Expert shares essentially the most uncommon volunteering alternatives within the UK you can join
‘Tis the season for helping others – and latest research has found that many Brits are hoping the volunteer this Christmas period, with several options available to them
It’s the season of giving – and giving back. New research has found that two in five Brits plan to volunteer over the festive season as charities face rising demand for support.
But the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) has warned that while help surges in December, the need for volunteers goes on long after the decorations have come down. The organisation has also highlighted the breadth of opportunities available, with everything from African drumming to weekend horse ranger on offer.
According to the study, commissioned by the RVS, volunteer applications are likely to drop off by 44% in the new year following a festive spike. Roles required in January tend to attract fewer applicants, with an average of just 54% being applied for after Christmas is over.
“It’s fantastic to see so many people giving their time this Christmas, supporting their communities and those who need it most,” Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive of the RVS, said. “But the spirit of giving is needed all year round, not just at Christmas.”
The warning comes as charities anticipate a shortfall of around three million volunteers over the course of 12 months at a time when help is more needed than ever.
And although nearly a third of people said they would be willing to volunteer throughout the year, Christmas remains the period that inspires the most action.
Survey respondents recognised benefits such as providing purpose and boosting wellbeing – but 33% struggled to fit regular volunteering into their schedules.
To help close the three million gap, the RVS is encouraging people to sign up through the GoVo app, which matches volunteers with flexible, local or remote opportunities.
“With flexible volunteering through GoVo, anyone can give back around work, family, or other commitments, making it easier than ever to make a real difference with just a little time,” Catherine said.
“A quarter of people feel motivated and more connected to others through volunteering. We hope to show that volunteering can be bite-sized and still have a big impact”.
GoVo was developed with support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery Laura Chow said: “It’s great to see such a wide range of roles on GoVo. We know that volunteering is a win-win for communities and for volunteers alike, so it’s fantastic to hear that a high percentage of people are planning to give their time over the holiday period.
“We’re delighted that our players are supporting GoVo, a platform that makes it easier for potential volunteers to find opportunities that fit with their lifestyles.”
The unusual volunteer roles you can apply for today:
- Sell clothes donations via Vinted to support animal welfare
- Lead an African drumming group for people in crisis
- Become a weekend horse ranger to help young people learn life skills
- Train prison mentors to aid numeracy and literacy in prisons
- Knit baby clothes for 0 to 5 year olds in need
- Plant new trees to address the environmental impact of the summer’s heatwave
- Ballroom dancing with people living with dementia
- Become a special Olympics football coach for Ascot United Warriors
- Walking Dogs for terminally ill people to help them stay with their beloved pets
- Offer exam support to those with visual impairments
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