Big increase in volunteers

Added on Mon 17th Aug 2009 by Trevor (Marketing and Communications Manager)

Voluntary Action Stratford on Avon District (VASA) has reported a “significant” increase in the number of people across the District signing up to volunteer with local organisations.
The number approaching the Volunteer Centre rose by 65 percent between February and June, and according to the manager Clarissa Roberts, the increased interest applied to all age groups.
She said the centre was managing to place most volunteers.
It had reviewed its procedures to make it easier for people to sign on as volunteers and for her team to place them with organisations.
VASA Chief Officer Julia Phillips says: “The recession is a factor - people losing their jobs are turning to volunteering. But we have been promoting vigorously to raise its profile It is up to us to capitalise on the situation and sustain the numbers of volunteers who actually get involved”.
A recent survey reported that 75 percent of charities say more companies are looking for volunteering opportunities for staff as a way of boosting their morale during the recession - but only 28 percent of companies pay charities to place volunteers.