Kicking Off Workplace Volunteering at Dismantle

Exploring the psychological benefits of volunteering

As demonstrated in research conducted by Volunteering Australia in 2021, there are associations between volunteering and better perceived mental health and quality of life, which correlates to improved self-esteem, a positive mental state, reduced stress, and meaningful social connection.

These positive impacts were definitely felt by our team of 10 volunteers who spent a day supporting Dismantle, a Burswood-based charity designed to support disadvantaged young people. Mentors at Dismantle engage with youth over a 10-week period to help them repair bikes, gain confidence, learn emotional regulation, and find better ways to cope with challenges. In the process 1,000 bikes are recycled and kept out of landfill each year. WATC volunteers supported Dismantle by sorting bike parts, tidying the warehouse and salvaging quality parts from donated bikes.

^{Below - WATC's team of ten volunteers spending the day at Dismantle and getting into the finer points of part sorting.}

^{Below - Wildflowers at Kings Park and Botanical Garden with Perth city in background. Image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.}