Volunteering on the up!

More of us are backing charity by giving our time to help the causes we care about, according to the latest Community Life survey from  the Cabinet Office.

Third Sector picked through the data and reported yesterday that almost half of adults (49%)  carried out some form of volunteering at least once a month in the year from August 2012 to April 2013. That’s an increase of 8 percentage points since 2010/11.

Great news!

We’re told it’s the London 2012 effect, but whatever the catalyst, it is vital that – as members of the public – we don’t overlook this way of helping charities on the frontline.

“I don’t have time!” I hear you cry.

And it’s true that we all lead busy lives and it can be tricky to build in additional commitments. However, not all volunteering is the same and opportunities can range in terms of the time that they demand.  Some are one off, some ongoing and some you could even do from the comfort of your own home…

It’s worth having a look on sites like this and exploring the multitude of options available. And we shouldn’t forget that volunteering isn’t  a one way street either – there can be a  lot to gain in terms of learning and development, even making you more attractive to potential employers or admissions tutors. That’s without even mentioning the enjoyment and fulfillment that regular volunteers are keen to evangelise about!

But if you’re really flat out and yet your intentions are charitable, don’t despair, there are a million other ways you can help society without having to juggle your time. Take a look at the brilliant Give Guide from Give More to figure out which ones work for you.

There’s also another small way in which you can help charities whilst barely lifting a finger, and that’s to get them to sign-up to the Back Britain’s Charities campaign, by