This first week in June is #VolunteersWeek –an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. And we’re joining in!
How many people volunteer?
It’s estimated that around 5.6 million people volunteered regularly last year.
24%of adults had participated in informal volunteering at least once a month in the last 12 months.
44% of adults had participated in informal volunteering at least once in the last year (gov.uk)
Volunteering offers significant physical, mental, social, and professional benefits, enhancing both personal well-being and community impact. In other words, it’s really good for you!
As a small charity we rely heavily on volunteers to not only support our service but also to fundraise and facilitate our events.
How are companies responding with corporate volunteering?
Corporate volunteer days are often a perfect solution. Employees get paid time off to do something meaningful, and employers can use these programs to attract and retain talent.
The numbers back this up – organisations referencing volunteering opportunities on their websites jumped by just over 8% over the past year. (CAF)
Corporate volunteering has to deliver value to all parties. Skill-based corporate volunteering, where people use their work-related skills and abilities, can be really effective in helping charities. There is also opportunity for personal development and team building, in a way that’s much more useful for the charity.
Here at SLDAS, we work with volunteers who deliver personal development and therapeutic sessions for our survivors, but we’d also love to reach out to other skill-based volunteers. We’d like to find companies that can volunteer to run CV writing workshops and offer support on getting back into the workplace after a period of personal trauma or absence from work.
Flexibility is key
Most people want flexibility when volunteering. After all they are gifting their time for free. Here at SLDAS we have both formal and informal volunteering roles that can fit in easily with the precious time you may have to donate. Whether it’s a regularly commitment or a one off event support role, volunteering with us is easy and rewarding.
A passion for the job…
We often find that our best volunteers are those that have lived experience of domestic abuse or relationship challenges.
Searching for opportunities online is usually only the start of the volunteer journey – perhaps they want to give back after a charity helped them, or build their skills or social connections…
The importance of volunteering for you!
As well as greatly supporting a charity or organisation to meet its goals and support its stakeholders, there are huge personal benefits to be had from donating your time and skills. These include:
Physical and Mental Health
Volunteering can improve overall health by keeping you active and mentally engaged. Adults who volunteer, especially those over 60, report better physical health, lower rates of depression and anxiety, and reduced stress levels due to the release of dopamine during acts of service.
Personal Fulfilment and Purpose
Many volunteers report a strong sense of personal achievement and purpose. Contributing to a cause they care about allows individuals to live their values, “pay it forward,” and make a tangible difference in others’ lives.
Volunteering can significantly enhance your sense of purpose by fostering personal growth, building community connections, and providing opportunities for self-discovery.
Social Connections
Volunteering fosters social interaction and community engagement. Almost nine in ten volunteers meet new people, which helps reduce loneliness and isolation, particularly among young adults aged 18–3
Enjoyment
Enjoyment is consistently the highest-rated benefit of volunteering, with over 90% of volunteers reporting that they find it rewarding and fulfilling ncvo.org.uk. This enjoyment often reinforces continued participation and encourages a positive cycle of giving and receiving support.
In summary, volunteering is a mutually beneficial activity that enhances personal wellbeing, builds social networks, develops skills, and contributes positively to society, making it a valuable pursuit for individuals and communities alike
Community Impact
Beyond personal benefits, volunteering strengthens communities. Small individual contributions can collectively lead to significant societal changes, such as supporting vulnerable populations, fostering social cohesion, and addressing local needs.
So, now you know how good volunteering can be for you – want to do some good yourself?
Check out our latest opportunities here.