of self, empowerment and increased quality of life are all factors to promote the benefits of paid work and volunteering.

 

Find out more about our new Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment programme, which provides tailored support for people in North Cumbria who are facing challenges from Severe Mental Health Experiences (SMHE).