Did you know that helping better others’ lives positively impacts our own? Not only does it make us happier and more balanced, but it also instils in us a greater sense of purpose in our daily lives.
Giving back to your community can be a satisfying experience all around. While you’re giving back to those who need support, it is also beneficial for your mental health and your body. In fact, connections with an extensive social network of family, friends, and helpful neighbours are equally important and can increase life expectancy by up to 45%.*
We all have a desire to leave our mark, but it can be easy to get bogged down in the daily grind and miss the benefits to ourselves and our communities that getting involved provides.
And if those benefits include meeting new people, making new friends, and learning from those around us, getting involved with your local community should be at the top of your ‘to-do’ list.
Ways you can be involved in your community
Sometimes, the smallest things we do can make the most significant difference in improving the lives of others. If you’ve decided to be more involved with your local community, there are plenty of ways you can go about it.
Local event support
So many fantastic events are happening in your area that all depend on support from the local community. Check your socials and look for flyers in your letterbox for school fetes, local theatre groups, pub gigs, exhibitions, movie fundraisers, weekend markets, fun runs, club functions, and more. Sure, you might have to spend a little, but it helps to stage the event or provide ongoing support. You may be surprised at the sense of connection, camaraderie and friendships that come from organising or participating in a community event.
Volunteer
There is a lot to like about volunteering. Apart from being immensely fulfilling, volunteering connects you with others, which often leads to forming solid friendships, increasing your contacts, improving your social and relationship skills, and helping you stay physically and mentally healthy.
A quick search online will help you find local opportunities, but you might consider organisations like Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, Foodbank, your local church, community centres, phone support services, and so much more. And, of course, you can choose to volunteer for a group on an ongoing basis or just help out for a day at a local event. It’s up to you.
Just remember to choose a cause you’re interested in and passionate about because sharing your skills and experience will positively impact your local community.
Donate
If volunteering isn’t currently an option, consider making a donation to help out local organisations. It doesn’t have to be money (although many organisations will appreciate it); it can be things like unwanted clothes and household items to Goodwill, Vinnies, the Salvos or your local op shop, food to your local food bank, blankets and linen to missions or homeless shelters, used books to community libraries, food and bedding to animal shelters, plants to school fetes. Don’t forget about local cafés with a ‘pay it forward’ scheme.
Shop local
One of the easiest ways to support your local community is to shop local. And not just groceries; many small businesses rely on local trade for their livelihood, from tradies to health providers to professional services. So next time you need to buy something, make something, have it made, or need something repaired, think local!
Join a group
We use the term ‘group’ loosely here because it can be extended to include social get-togethers, business networks and associations, online community forums, crafts classes, sports clubs, preservation societies, men’s sheds, book clubs, and the list goes on. Also, consider joining associations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, CWA, and the many other community service groups that help those in need. The important thing to remember is not to be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and meet new, like-minded people.
Support your local sports team
If you and your kids play sports, sticking your hand up to help will always be appreciated. Whether it’s a coaching role, administration, canteen or bar duty, or carrying the drinks, local sports clubs are fabulous places to be a part of. Even if you don’t play sports or your kids are no longer involved, you can still support local groups by spectating and cheering from the sidelines. And if you have a local business, becoming a sponsor of a sports club is another great way for you to be seen as a community champion.
Organise an event
We’re not talking music festivals or full-on 3-day sports carnivals or anything like that. But perhaps it’s a fundraiser for a local family doing it tough, a school that needs some extra sporting equipment, or a local charity. Whatever it is, creating a community event is one of the most rewarding experiences…especially at the end of the day when you can announce what you’ve raised and hand it over to those in need.
Community gardens
You’ve seen them on gardening shows, but did you know that there are quite a few dotted around the place? Community gardens and city farms are welcoming spaces where people can get together to grow fresh food, learn, relax, and make new friends. If you love getting your hands dirty and growing food but don’t have the space at home, getting involved with a community garden is a great alternative.
Mentoring opportunities
Another fantastic way to give back to the community is to become a mentor. If you have business experience, knowledge and expertise in a specific area or a skill in a particular trade, consider approaching business or trade associations and offering your services. Even some charitable organisations like the Smith Family offer mentor programs and would welcome an approach.
The professional sales and property management team at McGrath Real Estate are big advocates for supporting our local community.
Call us, and one of our property gurus will visit your home and provide you with a professional appraisal of your home’s worth and a realistic assessment of where your home sits in the current market.
Phone our office on 8350 4200, or drop into 42 Brighton Road, Glenelg
*according to research by science writer Marta Zaraska.