Volunteering is evolving, but its importance to frontline charity services remains unchanged. Many people want to do more than drop a coin in a bucket or sign up for a direct debit; they also want to devote time, energy and expertise.
Volunteering is also shifting as people seek roles that fit around modern work patterns, family pressures and the desire for more meaningful contributions. Charities say the challenge now is matching these changing expectations with roles that offer flexibility while still delivering the consistency and reliability their services depend on.
“Volunteers underpin our work in many ways – they’ve seen first hand our work in the community, they know the difference they can make,” says Kate Conroy, head of partnerships at Barnardos. “We simply couldn’t do what we do without the support of volunteers.”
“From hands-on support to event stewarding and hosting, skills sharing and pro bono supports, volunteering is a core pillar to making sure we can support the 35,000 children and families who need us each year.”
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Unfortunately, interest in some types of volunteering has declined in recent years, says Elizabeth Donlon Fox, Childline national co-ordinator. “At the ISPCC, remote volunteering for our Childline service is not an option as the work requires a space that maintains confidentiality.
“We also believe that in-person volunteering brings with it many benefits, such as enabling socialising, building a strong team and community among the service volunteers.”
Childline volunteers are most often motivated by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and young people, alongside personal growth, skill development, and a sense of social connection, says Donlon Fox. “In terms of personal growth, volunteering can help some individuals step out of their comfort zones; they are challenged in a way that inspires reflection and insight.”
For some, it may be that it’s something for them, as the rest of the week can be extremely busy with work, children, school and so on, but their volunteer work is a space where they can be fully present and involved in that for a four-hour slot, adds Donlon Fox.
Currently, there is demand for volunteering roles, particularly in ChildLine listening and in its digital support services, says Donlon Fox. “However, one-off or event-based opportunities also appeal to those with limited availability. At ISPCC, we do ask for a commitment of a minimum of one year involvement, providing four hours each week. We also offer fundraising opportunities where prospective volunteers can get involved a few times a year for events such as fundraising at concerts and music events.”
Workplace or partner volunteering plays a big role at Barnardos, says Conroy. “We have wonderful partners who have helped us workshop new ideas, gifted us pro bono skills and support hours on projects, helped us host events, managed fundraising campaigns and more – we couldn’t do what we do every day without the support of our partners,” she adds.
“Where we really see long-term change and impact is through strategic alignment – be that with companies or community groups or individual donors. We work with them to build investment in our programmes that really matter, to change the story for a vulnerable child. As part of this process, we look at what volunteering opportunities are available and how they can best support our programmes nationwide.”
If you’re interested in volunteering, first you need to find an organisation or cause that matters to you, Conroy advises. “Then decide, do you want to share skills, be hands on on or learn about a new way to support? After that, you need to assess your availability – is it one time, an hour a week or several days in a month? Once off or ongoing?”
Conroy says this will help identify the perfect volunteer role for you – as an event steward, a reading buddy for a child, or on a more strategic project, for example, to help a charity overcome a challenge it faces, such as developing a new marketing and communications strategy.
“Lastly, do your due diligence. Can you trust the organisation to ensure your time and energy will support those most in need?”
