Research among people who’ve volunteered for charity work in the years since COVID-19 lockdown confirms its positive effects. While the social distancing protocols of 2020 and 2021 brought obvious restrictions, they also sparked creative action. People unable to physically interact with neighbours became more observant and more vigilant. Regular phone calls to check on the wellbeing of our neighbours became a habit. So did shopping trips and prescription collections in aid of those confined to their homes.
Many people who began volunteering during lockdown were on furlough from paid employment. When we researched this and asked how returning to work had impacted on their ability to volunteer and their enthusiasm for doing so, a positive trend emerged. Just over a quarter of respondents told us they had agreed regular “charity time” with their employers, when they were given time off - typically between two and three hours a week - to continue with their community activities. Employers have been happy to comply because of what they gain from the arrangement.
Volunteerism is a powerful tool for social engagement. It’s easy to become isolated. It can happen to people of any age, and it’s important to reclaim a sense of purpose, a connection to the present. We all benefit from knowing we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.
In 2026, Unity in Diversity volunteers are applying and improving skills in a suitably diverse range of tasks:
If you’d like to make a contribution in any of these areas, or if you have ideas for new initiatives, we’d love to speak with you. And your efforts won’t go unnoticed. Our Trustee team offers decades of recruitment experience, and part of our commitment to volunteers is an offer to work with you on a tailored job search, helping you showcase your skills, reach out to the employers of your choice and prepare for job interviews.
We face a challenging labour market, with many people feeling excluded from the workplace. How can we navigate a path to a preferred career when opportunities often seem limited? Volunteers learn practical workplace skills in a highly supportive environment. And as well as helping people taking their first steps towards employment, Unity in Diversity offers more experienced people the chance to retrain and kick-start a new career.
The door is open for people to find their true path, whatever their availability, Micro-volunteering is an option for people with limited time to spare. If you can commit to a few hours a week, or one day a month, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
By contributing to the work of inclusive charities, people rightly see themselves as part of the solution to social problems. As much as you might love your day job, you get a different feeling from volunteering. It’s an opportunity to change lives for the better.
There are people in this city who need and deserve support. If you can help provide it, the sense of fulfilment will stay with you for the rest of your life.
