The Healing Power of Giving Back

Research continually demonstrates that volunteering and fundraising offer significant benefits for mental health. Acts of giving… whether through time, energy, or fundraising… are proven to combat stress, depression, and anxiety. At the same time, they trigger positive feelings, boost self-confidence, and provide a sense of purpose. Scientific studies show that helping others and giving back releases “feel-good” hormones and fosters emotional resilience.

Numerous resources further illustrate how giving to others can stimulate reward centres in the brain, reinforce personal well-being, and help us feel more connected to our communities.

At ACCT UK, volunteers and supporters share how volunteering and fundraising transform everyday lives:

Donna is SSI for E Company (The Rifles) Yorkshire North & West ACF. She began to cycle when she suffered a tragic double bereavement. She told us,

“It was my way of escaping things when everything was getting too much for me. For me, biking helps you clear your head… It’s your me time, and it’s helped with my mental wellbeing. You can’t beat it. Being on your bike on your own or with friends and having that time to yourself.”

Donna chooses to combine her love of cycling with fundraising. Her determination and resilience have led to her being awarded a British Citizen Award for volunteering and charitable giving. She says,

“Fundraising for me is about helping as many people and groups as I can. People know me for my charity work and they know how much I love helping… Doing bike rides, brave the shave and other things. I want to give back to the community and help them in any way I can. That’s just me. I like to help anyone I can and I put 110% in everything I put my mind to.”

Donna’s experience reflects extensive scientific findings: engaging in activities like fundraising and cycling can reduce stress and provide a sense of personal escape and achievement, enhancing long-term psychological well-being.

This is Donna’s 4th fundraising year for ACCT UK! She’s tackling 4 new challenges, including biking 2025 miles in 12 months, supporting ACCT UK and 4 other charities.

Sophie (ACF Company Training Officer) took on the incredible Chiltern 50 challenge in 2024 in aid of ACCT UK. When we asked her why she chose to push herself, Sophie told us,

“Honestly, I was getting a little bored with my day-to-day and struggling to find a goal to work towards… Life gets busy sometimes and I get stuck in routine, so this challenge has helped me get outdoors and has meant Ellie [my fundraising partner] and I spent time chatting and catching up with each other, which does wonders for both my physical and mental health.”

Sophie’s story echoes research showing that social connection, new challenges, and time in nature are proven to improve mood, increase happiness, and foster resilience.

Gina talks openly about how volunteering has offered her new perspectives, community, and a deep sense of meaning in her life. She told us,

Gina’s insights mirror evidence that volunteering helps people feel part of something larger than themselves, building belonging and self-worth.

Gina is currently undertaking an extraordinary challenge… walking, cycling, and kayaking a total of 5,200 miles in one year. She’s raising money for 3 charities, including ACCT UK. Gina’s journey is self-funded and dedicated to her late brother, culminating in an all-women team trek to Everest.

Here’s what the evidence tells us:

For more on the science, see:

ACCT UK welcomes all who want to support cadets and community wellbeing through volunteering and fundraising. Whether you’re looking for a personal challenge, community engagement, or simply a break from routine, giving back offers real, lasting value for yourself and for others.

Ready to support your mental health and make a difference? Reach out to ACCT UK, take part in a fundraising event, or offer your time as a volunteer with the ACF… Your story may be the next to inspire others.

Finally, for more evidence on how volunteering and fundraising benefit mental wellbeing, visit the NHS guidance on giving for mental wellbeing and Mind’s page on fundraising for mental health.