How you can build your confidence through volunteering

Today, self-development is more important than ever. With increasing focus on mental health, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness, many people are seeking meaningful ways to build resilience, grow in confidence, and support their wellbeing.

Whether you’re looking to build your confidence, find purpose in your spare time, or give back to your community, volunteering can be one of the most rewarding ways to do it.

By giving your time to a meaningful cause, you gain a sense of achievement, develop new skills, and build stronger connections – all of which contribute to greater confidence.

In this guide, we explore six ways volunteering can boost your confidence.

1. Choose a cause you care about

Choosing a cause that aligns with your values is key to feeling motivated and engaged. When you care deeply about the impact you’re making, your confidence can grow naturally.

At Bookmark, volunteers support children to develop their reading skills and confidence. In fact, 90% of volunteers said they felt they had a positive impact on the children they worked with.

Seeing a child’s reading improve, and knowing you’ve supported that progress, can create a powerful sense of purpose and achievement.

This kind of meaningful impact is one of the biggest emotional benefits of volunteering.

2. Set realistic volunteering goals

If you’re new to volunteering, starting small is the best way to build confidence.

Setting realistic goals helps you:

• Avoid burnout
• Stay consistent
• Build confidence gradually

Choose a role that fits your schedule and comfort level. For example, our reading volunteer role offers flexible online or face-to-face volunteering, where you can commit to just two 30-minute sessions per week.

This manageable approach can help you build confidence over time without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Learn new skills and grow

Developing your skills is an important part of self-development, and volunteering offers opportunities for learning at any stage of life.

So, what skills can you really gain from volunteering? 

Volunteering helps you develop valuable skills such as:

• Communication
• Empathy
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Confidence in social situations

Each reading session brings something new, helping volunteers grow both personally and professionally.

This is why volunteering is often recommended for people who want to improve their confidence and develop new skills at any age.

4. Connect with others and build social confidence

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people and feel part of a community.

Building relationships with other volunteers can:

• Reduce feelings of isolation
• Improve social confidence
• Provide encouragement and support

At Bookmark, volunteers can join a supportive online community where they can connect with others, share experiences, and access guidance throughout their volunteering journey. 

We also host exclusive online events, including Welcome to Bookmark and our volunteer Book Club, to help volunteers feel connected and supported.

Feeling part of a supportive community plays a huge role in building long-term confidence.

5. Reflect on your progress

Taking time to reflect can support confidence building.

You might ask yourself: What have I achieved? What challenges have I overcome? How have I helped someone else?

Whether you’ve completed your first session or an full programme, recognising your progress can help strengthen your self-belief.

Reflection is a simple but effective confidence-building habit.

6. Enjoy the experience and have fun

Volunteering shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should be enjoyable and fulfilling. By having fun and approaching your role with enthusiasm, you will make your volunteering experience more enjoyable, memorable and meaningful for both yourself and your reader.

Many Bookmark volunteers say seeing a child grow in confidence gives them a ​“great sense of achievement.”

And that feeling stays with you long after the session ends.