The difference we make

Introduction

The therapeutic benefits of participating in volunteering activities have been examined and measured in a number of previous studies however evidence the long term benefits of volunteering as well as the relationship between volunteering and employability has not yet been fully investigated.

Volunteer Centre Greenwich (VCG) is undertaking research, tracking the progress of volunteers over a one year period, to gather information on experiences and benefits of volunteering.

Findings are based on a 21% response rate following approaching 600 individuals who accessed the VCG volunteering brokerage service between January and June 2018.

126 response rate

Key findings:

80% of respondents found volunteering a positive experience.
79% of respondents would recommend contacting Volunteer Centre Greenwich to friends, family and colleagues looking for volunteering.
Following signposting from VCG, respondents report volunteering on average 28 hours per month.
92% of face to face signposting appointments resulted in that individual going on to volunteer. Signposting using VCconnect resulted in 87% of signposted individuals going on to volunteer.
82% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that their confidence in their own abilities had improved due to their volunteering.
81% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that their sense of self esteem had increased due to their volunteering
65% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that their access to social events and situations had increased due to their volunteering.
90% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that their skills base had increased due to their volunteering.
72% of respondents have used volunteering on a CV or job application.
Respondents who took up a volunteering activity following engagement with VCG demonstrated a 20% reduction in unemployment.