The Big Help Out set to boost volunteer numbers
With just a week to go before The Big Help Out, a national day of volunteering, new research reveals the damaging effect of the pandemic on volunteering. However, more encouragingly, it also points to the positive impact of volunteering on mental and physical wellbeing.
The Time Well Spent 2023 report from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) comes just one week ahead of the national day of volunteering, The Big Help Out.
The day is set to inspire the next generation of volunteers, and it’s an official part of the Coronation weekend.
The new report, based on a survey of 7,000 adults, reveals that since the last survey in 2018, the amount of people raising money or taking part in sponsored events has gone down by 48% (from 11% to 6%).
It also suggests that those organising or helping to run an activity has fallen by 52% (from 14% to 7%).
Benefits of volunteering
However, the report also reveals the hugely positive impact of volunteering. Among those who’d volunteered in the last 12 months with a group, club or organisation (focusing on the one they gave the most help to):
- 89% agree they feel like they make a difference
- 75% agree it improves their mental health and wellbeing
- 72% agree it gives them new skills/experience (74% among 18–24 year olds)
- 73% agree it gives them more confidence
- 68% agree it makes/made them feel less isolated
- 48% agree it improves their physical health
- 62% of 18–24 year olds agree it improves their employment prospects
Kickstarting a volunteering habit
‘The impact of COVID-19 on volunteering has been profound,’ said Sarah Vibert, CEO of NCVO who commissioned the report. ‘People who were lifelong volunteers broke their habit during the pandemic and haven’t yet got back to it. We need an urgent focus on helping people find opportunities that suit them.'
‘This data sets out the scale of impact of COVID-19 on volunteering rates,’ said Matt Hyde, Chief Executive of Scouts, ‘But it also shows how much people benefit from and enjoy it. From our own volunteering numbers (an additional 3,500 adult volunteers this year), we think we’re starting to see some of the green shoots of a volunteering recovery. However, The Big Help Out is the much-needed boost the sector needs. It would be an amazing legacy if the Coronation were to be a turning point in national volunteering rates.’
Lend a hand
If you’re not already involved, find out how you can take part in The Big Help Out as part of the Coronation Weekend.