‘I do what’s needed’: extraordinary UK volunteers doing the extraordinary

Despite 1.6 million fewer people volunteering than five years ago, there are everyday individuals making a difference

Volunteering in sharp decline in England

Volunteering is in crisis across Britain. Two separate pieces of analysis this weekend have revealed the long-term impact the pandemic has had on people’s willingness to come forward: with the number raising money or taking part in sponsored events falling by 48% since 2018; and the number organising or helping to run an activity down by 52%.

In total, about 1.6 million fewer people volunteered last year, compared with five years ago.