Why Volunteer?

The National Perspective
2,705 people in England were interviewed for ‘Helping Out', a national survey of volunteering and charitable giving. More than half had both volunteered and donated to charity in the last 12 months, and most had given to a charity within the last four weeks.

The most common reasons for volunteering were ‘to improve things or help people’, ‘because the cause was important’ or ‘because they had spare time’.

"“This research shows that people, contrary to what many may think, are willing to 'help out' – and nearly 60 per cent have done so by volunteering formally in the past year.”

• Volunteering can be very sociable.
• Volunteers often find they build their confidence and self esteem.
• Voluntary work can give you a great sense of wellbeing!
• Helps with accessing employment and training opportunities.
• Helps to identify and develop skills.
• Volunteering provides an opportunity for people to improve a service for other people in the same situation. 
• Volunteering provides individuals with the opportunity to develop themselves. 
• Volunteering helps individuals to be seen as active citizens rather than recipients of services.

"“Volunteering has helped me to give something back to the community as well as build meaningful relationships with people.”

• Volunteers get the opportunity to develop existing and new skills.
• Volunteers work as part of their local service team and as part of the country-wide Family Action team.
• Voluntary work is often a route into paid employment.

A survey on volunteering and mental health, conducted by Volunteering England found that the overwhelming majority of respondents, who had mental health problems, said that volunteering had been a positive experience and helped them to develop:

• confidence and self-esteem
• social networks and make friends 
• skills that were useful in gaining employment 
• a sense of purpose after a period of difficulty in life.

Benefits for Family Action

"“Volunteers are an essential force in supporting Family Action as it continues to work towards its original goal of relieving poverty by giving out direct grants to some of the countries' most vulnerable families.”

• Volunteers bridge the gap between the project and the local community, enhancing community cohesion.
• Volunteers increase our capacity in all areas, including skills and experience.
• Volunteers contribute a fresh perspective and a creative insight.
• They help us to meet the Government Agenda, giving us access to funding opportunities.
• Keeps Family Action in touch with the community and their requirements.
• Volunteers give added value to Family Action service delivery.
• Increases capacity for Family Action to deliver services and reach an increased number of community members.

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