Britain's Charities Face Urgent Volunteer Shortfall as Services Risk Being Unable to Meet Growing Demand

Strategic Insights -

Despite the pressing need for volunteers, nearly half of charities (44%) report rising requests for help, while one in four (27%) say they are unable to meet demand. Without additional volunteers, vulnerable communities and causes could be left without the practical and emotional support they rely on. In response, a coalition of household name charities, including Guide Dogs, Bookmark Reading Charity, and Oxfam, are urging the public to take on volunteer roles with causes they care about. The Royal Voluntary Service has launched a digital volunteering platform, GoVo, which connects volunteers with flexible local and remote opportunities, making it easier to fit helping out into busy lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • 44% of charities report rising requests for help, while one in four (27%) say they are unable to meet demand.
  • Over 3,000 charities are signed up to the GoVo platform, and local and regional charities in a range of cause areas are also standing with RVS to deliver the urgent call for volunteers.
  • 74% of Generation Z and Millennials say they are actively looking for ways to support their communities, but practical and emotional barriers are holding many of them back.
  • The UK faces a shortfall of three million volunteers over the next year, jeopardizing essential charity services.
  • GoVo aims to unlock 164 million additional volunteering hours each month if more flexible, digital opportunities are made available.
  • Emily Jack, CEO of Bookmark Reading Charity, emphasizes the importance of volunteers in providing reading support to disadvantaged children.
  • Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, stresses the need for volunteering to sustain services, provide support, and make a real difference to causes and communities.
  • Clara Govier, Managing Director of People's Postcode Lottery, comments on the importance of volunteering and its positive impact on volunteers' emotional and mental well-being.
  • The Stroke Association, Guide Dogs, Marauders Men's Health, and other charities are relying on volunteers to continue their essential services.
  • Founder Members of GoVo, including Centrica, ITV, Mail Metro Media, and Global, will support the platform's development and champion volunteering across their national networks and audiences.

Statistics:

  • 44% of charities report rising requests for help.
  • 27% of charities say they are unable to meet demand.
  • 74% of Generation Z and Millennials say they are actively looking for ways to support their communities.
  • 35% of Generation Z and Millennials cite lack of time as a reason for not volunteering.
  • 28% worry opportunities may lack flexibility.
  • 21% of those who have sought volunteering roles struggled to find one.
  • 19% were frustrated by the application process.
  • 164 million additional volunteering hours could be unlocked each month if more flexible, digital opportunities are made available.
  • 631 charity shops could be staffed for 25 years with the equivalent of 164 million additional volunteering hours.
  • 1.4 million stroke survivors and their loved ones rely on volunteers to provide support and awareness for the Stroke Association.

Sources:

  • 1. Royal Voluntary Service, "Volunteer Shortage Leaves Vulnerable Communities at Risk"
  • 2. Research by Nottingham Trent University
  • 3. Royal Voluntary Service, "GoVo: A Digital Volunteering Platform to Unlock Potential"
  • 4. Royal Voluntary Service, "Unlocking 164 Million Volunteering Hours with GoVo"