Volunteering makes you happy!

Times in recession-hit Britain might be tough, but volunteering can be counted on to keep you smiling, according to a new poll from social networking site i-volunteer.org.uk

Times in recession-hit Britain might be tough, but volunteering can be counted on to keep you smiling, according to a new poll from social networking site i-volunteer.org.uk

The online poll, which was concluded last week, revealed that for 42 per cent of volunteers happiness is the main benefit they get from giving time.

Second in the poll was the ability of volunteering to keep you connected - with friends, community organisations and society at large.

The desire to gain employment through volunteering was cited by only 5% of respondents, fewer than the 7 percent who said that volunteering makes them feel sexy!

i-volunteer founder,Jamie Thomas said:

'We are facing challenging times right now so it's good to know there is something out that there that can give everyone a feel good buzz which is both free and helps the community at the same time - it's a no brainer really!'

Full results of poll (650 respondents):
I volunteer because it helps me to be:

- Happy 42 per cent
- Connected 38 per cent
- Sexy 7 per cent
- Employed 5 per cent
- Good 5 per cent
- Healthy 3 per cent

Notes to editors:
i-volunteer is a social action network that connects volunteers and groups that need them, across the UK.

Also known as the Facebook for volunteering, it's about sharing experiences, offering advice, finding things to do, connecting with other volunteers and charities and voicing opinions about anything and everything to do with volunteering and social action.