New research findings on youth volunteering and mental well-being

Dátum:

2026. május 28.

Can volunteering improve young people’s mental well-being? Does taking part in volunteer activities help build self-confidence, strengthen social connections, and support emotional well-being? To answer these questions, the international VOLU-MENT research project explored the experiences of young volunteers aged 14–30 from Georgia, Hungary, Portugal, and Türkiye, providing valuable insights into the relationship between volunteering and mental health.

Based on responses from more than 400 participants, the research found that volunteering has a largely positive impact on young people’s mental health and well-being. Many respondents reported feeling more energetic, confident, and valued through their volunteering experiences, while also developing a stronger sense of belonging and connection to their communities.

At the same time, the findings highlight that volunteering is not without its challenges. Feelings of exhaustion, self-doubt, and interpersonal conflicts were among the most commonly reported difficulties, particularly among young people who had been volunteering for a longer period.

The research also revealed the importance of mentoring, regular feedback, and supportive communities in promoting volunteers’ well-being. Participants involved in international volunteering programmes reported higher levels of self-confidence, greater independence, and stronger social connections compared to their peers.

The VOLU-MENT project aims to strengthen the connection between volunteering and mental well-being while providing practical tools and support for organisations and mentors working with young volunteers. The findings reinforce an important message: volunteering does not only benefit communities and those receiving support. It also creates meaningful opportunities for young people to grow, develop new skills, and strengthen their resilience and sense of purpose.

To read the full research report, click on the image below.↓

The international research findings were also analysed from a Hungarian perspective with the involvement of an expert, resulting in a country-specific report that highlights the national context, key challenges, and existing strengths.

One of the report’s main conclusions is that the impact of volunteering on mental health depends greatly on the organisational and support environment in which volunteering takes place. Well-structured programmes, supportive relationships, and accessible guidance can significantly enhance the positive effects of volunteering on young people’s well-being.

A realistic and effective approach may be the development of a flexible, multi-level support structure that incorporates peer support, volunteer coordinators, and mentoring. While each of these roles serves a different purpose, together they can create a stronger and more supportive volunteering experience. Volunteering has the potential not only to build stronger, more cohesive, and more supportive communities, but also to provide a valuable space for learning, personal development, and growth. When supported by the right framework, it can become a powerful tool for strengthening young people’s mental well-being.

Click on the image below to access the full Hungarian country-specific narrative report.↓

The project is funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme. Project number: 2024-2-HU01-KA220-YOU-000286625.

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New research findings on youth volunteering and mental well-being