Proof voluntary work can make a child happier

CHILDREN become happier and more confident if they volunteer to help others, research revealed yesterday.

In a survey of parents, more than half said their children were happier after helping out in their local community.

Others reported improved confidence, better communication skills and a keener appreciation of the good things in their lives.

Now Britain’s biggest volunteering organisation wants more children to help out those less fortunate than themselves, and believes parents are the key.

Many children now involved in volunteering initially accompanied their parents on voluntary work.

One in five children at secondary school and one in 10 in primary school has volunteered to help others in the community, according to the Royal Volunteering Society.

Feedback from parents questioned about their child’s experience found 39 per cent reporting more appreciation of his or her own life and a third mentioning improved confidence levels.

Sixteen per cent said their child communicated more and 27 per cent thought that volunteering had provided their offspring with a purpose.

Just over half believed volunteering was responsible for making their child happier.

Rebecca Kennelly, director of volunteering for the Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Volunteering with your children is a brilliant way to connect with them and teach them about the wider world.

“It can have huge benefits in teaching children about empathy, vital skills in human interaction and offers a completely different type of family activity and experience.”