We've surveyed young people once more on their involvement and future interest in volunteering.

Highlights

This research examines the nature and extent of volunteer participation and attitudes towards volunteering among young people (aged 11-18 years). It repeats our 2014 research with Ipsos MORI and reveals some striking findings. The key issues addressed include:

• A good news story – youth volunteer participation has grown to 52%, nearly double the adult volunteer figure of 27%.
   
• Exploration of the factors which have underpinned this growth in youth volunteering from 33% in 2009 to 52% in 2016. This includes ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors, the jobs market, awards and recognition, and targeted support.
   
• Understanding the key ‘influences’ which would most encourage young people to volunteer, from personal dynamics such as volunteering with friends to career benefits. 
   
• Discussion of the possible explanations for the dramatic decline in volunteering in adulthood. Volunteer participation more than halves to 24% for the 25 – 34 age group.
   
• Youth volunteering is much more inclusive than we expected:
• The proportion of young people who volunteer in school time in the most deprived areas is the same as the least deprived areas (both 33%),
• Volunteer participation by those young people with a physical or mental health condition is greater than young people generally (61%).
   
• However, there are still significant challenges:
• Volunteer participation outside school declines dramatically in areas of deprivation,
• Volunteering is highest in rural compared to urban areas (65% vs. 49%),
• Girls are more engaged in volunteering than boys (58% vs. 46%).
   

Summary Report

Full Report

 

Resources

We have prepared a separate Technical Note which explains the research methodology and some of the analytical issues.