National Volunteer Week has come to end, but through the next year they will continue to play an important role in helping to support charities all over the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.
Despite all the positivity that volunteers bring their numbers are falling; according to Office of National Statistics’ data, between 2005 and 2015 the total hours volunteered dropped from 2.28bn hours to 1.98bn, a 15% drop.
However, there are still some positives to take from the data, with 16-24-year-olds offering up 8 more minutes per day on average in 2015 than in 2005 – something that benefits Bournemouth with its 20,000 student population.
Bournemouth and Poole Community and Voluntary Service co-ordinate volunteering services for the BCP area, in a statement they said: “The Voluntary and Community Sector across Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch are reliant on volunteers to help them deliver a wide range of services.
“From befriending socially isolated people to maintaining a local green space, to fundraising and providing admin support along with a host of other roles, volunteers dedicate their spare time, enthusiasm and willingness to helping others.
“Their support and ongoing commitment makes a huge difference in their local community.”
It is obvious that the benefits of volunteering transcend the economic value it provides, the services allow people to give up some time to help and connect with those who need it most.
Stats from BPCVS reflect the impact that volunteering has in BCP, providing roughly £20.5m to the local economy and the 1.5m hours of unpaid work that is done to support the 370 local charities, around 120 of which work in health and wellbeing.
In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, get in touch with BPCVS – either by email: amy.collins@bournemouthcvs.org.uk, or visit their website – if you’re interested in giving up some time to help the community.