The Five Ways to Wellbeing are known internationally as evidence-based steps that have a positive impact on wellbeing and mental health. Here at King’s, we have adapted these actions for our staff and students to create King’s Five Ways to Wellbeing:

• Keep moving
• Invest in relationships
• Never stop learning
• Give to others
• Savour the moment

Regularly practising King’s Five Ways to Wellbeing is beneficial for everyone in our community, whether or not you have a mental health concern. You can practice these principles by volunteering – at home or in your local community. Here are some ideas to get you started!

Keep moving

Being physically active improves physical health and can improve mood and wellbeing and decrease stress, depression and anxiety. It doesn’t have to be intense for you to feel the benefits – walking or gardening still counts!

Physical activity is beneficial because it can:

• help to manage the balance between energy in and energy out, to maintain a healthy weight
• improve heart health and strengthen muscles and bones
• improve sleep, relieve stress and lift mood.

Ways to keep moving while volunteering – you could help to sort food and other items at a food bank, while gardening and tidying local green spaces, or by trying something a bit different such as hula hooping or Congolese dancing as part of a social club.

Invest in relationships

Connecting is about being there for others, talking and listening, and feeling a sense of belonging. There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.

You could volunteer as a mentor for young people, become an English or Maths tutor and support children with their studies, or you could befriend an older person by calling them on the phone, or visiting them in their home once a week.

Never stop learning

Setting goals, being open to new ideas and continuing to learn throughout life helps boost wellbeing and build resilience.

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life. Many of our community partners provide training for their volunteers, and for many opportunities, you don’t need prior knowledge or experience.

Yihang Qin, a PhD student at King’s volunteered at St Mary le Strand, helping to produce music events and helped to organise the first ever jazz night in the church’s history. In doing so, he learnt more and more about the history of the church and the history of London.

He said:  “I found volunteering in the church and meeting people so interesting. Visitors to the church are from all over the world. They always share their interesting stories and knowledge with me. The more I know about it, the more I love it!”

Why not learn something new through volunteering?

You could try pottery or crafting as a Social Club Volunteer, learn about our local biodiversity and how to sow seeds at our very own King’s Community Garden, or learn about the history and conservation of Crossbones Graveyard.

Give to others

You can boost your own and others’ happiness by giving your time, skills, presence or words. The acts of giving, receiving and being aware of acts of kindness, even indirectly, give us a sense of purpose and self-worth. Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of wellbeing research. Those who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.

Here are some simple ways you can give to others and spread kindness:

• Tutor a young person
• Support refugees via the King’s Sanctuary Programme as a Post-Arrival Support Volunteer
• Shop, wash, chop, stir, serve (and clean!) as part of a community lunch for refugees
• Plan and prepare meals for children and families
• Are you a comms expert? Share your expertise as a communications volunteer.

Savour the moment

Studies show that being ‘more present’ and aware of what is happening in the moment can enhance wellbeing, as it enhances our self-awareness and allows us to make positive choices that are aligned with our own values and motivations.

Volunteering may help you to be aware of the present moment, such as those roles that require active listening or creativity. Here are some ideas to enjoy the moment and environment around you:

• Enjoy the outdoors and sign up as a Garden Volunteer.
• Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day.
• Take notice of how people are feeling, and how your work as a volunteer is having a positive impact.
• Take a different route on your journey to or from your volunteering activity.
• Sign up to something you haven’t done before – join the Love Your Neighbour programme, try something new, and make a friend along the way.

About King's Volunteering

King’s Volunteering is your one-stop shop for discovering opportunities and building connections with people and organisations that are driving positive change in our local, national and international communities.

From one-off events to regular volunteering opportunities, there's something for everyone. Whether you are passionate about the environment, education or mental health, King’s Volunteering can connect you with an organisation and a cause that's right for you.

We all have our reasons to volunteer, whether it’s advocating for a social issue, gaining new skills, improving our wellbeing or meeting new people. Whatever your motivation, sign up to King’s Volunteering to connect, discover and make a difference.