2nd December 2025
No Volunteers, No Community: The People Power Behind Scotland’s Future
They provide companionship to people who are isolated or lonely, act against climate change, enrich the lives of children and young people, and support the delivery of vital public services.
In 2024, a quarter of Scottish adults (16+) volunteered with a group, club, or organisation. However, this vital part of community life is at risk, as the percentage of adults who volunteer dropped from 31% in 2010 to a record low of 18% in 2023. Without volunteers, Scotland would lose the foundation of its communities.
Volunteer Scotland’s ‘No Volunteers, No Community’ campaign highlights three partners that show the priceless contribution volunteers make across the country.
Girlguiding Scotland supports 40,000 young members, powered by 9,000 volunteers who help girls build confidence, friendships, and new skills. Without unit leaders, thousands of young people would lose a safe space to grow and thrive.
Carolyn Fox-Mackay, Head of Operations at Girlguiding Scotland, said:
“Girlguiding Scotland is powered by volunteers. Without our 9000 volunteers, girls would miss out on amazing experiences and opportunities which have been shown to make girls up to 26% more confident than the average Scottish girl. We’re supporting the no volunteers, no community campaign because without volunteers Girlguiding Scotland simply wouldn’t exist.”
RNLI volunteers play a life-saving role along Scotland’s coasts. In 2024, they launched lifeboats from 46 stations 1,182 times, saving 36 lives and providing vital water safety education. Without these crews, who would protect Scotland’s coasts and communities?
Jill Hepburn, RNLI Head of Region for Scotland, said:
“The RNLI are supporting the ‘No volunteer no community’ campaign as volunteers really are the lifeblood of our organisation. 97% of our frontline lifesavers are volunteers, supported by fundraising volunteers who raise the vital funds we need to save lives, and an army of water safety volunteers deliver key messages across the country in communities and schools to help highlight the dangers of the sea. Last year, RNLI lifeboats in Scotland launched 1182 times, saving 36 lives – all thanks to the selfless dedication of our volunteers.”
Food Train volunteers, like Dieter, bring meals and companionship to older people like Peter, building genuine friendships that combat loneliness. Across Scotland, over 74,000 people volunteer to support older people.
Rosie McLuskie, Food Train CEO, said:
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Food Train. Without them, thousands of older people across Scotland would struggle to access the food and friendship they need to live well and stay connected. The No Volunteers, No Community campaign is a powerful reminder that volunteering doesn’t just support services, it builds stronger, kinder, more connected communities. Our volunteers prove every day that giving time changes lives.”
Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland, emphasised the broader impact of volunteering:
“This campaign reminds us how vital volunteers are to our communities. Without them, many essential services would disappear. Volunteers help communities survive and thrive, across Scotland. An inclusive and sustainable future for volunteering must be at the top of the agenda for the upcoming Scottish Parliament election.”
Help us build a nation of volunteers. With your support, we can protect and grow volunteering, include Scots of all backgrounds, and help communities thrive. A sustainable and inclusive future for Scotland’s voluntary sector is possible, but urgent action is needed.
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