THE HAPPY SCENE VOLUNTEERING FOR YOU

Helping others is also a great way to build skills and confidence in yourself, explains Dr Josephine Perry

- James Shrubsall

Forgoing the snug warmth of the duvet to haul yourself out of bed and stand on a windswept junction with a lollipop for a few hours might sound like a sacrifice (other volunteering jobs are available, of course). But while we make much of the noble idea of ‘giving back’ to the sport, there are a number of benefits to be enjoyed through volunteering.

We spoke to sports psychologist Dr Josephine Perry, author of 10 Pillars of Success and regular CW contributor, who described five different benefits with a reach and depth well beyond cycling and sport.

For starters, it’s a great confidence builder, Dr Perry says, because it allows you to try new things without undue pressure.

“Often it’s the baby steps you need to try something out that you wouldn’t be able to get in, say, a paid role,” she says. “But also, you wouldn’t feel confident enough to jump into a paid role where you feel like there’s a ton of responsibility that comes with it. But as a volunteer, you feel like there’s less of those expectations and pressures, so you can try new things.”

5 REASONS TO VOLUNTEER

1. Confidence

Try new things at your pace

2. Feel-good factor

Get that dopamine rush

3. Build belonging

Feel part of a collective

4. Connect with others

A great way to meet people

5. Develop skills

Who knows where they could take you?