Heya!!
Helping the local community is so helpful for mental health, especially if it's organisations that motivate you for a future pathway. I know for me specifically, I started volunteering at my local theatre company as I want to become an actor, or something in the live theatre. I've had incredible opportunities to learn how to work the domes in the lighting booth, I've helped build and paint set for a couple of shows including some that I was involved and it has given me so many new friendships and connections to others that's its been a major factor in overcoming my mental health struggles. And even though I have learned quite a lot in the past 6 months of volunteering there, I still want to learn more and continue contributing to this community theatre, especially since I've grown attached since I started their youth theatre program in 2023.
That's kind of my take on this and sharing my perspective, but all in all if you're thinking of volunteering for your local community, DO IT!! You can meet so many people who you can learn from and even distract you from the things you struggle with
