Celebrating National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week runs from 17-23 May in celebration of Australia’s nearly six million volunteers. Open Arms recognises the significant contribution made to volunteering by current and ex-serving ADF members and their families.

There are many fun and interesting activities you can try that also benefit living well.

Being a volunteer can bring meaning and purpose to your life, while increasing your self-esteem and wellbeing. Volunteering can help relieve stress and alleviate symptoms of depression.

Volunteering can have a positive impact on your community and improve your relationships. This can be particularly beneficial during times of need, crisis or isolation.

Over the last year, volunteers have continued to deliver essential services, organise food packages and offer other care and support to Australians.

When we help others in our community or give our time to a cause we value, we also give back to ourselves. Evidence shows that volunteering can lead to better wellbeing and potential pathways to employment.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2021 is ‘Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine’.

Find volunteer opportunities at www.GoVolunteer.com.au. Many organisations are led or supported by veterans, including:

Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) - serving communities devastated by natural disaster. DRA recognises that ‘veterans hold a unique and valuable skill set. Australian veterans are a national asset, and DRA seeks to showcase that to the world’.

Veteran Sport Australia (VSA) - enduring organisation of the Invictus Games Sydney. VSA connects Australian veterans and their families with sporting opportunities to support health and wellbeing. 

Legacy - supporting the partners and children of those who gave their lives or their health for our country. Legacy provides 'the essential social, financial and developmental support that these families depend on each day’.

ReachOut has some important information to remember on how to look after yourself while volunteering.

If you require additional support, Open Arms offers free and confidential counselling to serving personnel, ex-serving ADF personnel, and their family. Call 1800 011 046 for more information. We also offer a range of other services including peer support, group programs and self-help tools.