Volunteering trends and the future

Volunteering Trends and the Future: Reimagining Engagement in a Changing World

In recent years, the landscape of volunteering has undergone significant changes, driven by shifts in societal dynamics, work patterns, and global events, notably the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteering, once a consistent avenue for community engagement and social good, has faced a period of stagnation in certain sectors. This stagnation, however, is not a result of a lack of desire to help but rather reflects the changing nature of how people live, work, and interact with their communities. Charities are now tasked with rethinking how to connect with potential volunteers, offering more flexible and accessible opportunities that align with the fast-paced, often constrained, lifestyles of today’s society.

Changing Work Patterns and Time Constraints

One of the most significant factors contributing to the shift in volunteering trends is the transformation of work patterns, particularly the rise of remote work and hybrid models. As the global workforce became increasingly mobile during the pandemic, many employees found themselves adapting to new routines. With work becoming less geographically bound, many people have faced greater expectations regarding their time, leading to an overall sense of time scarcity. People’s days are often filled with remote work responsibilities, family commitments, and a general busyness that leaves little room for traditional forms of volunteering, which typically demand consistent, in-person commitments.

Post-Pandemic Societal Shifts

The COVID-19 pandemic also triggered a shift in societal attitudes toward volunteering. The initial months of the pandemic saw an explosion of grassroots volunteering initiatives, with communities coming together to support vulnerable groups through food deliveries, check-ins, and other acts of kindness. However, as the pandemic wore on, many individuals returned to their previous routines, and some were left disillusioned by the growing pressures of an uncertain world.

This shift in mentality presents an additional hurdle for charities. While people may still want to help, their motivations and capacities have changed. The pandemic reshaped how people think about community support, with some preferring more flexible or less time-consuming ways of giving back. There is also a growing desire for volunteering opportunities that directly address issues exacerbated by the pandemic, such as mental health, isolation, and the wellbeing of older adults.

Age UK North Tyneside: Adapting Volunteering to Modern Needs

Age UK North Tyneside has recognised the evolving nature of volunteering and is actively adapting its volunteer engagement strategies. One of the core services the charity offers is its Befriending Service, which provides support to older people in the community. This service has three streams: face-to-face, telephone, and letter-writing. Each stream offers flexibility, ensuring that volunteers can choose the method of contact that best suits their skills and availability.

1. Face-to-Face Befriending: For those who prefer in-person interaction, face-to-face befriending allows volunteers to spend time with older individuals who may be isolated or lonely. This direct interaction is invaluable, as it provides companionship and often helps improve the mental health and wellbeing of those receiving support. Age UK North Tyneside is committed to ensuring these meetings follow health and safety guidelines, adapting to any ongoing changes in public health recommendations.
2. Telephone Befriending: For volunteers who may not have the time or resources to commit to in-person visits, telephone befriending offers a vital lifeline. Volunteers call older individuals regularly to provide companionship, chat about daily life, and offer emotional support. This form of volunteering allows individuals to make a difference in the lives of others without needing to leave their home, making it more accessible to people who might otherwise be unable to volunteer due to time or mobility constraints.
3. Letter-Writing Befriending: The third stream, letter-writing befriending, is particularly meaningful in today’s digital age. With many older people feeling disconnected from society, receiving a handwritten letter can have a profound impact. Volunteers write and send letters to older individuals, offering companionship, encouragement, and emotional support. This low-tech yet highly personal form of engagement offers flexibility for volunteers who may have limited time but still wish to make a meaningful contribution.

These three streams of befriending offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing volunteers to choose how they engage based on their preferences, skills, and availability. This flexible model of volunteering is essential for meeting the needs of today’s volunteers and ensuring that older adults in North Tyneside continue to receive the support and companionship they need.

For more information about how to volunteer with Age UK North Tyneside’s Befriending Service contact Demmi Robinson e mail demmi.robinson@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk or Tel: 0191 2808484 Option 3 or visit our Volunteer with us page.