Volunteering in outdoor spaces, at soup kitchens or food banks, at animal shelters, or in charity shops, are the top ways kind-hearted Brits would like to help out in their community, a study has found.
One in six Brits (16%) have started helping others more since the beginning of the year – from helping vulnerable people with their shopping (52%), to delivering food to them (29%).
Others have given lifts to people in need, or helped at local sports events or Brownies and Scouts groups.
And the poll of 2,000 adults found that almost half (46%) would like to volunteer in the near future – but 17% don't know where to start.
Those yet to give their free time to a worthy cause are also interested in volunteering at a home for the elderly, a children and youth centre, or a homeless shelter.
But one in four (24%) blame a lack of energy for not having previously volunteered, while 47% put it down to a lack of time.
The research was commissioned by SPAR, which is giving grants to local voluntary or community organisations and charities who need it most, through its Community Cashback scheme.
Suzanne Dover, from the community retailer, said: “It’s great to see the people of the UK doing their bit and helping out local causes.
“Our 2023 Community Cashback programme gives back to the communities served by our network of local retailers.
“We believe in nurturing our neighbourhoods and supporting the communities we serve, and this scheme is another way we are helping to do this – especially now, when deserving local organisations need some extra financial support.”
Volunteers’ reasons for getting involved vary, with 56% doing so to help others, and 46% wanting to give back to their community.
It also emerged that 28% believing the act is good for their own general wellbeing, while 39% enjoy meeting new people.
Psychologist and volunteering expert, Dr. Nishat Babu, added: “The many benefits of volunteering include enhanced wellbeing, greater happiness and life satisfaction, and even improved physical health in some cases.
“Whilst it might seem difficult to dedicate time to volunteering, by setting aside some time for others, even just a few hours each month, we can gain a better sense of wellbeing, and feel a part of our community.”
The main reason adults are inspired to volunteer was revealed to be seeing people first-hand experiencing troubles, such as the cost-of-living crisis and homelessness.
In a typical month, those who do help their communities do so for an average of eight hours – giving two hours per week.
And 61% of those polled say they have a lot of respect for those that volunteer – while 38% feel it’s important to do something for the local community.
However, more than a fifth (21%) of those polled, via OnePoll, feel guilty for not volunteering at all, or not doing it enough.
Suzanne Dover added: “Our Community Cashback scheme will have donated £100,000 across the UK on behalf of our shoppers.
“This will help improve community activities, and we look forward to helping the winning causes in the coming months.
“There are so many incredible causes that need help – from after school clubs and care homes, or local community spaces.
“The more people that come together to help their communities, the better our neighbourhoods will be for all of us.”
TOP 10 VOLUNTEERING JOBS PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO DO:
- Outdoor community spaces
- Soup kitchens and food banks
- Animal shelters
- Charity shops
- Loneliness charity
- In schools e.g. reading to children
- Hospitals
- Home for the elderly
- Homeless shelters
- Children and youth centres
