This week thousands of events across the country will be held to say thank you to the 6 million Australians who volunteer including breakfasts, morning/afternoon teas, and luncheons as well as open days, award ceremonies, picnics, forums and training sessions.

This year’s theme is “Give Happy, Live Happy”.

Volunteering has proven health and well-being benefits and is a great way for Australians to feel better in mind and body.

Research by University of Canberra Associate Professor Dr. Thomas Nielsen shows that giving and service to others increases well-being and academic outcomes in students.

This is something much needed in a western world with high youth depression and suicide rates.

 “Sustainable wellbeing comes not from money or consumerism, but from having meaningful happiness in our lives,” Dr. Nielsen said.

“There is one shared denominator for what people across cultures and religions report as giving them meaningful happiness in their lives: being something for others.

“We now know that volunteering is not just good for our physical health, but for our psychological and emotional health too.

“Giving is one of the strongest predictors of increasing our health and happiness.”

Those who want to experience the health and well-being benefits of volunteering are encouraged them to contact their local volunteering support service.

Volunteering Support Services help people who want to volunteer but aren’t sure where to start. They seek to understand how people would like to contribute and connect volunteers.

Volunteering Australia