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> Another strategy is to volunteer. In a recent survey of over 10,000 people in the UK, two-thirds reported that volunteering helped them feel less isolated. I

> Another strategy is to volunteer. In a recent survey of over 10,000 people in the UK, two-thirds reported that volunteering helped them feel less isolated. I am not digging further. Self-reported. My experience: I did a sting in volunteering, in a shelter (I worked the day shift). First question asked when I applied: "What are you doing here ?". Second question, from the social worker running the shelter: "What do you think my role is ?". It caught me off guard. I thought about it for a while and then said: "You manage the volunteers as much as the people in need of the shelter ?" "And it makes up most of your time and takes most of your energy.", I added when I quit, three months later. I believe the volunteers are good people but their objectives aren't aligned with the people who need the shelter. Good things there's a middle ground where each can meet and fulfill their needs though.

nprateem 7y ago
> I am not digging further. Self-reported. You suggest those people actually felt more isolated despite feeling that they didn't?
- johnchristopher 7y ago
  Not while volunteering (though some are aware of it). But I believe they aren't building long lasting relationships that will outlive their time in volunteering and form a good social structure to rely on later on. As soon as they are out of volunteering, most won't see other volunteers anymore. Unless they actively worked to nurture that relationship outside of the volunteering environment, with unrelated activities. For example, a friend of mine is hardcore into board games. Sure, he has a good time playing at the club. But seeing people of the club outside of the club, for different activities (supper, helping with moving furniture, sharing a conversation, going to a movie or concert, etc.) is how he's building longer lasting relationships.
  - loblollyboy 7y ago
    My thoughts exactly.

nprateem 7y ago

> I am not digging further. Self-reported. You suggest those people actually felt more isolated despite feeling that they didn't?

johnchristopher 7y ago
Not while volunteering (though some are aware of it). But I believe they aren't building long lasting relationships that will outlive their time in volunteering and form a good social structure to rely on later on. As soon as they are out of volunteering, most won't see other volunteers anymore. Unless they actively worked to nurture that relationship outside of the volunteering environment, with unrelated activities. For example, a friend of mine is hardcore into board games. Sure, he has a good time playing at the club. But seeing people of the club outside of the club, for different activities (supper, helping with moving furniture, sharing a conversation, going to a movie or concert, etc.) is how he's building longer lasting relationships.
- loblollyboy 7y ago
  My thoughts exactly.