Gransnet forums

Work/volunteering

Why do so few people volunteer now?

(181 Posts)
rafichagran Wed 06-Mar-24 11:05:58

I think it could be alot of people of the age look after grandchildren.
Also so much is expected of volunteers, that people do not want to commit.

Cossy Wed 06-Mar-24 11:05:13

I think there are many many people volunteering both working and not working.

I volunteered as a school governor for 14 years, I also volunteered through my work for some community schemes, I mentored a young person for two years via a local council scheme and did other one off bits and bobs. My mum used to do meals on wheels and a couple of other things and we do regular monthly donations to a couple of charities.

Volunteering isn’t everyone’s “bag” and I think many retired people are still really busy with childcare for DGC, their own pets and homes.

Well done for volunteering, but it’s not for everyone.

maddyone Wed 06-Mar-24 11:02:32

Good post Monica.

M0nica Wed 06-Mar-24 11:00:47

I think one reason is that many more people over pension age are working, at least part time, the other is the lack of people of working age at home during the day and fit and healthy and thirdly, I think charities are becoming more and more dependent on volunteers doing work that they previously would have paid workers to do

Finally, there are so many charities now using volunteers that demand just outstrips supply.

Sallywally1 Wed 06-Mar-24 11:00:12

I want to, but am struggling to find a suitable activity. Don’t want to work in a shop. Hospital work appeals as I used to work in the nhs I retired two years ago.

kittylester Wed 06-Mar-24 10:56:28

My volunteering brings me such satisfaction and so I am bewildered by the fact that most organisations are struggling to fill volunteering vacancies.

I know quite a few people on GN also volunteer but wonder why others don't.