With so much of our lives spent online, social isolation has become a real issue for many people. This is especially true if you’re new to a city, have a demanding job, work remotely or simply find it challenging to meet new people. The result can be intense feelings of loneliness.

However, the one powerful and fulfilling thing that is often recommended to combat social isolation is volunteering. In this article, we look at how volunteering can help you make new friends, while contributing to your community at the same time.

The challenge of making friends as an adult

Making new friends as an adult isn’t as simple as it was in childhood, when friendships formed naturally through school and extracurricular activities. Adults need to be more proactive in seeking out social connections. If you’re wondering how to meet people with the same interests as you, or simply how to make new friends as an adult with other commitments, volunteering might work for you.

**Volunteering can connect you to like-minded people **

Volunteering is one of the best ways to meet people who have the same values and interests as you. When you volunteer, you are surrounded by those who share your passion for a cause, whether you’re interested in environmental conservation, animal welfare, or helping the homeless. This common ground provides a great foundation for forming new relationships and potentially making new friends.

Here are some reasons why volunteering is a great way to make friends:

• Regular interaction with the same people. Many volunteer opportunities require you to make a regular commitment, which means you’ll see the same people frequently. This consistency helps you to form deeper connections over time.
• Positive environment. Volunteering often takes place in an optimistic and supportive environment. This atmosphere can make it easier to approach others and start conversations, which can lead to new friendships.
• Sense of purpose. Working together towards a greater good fosters a sense of camaraderie and altruism, which can strengthen bonds between people.
• Shared values and interests. People with similar values and passions are more likely to be able to relate to each other.

**How to meet new people through volunteering **

If you’re wondering how to meet friends through volunteering, here are some practical steps to help you get started:

Step 1: Identify your interests. Think about the causes you’re passionate about, so you feel motivated to commit long term and will meet people whose interest align with your own.

Step 2: Attend orientation sessions. Many organisations offer orientation sessions for new volunteers. These sessions are a great way to get a sense of the organisation and what it does – and if it feels like a good fit for you.

Step 3: Be open and approachable. Once you’ve accepted a volunteering gig, make an effort to be open-minded and receptive to meeting new people. Be proactive, introduce yourself, and show genuine interest in others.

Step 4: Participate in group activities. Make sure you choose group activities or events with others. These events give you more opportunities to socialise and get to know fellow volunteers.

Examples of volunteering that will help you meet new people

There are many different volunteer experiences that can help you connect with new people. Here are a few examples.

• Arts and culture activities: Becoming part of the stage crew at your local theatre company or running the gift shop at an art gallery will expose you to a network of people with similar interests.
• Companion volunteering: If you are looking for a more personal connection, consider companion volunteering, where you keep someone company or take them on social outings. This could mean helping someone who has recently migrated to Australia or providing regular company to an older person living alone.
• Youth mentoring: Being a role model for young people means you can provide wisdom and support, while connecting with other mentors who have the same passion.
• Outdoor work: There are plenty of organisations looking for help maintaining local parks, gardens and buildings. You might find yourself painting or gardening and picking up handy skills as well.
• Museums and heritage: Help collect, store or share stories of historical events at a local museum or heritage organisation. You could train as an oral historian that interviews older people to collect their stories, or give guided tours of historical sites.

How to maintain the friendships you’ve created

Once you’ve made new friends through volunteering, it’s important to nurture these relationships. Here are some tips on how to keep friends and build lasting connections.

• Stay in touch: Regular communication is important for friends to feel connected. Make an effort to reach out regularly outside of your volunteering commitments.
• Plan social activities: Organise social events for your spare time. Successful friendships are give and take, with each person contributing equally. An activity could be a coffee meetup, a hike, or a group movie night.
• Be supportive: It’s important for friends to offer support and encouragement when it’s needed, and to be there for them through challenges as well as good times.
• Show appreciation: Every now and then, let your friends know that you value them, whether through a kind gesture – or just telling them you appreciate them.

Volunteering not only helps you help others, it can help you too, by giving you opportunities to make new friends. By taking part in activities that are meaningful to you and connecting with other like-minded people, you may find your feelings of loneliness fade over time.

Being part of a volunteer community helps give you a sense of belonging and purpose, which in turn can boost your self-esteem, making it easier to form new friendships. And even if you don’t make friends straight away, volunteering introduces you to diverse people and expands your social network, bringing more opportunities for friendships down the line.

If you’re wondering how to meet new people as an adult or how to make friends as a young adult, volunteering could be the answer. To start your journey towards making new friends through volunteering, start browsing opportunities here.