As Volunteer Week kicks off across Canada from April 27 to May 4, new national data suggests giving back to your community could also give your mental health a boost.
According to a survey released by Scouts Canada, 43 per cent of Canadians believe people who don’t volunteer are missing out on a chance to improve their mental well-being. More than 60 per cent agreed that volunteering with youth should be promoted to help combat stress, anxiety and loneliness.
“In many tangible ways, volunteering with Scouts Canada is a win-win,” said Liam Burns, CEO of Scouts Canada. “We’re seeing from our survey that Canadians are looking for real ways to connect, collaborate and pay it forward.”
The poll also found that 84.7 per cent of Canadians think older generations have not invested enough time in mentoring youth. About 57 per cent believe volunteering can have a meaningful impact on a young person’s life.
More than half of Canadians believe youth groups might shape responsible kids better than school systems. The same number think helping youth should be seen as a core part of Canadian identity.
In Northumberland County, Scouts Canada is supported by local volunteers who help run camps, meetings and events to build confidence, resilience and outdoor skills.
As for what’s holding Canadians back from stepping up, the top reasons were lack of time, family obligations, and not knowing where to volunteer.
Scouts Canada is encouraging Canadians to explore their strengths by taking an online quiz to discover their ideal volunteer role.
To learn more or get involved, visit scouts.ca/volunteer.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
