Volunteering makes a difference

What’s the real impact to volunteers? Whether you are a Network Member, parent of a child in Scouting, or someone who is totally new to Scouting you’ve come to the right place.

One of the biggest myths about Scouting is that Groups are closing down due to a lack of young people wanting to become Members. Nothing could be further from the truth; Scouting in the UK is a growing Movement and we currently have 30,000 young people on our waiting lists simply because we do not have enough adults to help out.

https://youtu.be/mCtAwmucUZE

Research has shown that volunteering has a hugely positive impact on the lives of those who volunteer in the charity sector. In aid of Volunteers Week we want to recognise the incredible work that Scouts volunteers do. Whether you’re a Group Scout Leader, Occasional Helper or an As-Often-As-You-Can-Er!

According to the research, the majority of volunteers reported having improved life satisfaction (70%) and self-esteem (66%) since beginning volunteer work, as well as having reduced feelings of loneliness (42%) and stress (33%).

Nearly two thirds (65%) also said that since beginning volunteer work they have developed useful employability skills; with 59% saying they feel more confident and 54% feeling more motivated in their jobs.

UK Chief Commissioner Tim Kidd said, ‘I’m acutely aware of the importance of the millions of volunteers in the UK who give up their time every single day to help others. With the majority of volunteers saying they feel more motivated, confident and more skilled as a result of the work they do with us, it’s not just those they’re helping who benefit.

Steve Reed, Shadow Minister (Civil Society) said, ‘A huge congratulations to the community heroes who deliver Scouting locally, week in, week out. Employers should do all they can to support their staff to volunteer with such fantastic organisations like Scouting. Not only does it benefit the communities they are based in, it leads to healthier, more motivated workforce.’

Whether you want to work with young people directly or help behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone at Scouts. Email our Scouting Support Officer or fill out the form and we’ll be delighted to start your journey today.


Why help?

There are many reasons why adults choose to volunteer for Scouting. Here are some that existing volunteers have given:

  • To give something back to the community
  • To support the Leaders
  • Because volunteering is a ‘good thing’
  • As an enabler, so the Leader can do more
  • To spend more quality time with your child
  • To develop your own skills
  • To enjoy and rediscover adventure for yourself