44% of Brits say cost of living crisis is a potential threat to them volunteering for a charity, finds survey

November 2022

44% of Brits say cost of living crisis a potential threat to volunteering for a charity: A survey of people in the UK has found that 44% believe the cost of living crisis could be a potential threat to their 'ability' and 'willingness' to volunteer for a charity.

The survey by Oxfam polled 2,000 people across the UK, also finding that Gen Z is the most generous when it comes to time donated to charity. Sixty-three per cent of Gen Z respondents said they have volunteered, compared with 55% of Millennials and 39% of Gen X respondents. Baby Boomers were the least likely to volunteer found the research, with just 28% of those polled saying they have done so.

The polling revealed that around two-fifths (42%) of survey participants have volunteered for a charity in some way, with a quarter giving their time to help in a shop.

Why people volunteer

The research also looked at the benefits of volunteering, with seven in 10 (70%) of those surveyed saying their time is exchanged for friendship, social interaction and to prevent loneliness. Other reasons for volunteering included supporting a charity they feel passionate about (28%), making a difference in the community (28%), and to give a 'sense of purpose'.

Just over a fifth of respondents said volunteering keeps them active (22%), whilst a similar number said it helps with their mental health and wellbeing (21%).

The most generous cities for volunteering

The survey also revealed the most generous cities for volunteering, with Belfast (77%) and Edinburgh (75%) in first and second spot donating the most hours, followed by Glasgow and Plymouth in joint third (73%). Bristol was in fourth (68%) followed by London (66%), Birmingham (64%), Liverpool (63%), Leeds (59%) and Cardiff (57%) -- all making up the top 10.

Brighton (47%), Newcastle (52%), Swansea (53%) and Manchester (58%) fared worst, when it came to the percentage of people who have volunteered for a charity in their local area.

Lorna Fallon, Director of Retail at Oxfam, said: 

“From our research, it’s promising to see that so many people have given up their time to support charities through volunteering and that, for many people, this has brought friendships, a sense of purpose, and a positive impact on their health and wellness."