Learning and volunteering

Keep on learning

Many of us think of learning as something you do in childhood, but learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence.  Learning something new is a good way to keep yourself occupied and productive if you find you have time on your hands.

Here are some ideas to get you trying something new:

• Try learning to cook something new or learn to bake. Find out about healthy eating and cooking tips on the NHS website.
• Work on a DIY project, or learn a new practical skill such as fixing a broken bike, garden gate or something bigger. There are lots of free video tutorials online – YouTube is a good source for practical skills.
• Consider signing up for an online course. You could try learning a new language, learn sign language, learn to draw or a practical skill.
• Try new hobbies that challenge you, such as writing a blog, trying knitting or sewing, make a scrap book or try trace your family tree.
• Challenge your brain with online puzzles, or puzzle books.

Contact your local Wellbeing team for more ideas on learning opportunities. They can offer a helping hand to make that first step.

West Sussex Libraries are offering an e-library service, with e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers available, as well as family and local history resources.

Help others

Most people would agree that giving to others is good in itself - but it can also improve your mental wellbeing.

Small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones – such as volunteering in your local community – can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel happier and more satisfied about life.

Helping others can take many forms:

• Phone or visit a relative or friend who needs support or company.
• Offer to help someone you know with DIY or a colleague with a work project.
• Sign up to a mentoring project, in which you give time and support to someone who will benefit from it.
• Volunteer in your local community.  That might mean helping out at a community centre, neighbourhood group, local charity, school, hospital or care home. 

Find out more about how to volunteer and the opportunities near you:

• Visit the Volunteering section on West Sussex County Council's website.
• Visit the Crawley Community Action website for opportunities in the Crawley area.
• Search for volunteering opportunities using vInspired (for young people).