Volunteering to beat anxiety

NPT Employability Mentor John Evans has had his own struggle with anxiety. John tells us how volunteering has helped him cope.

“During Covid, my anxiety challenge was caused by the solitude. As an amateur conservationist, getting out in the woodlands definitely helped me with this. From experience I know volunteering can help people overcome the anxiety of starting a job. I volunteer with the Lost Peatlands. They offer an opportunity to be outdoors, but also offer wildlife surveys, such as bats, moths, water voles and also online talks.

Two of my NPT Employability participants Matthew and Zak took part in a Lost Peatlands Day clearing non-native plant species enabling native species to grow which will support bees and other local pollinators.

The session was set up as a taster to see if they would be interested. The aims and objectives of the day was to highlight the importance of building confidence, teamwork and applying for green sector jobs.  We cleared several areas and as we came across various plants and animals, we did our best to identify and discuss. Feedback showed that it was a day well spent working as a team. Hopefully other NPT Employability participants will be keen on taking part with the Lost Peatlands and other volunteering groups”.

Mathew said “I enjoyed the volunteering experience. It was informative of the various conservation projects. I found the work and being in the open outdoors beneficial to my mental wellbeing and granted relief from my usually oppressive anxiety.  I would love to do something similar again.”

Zac said "Volunteering with Lost Peatlands was immensely enjoyable. The project helps not only the environment, but the people involved, too. The volunteering was to do with maintaining our natural environment which, in itself, is a very satisfying experience. Helping out was beneficial for both my own mind and the world at large and I couldn't recommend it more."

John continued, “NPT Employability has lots of volunteering opportunities so if you’re interested give us a call 01639 684250.”

More information on the Lost Peatland Project.

NPT Employability is a Neath Port Talbot Council service and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.