Celebrating Southwark Stars and Building Healthier Communities Through Volunteering
Celebrating Southwark Stars
The 1st to the 6th June was Volunteers' Week. Every year, Community Southwark holds Southwark Stars, the borough's celebration of volunteers and volunteering.
We're also lucky to have Healthwatch Southwark play a central part in the awards. Healthwatch Ambassadors are invited on stage to celebrate their achievements and contributions to the community. They are such a joyful part of the awards, and it is truly inspiring to hear about the huge variety of positive change they are making across Southwark.
Volunteering for Wellbeing
We often talk about the link between volunteering and health and wellbeing. Research consistently shows that giving time to support others can improve confidence, strengthen social connections, and support both mental and physical wellbeing.
Southwark Council's Five Ways to Wellbeing campaign encourages residents to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and give back. Small everyday actions can have a positive impact on wellbeing, while helping people feel more connected to their communities. Volunteering is a great example of giving back and one of the many ways residents can support both their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
Importantly, for people with disabilities or lon-term health conditions, research shows that volunteering can have a particularly positive impact on health, wellbeing, confidence, and social connection.
Community and Wellbeing Are Linked
Cities like London can feel isolating, whether you have recently arrived or have lived here all your life. Many people who approach me about volunteering do so because they are feeling lonely. Sometimes this is due to language barriers that make communication difficult, sometimes it is because they have lost a job, and sometimes physical or mental health challenges have led to the loss of social connections they had built over time.
Volunteering reminds us that our wellbeing is closely connected to the people around us. It creates opportunities to meet others, build relationships, develop confidence, and feel part of a community.
Volunteering doesn't have to be formal. It can be as simple as helping a neighbour, supporting a local community group, sharing skills, or offering your time to a cause you care about. Every act of contribution helps strengthen the connections that support healthier, happier communities.
Visitors to Healthwatch Southwark's Community Health Roadshow on 29 July will also have the opportunity to explore Southwark's Five Ways to Wellbeing through activities and resources, alongside information and support from local health and community organisations.
Curious About Volunteering?
Visit our volunteering webpage for more information or to book an appointment to discuss finding your perfect volunteering role.
Visit our online platform to see what's out there:
Pop into our mini volunteering fair at Hay's Galleria, SE1 2HD, on Thursday 9 July between 11am and 3pm.
Or come and chat to us about volunteering at Healthwatch Southwark's Community Health Roadshow on 29 July.
