For immediate release
New volunteers are more motivated by learning new skills or improving their career than their more experienced counterparts, according to new research published today. The Changing and Non Changing Faces of Volunteering, by the Institute for Volunteering Research and the National Centre for Social Research, reveals how most newcomers to volunteering are in their 20s and 30s and recommends that this should be reflected in more imaginative and targeted recruitment methods.
Newcomers also include a higher proportion of people from BME backgrounds, indicating that recent Government attempts to increase involvement among traditionally disengaged groups may have been successful. The most common areas of volunteering activity for new recruits were schools, health and disability and children and young people, while long standing volunteers were more likely to have provided help for sports and exercise, religion or local community. Regardless of longevity, the most common type of volunteering was helping with events or fundraising.
The report is released to mark the three-day One Life Live exhibition, where people can learn about how to change their life through volunteering. It is based at London’s Olympia and starts tomorrow.
Justin Davis Smith, Chief Executive of Volunteering England, said:
“The face of volunteering may be changing in some areas, but the benefits remain the same: increased happiness, health, confidence and skills, as well as the knowledge that you’re making a huge difference to someone else’s life. I would urge anyone considering volunteering to come and talk to us at One Life Live and find an opportunity that works for you.”
Volunteer Ken Moc said:
“Volunteering can be something you do in addition to the day job or can be a great way of getting you back into the workplace if you are not working. Give whatever time you can spare and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. Even an hour a week can make a huge difference. The four gifts of volunteering are Friendship, Fulfilment, Enjoyment and Happiness. These are things you can never buy but only treasure”.
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Case Study
Ken Moc is 26 years old, Chinese and was born in Vietnam. From childhood he has lived with Dyspraxia and has difficulties with his speech. However, Ken has not let his disability distract him from his studies. He now has a BSc in Computer Networking after graduating in 2004 with a 2.1 from London Metropolitan University.
Ken began volunteering at Camden Chinese Community Centre in September 2004, helping out with many aspects including translating English into Cantonese, taking older people to the doctor, doing sports activities, and preparing traditional Chinese lunch.
In February 2007 Ken was awarded a Golden Pig Award as an exceptional volunteer at a glitzy red carpet event in the West End to honour people who volunteer. This was part of the Chinese New Year of the Pig campaign to encourage members of the Chinese and wider community to start something new by becoming a volunteer in their community.
In April 2007, Ken responded to a Media Trust advert on their website for volunteers. During his interview it was quickly identified that he was qualified and had a great understanding and knowledge of people’s needs in using IT in an office environment. Media Trust had never before had a volunteer who was able to assist with IT. His skills and willingness to help his colleagues has greatly enhanced the organisation.
Ken’s time with Media Trust proved invaluable. Towards the end of his placement Media Trust expanded its staff team and it was clear that the IT department would need additional resource too. The post of IT Assistant was created. Ken applied and was successful in his interview. He now works full-time for the charity. Time has flown by and Ken is already celebrating 9 months with Media Trust.
However Ken still takes time to volunteer at the Chinese Centre. Ken’s story shows how much one individual can put into volunteering, and also the accomplishments that can be achieved through such work.
Notes to editors
