Your say / volunteering
‘Why more people are volunteering at Bristol’s festivals’
Volunteering brings a sense of belonging to many people – it’s a way to reduce isolation and improve your relationships.
Research shows that volunteering is tightly linked to improved wellbeing, increased life satisfaction, a heightened sense of self esteem, reduced depression and anxiety. It’s great for those looking to upskill, improve their CV, build quality life experience and experience adventure along the way as well.
Volunteering opens gateways to meeting new people, sharing rich life-experiences, and most importantly, learning more about yourself. All of these are great ways to improve your wellbeing and, most importantly, sense of perspective.
is needed now More than ever
My Cause UK are a social enterprise who offer festival volunteering opportunities at the UK’s biggest events and in Bristol at Love Saves The Day, The Downs, Tokyo World.
The Downs is one the local festivals people can volunteer for. Photo by Simon Boddy
The purpose of this not-for-profit is to transform the value and role of volunteer work in events and festivals. Instead of making a profit, the company lets their volunteers choose a charity they care about, to which My Cause UK donates after the end of every shift. It’s about purpose and impact.
Volunteers give their time at the festival, and in return for their time, a charity of their choice receives a donation from My Cause UK. Local charities supported include St Peter’s Hospice, Julian House and Bristol Drugs Project.
Evidence shows that helping others can have a positive effect on your own mental health and wellbeing. For example, it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self esteem and happiness. There are many different ways that you can help others as part of your everyday life. Carrying out good deeds doesn’t need to take a lot of time or even cost money. Small changes can make a big difference. It’s not enough for people just to chuck money in a collecting tin. Individuals want to feel connected to the cause they are passionate about supporting.
The beauty of volunteering is that there’s no age limit. Mo Austin, 62, chose to support Bristol charity St Peter’s Hospice and says: “I think festival volunteering is something that more people should get involved with, particularly older people, who have time and experience to offer. In the UK, different generations don’t mingle when they socialise, and there are plenty of reasons why the rifts of intergenerational understanding appear to be getting wider. Anything that can help generations to understand and not fear each other can only be a good thing.”
Get involved at Love Saves The Day, The Downs and Tokyo World
Anand Mavani is passionate about festival volunteering and works for My Cause UK
Read more: Volunteering in Bristol
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