Almost half (49%) of British people intend to volunteer in 2023, an increase of 3% on the year prior, according to a new survey.
The National Lottery Community Fund’s (NLCF) community research index surveyed 8,968 UK adults on topics affecting their communities.
Young people aged 18-24 were most likely to say they would volunteer (69%). Meanwhile, food banks were the most likely to receive help, with 42% of respondents intending to support one through volunteering.
NLCF found over 55% said that supporting people with the rising cost-of-living is most important for the wellbeing of their community.
Other priorities for respondents were reducing loneliness and isolation (55%), preventing youth violence (42%) and providing mental health services (42%).
Cost-of-living concerns dominate communities
Eight in ten respondents said they felt local food banks were likely to see an increase in demand (81%), and three in four predicted an increase in debt advice and support (77%) as well as mental health charities (75%).
Jane Johnson from Random Café in Watford, a NLCF-supported community project, said: “It is no surprise supporting people through the cost-of-living is a priority for next year. We have seen an increase in customers struggling and using Random Café to cover their weekly shop as we offer food on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis because we believe everyone should have access to food.”
David Knott, chief executive of NLCF, said: “We are listening to communities and the groups we fund and are responding flexibly to their needs. We understand the pressures and expect to commit over £75m in funding to support on cost-of-living throughout the next year. We are also undergoing a strategy renewal process to ensure that our funding and support for communities is fit-for-purpose in the years to come.”
The research was conducted on behalf of NLCF by Savanta ComRes from 2- 28 November.
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