Finding purpose through volunteering: a lifeline at every life stage
Life doesn’t always follow a straight path. Whether it’s retirement, a career break, or coping with a significant life change, many of us find ourselves searching for a renewed sense of purpose. What do we do with our time? How do we stay mentally engaged and emotionally connected? For many, volunteering is a great way to find purpose in life.
Volunteering isn’t just about giving back, it’s about rediscovering who you are and finding a path where you feel useful, form new connections and make a meaningful impact. At Bookmark, we’ve seen firsthand how volunteering helps people through all sorts of transitions – from retirement to grief – it offers a sense of renewal and new beginnings.
Volunteering gives you purpose
When you experience a major life change – whether it’s retiring, switching careers or your children flying the nest – it’s natural to feel disorientated and wondering what comes next. But volunteering can add structure and and a renewed sense of purpose.
With just two half-hour sessions a week, you create a consistent routine that not only gives structure to your own days, but also brings joy and support to a child who looks forward to seeing you. It’s a small commitment that can make a meaningful difference – for both of you.
A volunteer shared: “I’m really enjoying listening to my reader. It’s given me a purpose again and I’m happy knowing I’m helping a child with their reading. I just wish I had joined earlier… It was a wonderful experience. I didn’t realise it would be so much fun.”
“I have learned from working with Bookmark that I can still add value, be beneficial to those who really need individual time and actually make a real difference. It has helped me regain purpose and fulfilment” – Margaret.
‘When I cut my hours working for the NHS with a view to retiring completely in time, I wanted to start my retirement life before I stopped working. I wanted to feel like i was giving back… I love working with the children… you have to think on your feet and prepare more than you think you might need as you have to judge the mood of the reader and sometimes a planned activity is not the right way to go’ – Angela.
Volunteering can get you through difficult times
When life brings sorrow or challenge, volunteering can be a much-needed source of strength and healing. Connecting with others can list you out of your own struggles.
‘I had just lost my husband to cancer and I needed to give something back to the community and this was it, I have never looked back and enjoy meeting the children, watching them blossom and flourish, it’s so rewarding’ – Susan.
For Lisa, volunteering became a way to process grief and rediscover joy after she lost her husband. She said: “I have been a widow for two years… Bookmark has been a lifesaver for me and it gives me such validation. I get to interact with amazing children and read really cool books. The children I have read with are so quirky and funny… It has been such a joy.” Watch Lisa’s story here.
Volunteering is good for the mind and body
It’s not just anecdotal-research supports what many volunteers already know. Giving your time and energy to help others can reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. It boosts confidence, keeps the brain active, and increases your sense of wellbeing.
One volunteer reflected: “It’s great for your own mental health – not just to keep you feeling happy but to give you a sense of usefulness in your own life… You step out of your world and into the world of a wonderful child where imagination is key.”
71% of our volunteers say that their reading sessions improve their own wellbeing, while 92% report feeling a greater sense of personal achievement.
‘I have found volunteering has encouraged me in my purpose, in a time when I’ve felt a bit lost. I had to take some time off work for health reasons, being a Bookmark reading volunteer has really helped me to I have a bit of structure and have a bit of productivity… I feel like I can do something helpful and have a beneficial impact even while I can’t do other things I’d normally do’ – Isobel.
Volunteering connects you with like-minded people
Whether you’re volunteering remotely or in person, you’re becoming part of a community. That connection- to children, to fellow volunteers, to a shared purpose – can be deeply fulfilling.
One volunteer said: “the Bookmark team is really supportive, as is the community of volunteers that you are able to connect with via the app. The best part, of course, is connecting with children, to foster a love of books and reading. Such a rewarding experience.”
Volunteering uses – and revives- your skills
You don’t need specific experience to start volunteering, but many people find that it taps into long-held talents and passions. It’s a chance to rediscover what you love and put it to good use.
One volunteer said: “I feel so lucky being able to continue doing something I love – working with children and helping them to enjoy books. I volunteered to do this at a local primary school when I was in sixth form back in 1978, which put me on the road to teaching. Now, in my retirement, I am delighted I can still use my skills and experience in such a positive way.”
Whatever life-stage you’re in, volunteering can help you through it.
From healing to rediscovery, from new beginnings to simply staying connected, volunteering offers something for everyone. It’s not just an act of service – it’s a gift to yourself.
At Bookmark, we see every day how reading volunteers change lives – not just for children, but for themselves too. And the best part? It only takes a little time to make a big difference.
