'Get Involved' say Buckinghamshire Volunteer Matching Service
It's as volunteers week kicks off
Volunteers Week, the annual celebration of volunteers, kicked off this week.
The Buckinghamshire Volunteer Matching Service is urging local residents to consider volunteering and has revealed important findings from recent research.
The research, titled "Volunteering in Buckinghamshire - 2023 Research," highlighted the needs and barriers faced by volunteers, potential volunteers, and local volunteer-involving organizations. One key finding was that 50% of non-volunteers in the county would be more likely to volunteer if they could do so from home or locally.
To meet the demands of busy lifestyles, the Buckinghamshire Volunteer Matching Service offers 150 volunteer opportunities, including 35 flexible roles. This flexibility allows volunteers to contribute their time and skills according to their own schedules.
The study also showed that 78% of non-volunteers would be more likely to engage if they didn't have to commit to a regular schedule. Additionally, 60% of volunteering organizations surveyed offer weekend roles, 51% provide evening opportunities, and 40% offer remote roles that can be done from home.
Furthermore, the research found that most volunteers (64%) have up to five hours per month to dedicate to volunteering, which is sufficient for many roles. It was also noted that 75% of current volunteers use their existing skills for good causes, with socializing, mental health, and passion for the cause being significant motivators.