From Studio Lights to Face Paint

When I worked in television, I was surrounded by the fast pace of scripts, deadlines, and studio lights. But every year, the highlight for me wasn’t the latest ratings win or celebrity interview—it was volunteering at the annual Christmas party for children with special needs. (Yes, that’s what it was called back then—times and language have thankfully evolved since.)

One year, the face painters didn’t turn up, and they put the call out for volunteers. Now, I’ve never claimed to be that artistic, but I stepped up. I did my best to create Spidermen, reindeer, stars and sparkles. There were no masterpieces—definitely no intricate butterflies—but there was one very memorable reindeer. A young lad sat patiently as I tried my best, and the look on his mum’s face when she saw him beaming with delight… well, I’ve carried that moment with me ever since.

That day, and others like it, filled me with something I couldn’t get from any day in the studio: a deep sense of joy and purpose.

The Many Forms of Giving Back

Volunteering has followed me throughout life, in all sorts of ways. I’ve helped at the local yacht club (not so glam as it sounds—lots of sausage sizzles and chasing kids with sunscreen). I’ve sat and listened to kids read at primary schools, and many years ago, I even got my soccer referee badge as a teenager so I could volunteer to ref matches. (Full disclosure: it was mainly to meet boys. We all have our motives.)

The Science of Doing Good

But over time, I realised there’s more to volunteering than just being helpful or ticking off community service. It does something to you.

There’s science to back this up—volunteering boosts serotonin and dopamine, those lovely feel-good chemicals in our brains. It lowers cortisol (that pesky stress hormone), and studies show it can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even helping someone out once a week can make a real difference to your own mental health.

Connection Is the Real Gift

At its core, volunteering creates connection. It gets us out of our own heads and into a shared space with others. Whether you’re painting questionable reindeer or refereeing U17s soccer, you’re part of something bigger. You’re contributing, connecting, and making someone’s day a little brighter—even if they do end up looking more like Rudolph after a glitter explosion.

Helping Others Helps Us, Too

And it works both ways. In helping others, we often help ourselves. We find value, purpose, and community. We remember what really matters.

So, if you’re feeling a bit low, a bit disconnected, or just want to make a difference—try volunteering. Start small. Offer to help at school. Join the local community garden. Be the friendly face at the canteen or the extra hands at the weekend BBQ. It doesn’t have to be perfect (clearly, judging by my face-painting skills, perfection is not a requirement). 

In a world that often feels overwhelming, volunteering is a beautiful, simple way to reconnect—with others and with yourself. 

And who knows? You might just paint a reindeer that someone remembers for 15 years.