The real value of volunteering in local communities

Volunteers are at the heart of the voluntary sector (the clue’s in the name!). They are the ones running food banks, helping at events, delivering services, and giving their time and skills freely to support causes they care about.

But volunteering is more than just helping out, it’s an economic force, a wellbeing booster, and a catalyst for connection. We want to spotlight just how valuable volunteers really are.

Key benefits of volunteering:

For the individual

- Builds skills and boosts confidence

- Improves mental health and reduces loneliness

- Can lead to new job opportunities or career development

For the community

- Increases resilience during tough times

- Strengthens community trust and connection

- Creates support structures where statutory services fall short

For the economy

- According to Pro Bono Economics, the estimated value of volunteering to the UK economy is £23 billion per year

- Over 14.2 million people in the UK volunteered at least once in the last year (NCVO, 2023)

To attract and retain volunteers, charities should:

- Create clear roles and expectations

- Offer training and support

- Show appreciation (a simple thank you goes a long way!)

- Give feedback and ask for theirs in return

- Even small changes, like flexible hours or clear communication, can make a big difference.

Our take

Through our work, we’ve seen how many organisations rely on volunteers, yet don’t always have the time or resources to support them. That’s why we encourage charities to connect at our events, share best practices, and celebrate their volunteers.

If you're a charity looking for volunteer support, or if you're a business whose staff might want to volunteer, come and network with us. You never know what connections might be made.